On the eve of World Hypertension Day (May 17), CARE Hospitals has issued a compelling call to action for India’s healthcare ecosystem, urging stakeholders and citizens alike to “Know Your Blood Pressure & Keep It Under Check.” In alignment with the global campaign, the healthcare group underscores the silent yet significant threat posed by hypertension, one of the most pressing yet preventable public health challenges.

According to the World Health Organisation, over 1.28 billion people globally are estimated to live with high blood pressure, many of whom are unaware of their condition. In India, the problem is no less severe. More than 220 million Indians—nearly one in every three adults—suffer from hypertension. Even more concerning is that over 50% remain undiagnosed, and only 12% manage to keep their blood pressure under control.

“Hypertension often progresses without symptoms, which is why it’s known as a silent killer,” said Dr. Murali Krishna CH V, Senior Neuro Physician, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet. “When left unchecked, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage. The only way to stop this progression is through awareness, timely diagnosis, and consistent management.”

A Call for Industry-Wide Action

For healthcare leaders, World Hypertension Day serves as a strategic reminder to strengthen early detection protocols, drive awareness campaigns, and invest in scalable preventive healthcare models. The industry must collaboratively work towards improving hypertension screening, particularly in underserved and high-risk communities, while also enabling better patient adherence to treatment through digital health tools and care coordination systems.

Understanding Hypertension: A Growing Cardiovascular Threat

Hypertension is typically diagnosed when blood pressure consistently exceeds 140/90 mmHg, with more severe stages progressing beyond 160/100 mmHg, or in critical cases, exceeding 180/110 mmHg—a state requiring immediate intervention. It is categorised into primary hypertension, commonly associated with aging and lifestyle factors, and secondary hypertension, which stems from underlying medical issues such as kidney disorders or hormonal imbalances.

While symptoms often remain elusive in the early stages, advanced or uncontrolled hypertension can trigger warning signs including headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, chest discomfort, and breathlessness. Early recognition and timely clinical intervention are essential to mitigate long-term risks.

“Lifestyle intervention is not just complementary but critical,” emphasised Dr. S K Tripathy, Senior Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad. “Beyond pharmacological treatment, we must advocate for heart-healthy habits—lower sodium consumption, regular physical activity, weight management, and stress reduction. These are essential components of holistic blood pressure control.”

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Preventive Blueprint: CARE Hospitals’ Recommendations

CARE Hospitals recommends the following preventive actions:

• Limit salt intake to less than 5g/day
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Maintain a healthy body weight through balanced nutrition and activity
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily
• Integrate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into everyday meals
• Adopt stress-reducing practices like meditation and yoga
• Monitor blood pressure regularly, particularly for individuals aged 30 and above

Recent Losses in Spotlight

Recent sudden cardiac deaths among Indian celebrities and public figures have brought national attention to the risks of undiagnosed or unmanaged hypertension. These incidents, many occurring among young and seemingly fit individuals, serve as a wake-up call for more rigorous cardiovascular monitoring and proactive screening during physical exertion.

A Strategic Public Health Imperative

As India navigates its way through a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, B2B healthcare leaders must consider hypertension management as a core pillar of preventive care and long-term wellness infrastructure. Leveraging technology, digital diagnostics, AI-driven health monitoring, and value-based care pathways can transform hypertension control outcomes.

This World Hypertension Day, CARE Hospitals renews its commitment to raising awareness and strengthening care delivery for hypertension patients across India. The message is clear: Early detection and continuous management can save lives.

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