200 Million Indians Suffer from Hypertension: ICMR Report
Imagine a health crisis silently impacting over 200 million Indians. This isn't a hypothetical scenario; it’s the harsh reality of hypertension, or high blood pressure, in India. According to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), an estimated 20 crore adults in India are grappling with hypertension, with only a fraction, approximately 2 crores, having it under control. This alarming situation has positioned hypertension as a serious and growing health issue in the country. Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, sheds light on the reasons behind this widespread prevalence. He attributes it to a convergence of several factors: Unhealthy Habits: Poor dietary choices high in salt and fat, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and sleep disturbances, create a perfect storm for hypertension. Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: These conditions often accompany hypertension, further elevating the risk. Ageing Populatio...