On the occasion of World Hypertension Day i.e. May 17, 2017, a study by Indus Health Plus revealed 27% males and 24% females from 25-35 years age group have reported of pre-hypertension. If left untreated, it would develop into hypertension eventually, leading to stroke or cardio-vascular diseases (CVDs). The sample size for the study was 21,623 people who underwent preventive health check-up during January – December 2016.
The report states that incidences of hypertension is increasing consistently in Mumbai area, with 35%-40% urban people and 18%-20% rural people suffering from it.
Amol Naikawadi, Preventive Healthcare Specialist, Indus Health Plussays, “90 % of the population are unaware about the silent symptoms of Hypertension. Mumbaikars are not meeting healthy lifestyle recommendations that are important in preventing hypertension and its complications. While those from urban areas blamed work pressure and job insecurity for rising levels of stress and eventually hypertension, people from semi-rural and rural area blamed the increasing cost and increased in-house expenditure. If not treated on time, hypertension can lead to heart problems, renal and multiple organ failure. A timely and routine check-up can reduce the risk of Hypertension.”
| Key findings from the survey:
· 18% males from the age group of 30-40 years who have complaints related to kidney diseases, central obesity and improper sleep are at high risk of hypertension. 45% men from this age group regularly indulge in smoking and drinking that have increased their chances of high blood pressure · Late eating, no socializing, excessive time spent on smartphones, no physical activity is the leading cause in increasing hypertension among the urban population. Even children as young as 16-18 year olds have been found to be at high risk of hypertension due to their lifestyle · A small group of patients with high blood pressure have what is called secondary hypertension, in which the high blood pressure is the result of another condition or illness, such as kidney diseases, disorders of the thyroid, pituitary or adrenal glands, pregnancy, obesity and sleep disorders and adverse effects of medicines · 32% younger population of the age group 25-35 years is higher risk of hypertension due to sedentary lifestyle. During the counselling sessions, many professionals admitted that they were stressed due to work pressure, job insecurity, appraisals, work non-satisfaction, office politics, shift jobs, etc. The professional stress is taking a toll on their health and well-being as well as their personal lives · Due to stress, many professionals indulge in smoking and drinking. Consuming tobacco in the form of cigarettes, hukkas, ghutka, etc. can be easily seen in both men and women. 40% men and 34% women from IT/ITes, Financial and Entertainment sector consume tobacco and alcohol on a daily basis. This coupled with high junk food intake and physical inactivity has increased the numbers of obesity and hyperlipidemia levels. 33% men and 30% women of all age group are prone to obesity and hyperlipidemia-induced hypertension · The basic reason for high blood pressure is atherosclerosis. There are multiple factors responsible which leads to atherosclerosis resulting in hypertension which include stress, sedentary lifestyle, faulty food habits, lack of exercise etc. 46% men and 41% women from the age group of 40-60 years have atherosclerosis, putting them at high risk of hypertension · The prevalence of hypertension was observed to be high especially among men in the age bracket of 40-50 years with diabetes mellitus. 28% of men were found to be diabetic, which has direct correlation with hypertension · 18% of men and 12% of women from rural parts adjoining Mumbai have also been diagnosed with hypertension due to physical inactivity and pesticides in the food. However, the numbers are comparatively less compared to their urban counterparts |
