Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is a medical condition in which the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries remains consistently higher than normal.
- Normal blood pressure: Around 120/80 mm Hg
- Hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg or higher
Persistent high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other cardiovascular complications.
Major Risk Factors
1. Unhealthy Diet
- High intake of salt, processed foods, and packaged foods
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
2. High Salt Consumption
Indian adolescents consume more than 8 grams of salt per day, whereas the World Health Organization recommends less than 5 grams per day.
3. Rising Childhood Obesity
Excess body weight increases cardiac workload and pressure on blood vessels.
4. Physical Inactivity
Sedentary lifestyles and reduced physical activity contribute significantly to hypertension risk.
5. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Some factors cannot be changed, including:
- Age
- Genetic predisposition
- Family history
- Co-existing diseases such as diabetes
Key Trends in India
Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2016–18)
- 7.3% of Indian adolescents were found to have hypertensive blood pressure levels.
- The prevalence rises to 9.1% in urban areas.
NFHS-5 (2019–21)
- 12% of teenagers aged 15–19 already have elevated blood pressure.
- Among adults aged 15 and above:
- 21% of women
- 24% of men
show elevated blood pressure.
Recent Study (2019–21)
- More than one in four Indian adults has hypertension.
- Of those affected:
- Only one-third are diagnosed
- Fewer than one in five receive treatment
- Only one in twelve have their blood pressure under control
Government Initiatives to Tackle Hypertension
Population-Based Screening (2016)
Launched under the National Health Mission to promote early detection of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.
India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) – 2017
A joint initiative by MoHFW, ICMR, WHO India, and Resolve to Save Lives.
Key focus areas include:
- Standard treatment protocols
- Continuous supply of medicines
- Task-sharing among health workers
- Decentralised care at the primary health level
Integration with NP-NCD
Best practices of IHCI have been integrated into the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, enabling real-time monitoring of screening, treatment, and control outcomes down to the village level.
“75 by 25” Target
The government aims to bring 75 million people with hypertension or diabetes under standard care by 2025.
As of 2025, about 71 million individuals have already been enrolled.
Way Forward
Strengthen Primary Healthcare
- Ensure regular availability of antihypertensive medicines at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
- Promote the use of validated automated blood pressure monitors for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
Digital Health Integration
- Use Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) to track patient history and treatment across healthcare facilities.
Incentivize Screening and Follow-Up
- Expand incentives for frontline health workers such as CHOs and ASHAs based on diagnosis, treatment initiation, and blood pressure control outcomes.
Improve School Nutrition
- Transform PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) into a nutrition and food literacy platform reaching nearly 120 million children.
- Introduce regionally inspired fresh menus and involve students in meal planning.
Adopt Global Best Practices
- Learn from Japan’s Shokuiku model of food education.
- Adapt Vietnam’s school lunch reforms to promote healthy eating habits among children.
Policy-Level Measures
- Increase taxes on tobacco and alcohol
- Ban their advertisements
- Reduce salt in processed foods
- Eliminate trans fats
- Promote healthy diets and physical activity
