Lucknow: Nearly one in three adults in the city’s urban areas has high blood pressure (hypertension), compared to the national average of one in four adults, said experts citing the findings of several studies.Ahead of World Hypertension Day (May 17), experts also emphasise that there should be a detailed study on why the prevalence is high in Lucknow.The World Health Organisation defines high blood pressure, or hypertension, as readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher.The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) data estimates that 22-27% of the population in India has hypertension.In contrast, studies by researchers from two private medical colleges — one on Hardoi Road and another on Ayodhya Road — reported hypertension prevalence of about 33% among city residents.The condition initially has no warning signs and is detected only after complications occur. Also, common symptoms such as persistent headaches, fatigue or dizziness are often ignored by people, according to doctors.“Many people feel fine until damage is already done,” said Prof Pravesh Vishwakarma, a faculty member at the cardiology department of the King George’s Medical University.The World Health Organisation recommends less than five grams of salt a day, that is, about one teaspoon. However, dietary surveys show Indians consume 9-12 grams daily.“Intake is often higher in the city due to packaged snacks and restaurant food,” he added.“We need thorough studies to find out why hypertension is more prevalent among Lucknow residents. Is it because of a high intake of salt, stress, sedentary lifestyle or combination of these factors,” he said.“Not only salt is a key driver of hypertension, high consumption of sugar is also risky,” said Prof Bhuvan Tiwari, head of cardiology at RMLIMS. “More salt means more sodium in the body which in turn puts more pressure on the heart. More sugar raises the risk by increasing obesity and diabetes, which adds to the factors responsible for high blood pressure,” he added.“Long sitting hours, low physical activity, irregular sleep and rising screen use are leading to early hypertension, with many patients now in their 20s and 30s,” Prof Tiwari said.“The actual number of hypertensive people could be more because we come across many patients who accidentally find out that they suffer from high blood pressure as well during tests performed when they visit hospitals for treatment of some other disease,” he said.Secretary general of Lucknow branch of Indian Society of Hypertension, Prof Narsingh Verma, said uncontrolled blood pressure damages blood vessels over years and affects the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. He advised adults above 30 to check blood pressure at least once a year, at clinics, pharmacies or at home.
