1 in 3 Kolkata adults has hypertension and most don't know it — Here's why doctors are alarmed

KOLKATA: Hypertension is a silent killer affecting one in every three adults, and often has no symptoms, warned doctors on World Hypertension Day on Sunday. There was a significant increase in the number of patients aged between 30 and 40 years suffering from hypertension, and a sizeable section of them is having cardiac issues, including fatal heart attacks.

Over the last decade, the number of patients diagnosed with hypertension has dramatically increased, said Anjan Siotia, HOD of cardiology, BM Birla Heart Hospital.

"We are noticing a spike in younger patients suffering from hypertension due to lack of exercise, obesity, poor sleeping patterns, unhealthy diets, stress and increasing incidences of metabolic disorders. There are many myths regarding hypertension which lead to patients waiting to be treated," he added.

Stress, lack of exercise, obesity, a diet without adequate fruits and vegetables are among the reasons why youngsters are getting affected, said Charnock Hospital head of cardiology Tapobrata De. "It can remain symptomless for years, silently affecting the heart, brain and kidneys. We are getting younger patients now probably due to increased stress. It has been causing sudden heart attacks, brain strokes and kidney diseases," said De.

"Early detection is the key to effective management. Reduce salt intake, stay active, manage stress and take medicines without fail. Small changes today can protect your heart," said Samarth Acharya, vascular surgeon ILS Hospitals.

"Hypertension usually does not show any symptoms, and therefore is often not detected until it leads to a major heart incident," said Siotia.

"We often come across patients who have been suffering from hypertension for years and their vital organs are affected by the time treatment is sought. However, with lifestyle modification and proper medical guidance, hypertension's complications can be prevented," said MS Purkait, medical superintendent, Techno India DAMA Hospital.

"People with hypertension, it is often believed, will experience headaches, dizziness or nervousness if they have high blood pressure. In reality, many patients may remain asymptomatic for many years until their blood vessels, brain, kidneys or heart sustain permanent damage. Second is that hypertensive patients are usually overweight or out of shape. Stress, family history, sleeping problems, smoking, drinking and other unhealthy traits can cause high blood pressure in younger individuals," said Siotia.