Guwahati: Ahead of World Hypertension Day, Peerless Hospital Guwahati has highlighted the growing prevalence of high blood pressure among Indians in their 20s and 30s, warning that hypertension is no longer limited to older adults.
World Hypertension Day is observed globally to raise awareness about hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually develops without warning signs while significantly increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and premature death.
Citing the ICMR-INDIAB Study 2023, the hospital stated that 25.3 percent of urban Indian adults aged between 25 and 40 have elevated blood pressure, with many remaining unaware of their condition.
According to NFHS-5 data from 2021, only 37 percent of adults aged 18 to 35 in India have ever had their blood pressure checked.
The 2026 theme of World Hypertension Day — “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer” — focuses on the importance of early detection and regular monitoring.
Dr. Pranab Barua, Medical Superintendent and Senior Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine at Peerless Hospital Guwahati, said young Indians are developing hypertension at an alarming rate due to changing lifestyles.
He said sedentary desk jobs, chronic stress, late-night work schedules, high consumption of processed foods with excess salt and poor sleep habits are among the major causes driving hypertension in the 25–40 age group.
Dr. Barua noted that many young people are diagnosed with hypertension during routine health check-ups despite feeling healthy. He warned that uncontrolled hypertension silently damages blood vessels and vital organs over time, often leading to serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes later in life.
The hospital identified key risk factors contributing to hypertension among young adults, including long working hours, stress, frequent restaurant and food delivery meals, lack of sleep, absence of regular health screenings and ignoring symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
Dr. Barua also said hypertension is closely linked to other lifestyle diseases. According to ICMR data, individuals with hypertension have a three-fold higher risk of developing diabetes and are more vulnerable to kidney-related complications.
Addressing common misconceptions, he said many young people wrongly assume that the absence of symptoms means they are healthy or that physically active individuals cannot develop hypertension.
He added that many early-stage hypertension cases among young adults can be managed and even reversed through lifestyle modifications if detected at an early stage, reducing the need for lifelong medication.
Dr. Gautam Kr Das, CEO of Peerless Hospital Guwahati, stressed the need for preventive healthcare and regular screening.
He said hypertension remains one of the most preventable yet ignored health conditions and that a simple blood pressure check can help prevent serious long-term complications.
The hospital also highlighted that blood pressure screening remains one of the most affordable and effective preventive healthcare measures. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, every rupee spent on hypertension screening can save up to eight rupees in future treatment costs related to heart attacks and strokes.
Peerless Hospital Guwahati stated that it is focusing not only on treatment but also on promoting awareness, early detection and preventive healthcare among younger populations.
