A growing number of young Indians are being diagnosed with hypertension, a condition traditionally associated with older adults. Health professionals across the country are raising concerns as individuals in their 20s and 30s increasingly report elevated blood pressure levels — often without noticeable symptoms.
According to recent studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), urban Indian youth are showing a significant increase in cases of pre-hypertension and hypertension. Experts attribute the trend to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, chronic stress, and inadequate physical activity.
“This is a worrying development,” said Dr. Rakesh Goyal, a senior cardiologist at AIIMS Delhi. “We are seeing a clear pattern where young adults, even those in their mid-20s, are being diagnosed with high blood pressure. Most are unaware of their condition until it leads to serious complications.”
Lifestyle Factors a Major Contributor
Rising work-related stress, lack of physical exercise, excessive screen time, irregular sleep, and the consumption of processed and high-sodium foods have all contributed to the surge in cases. Many young professionals spend long hours at desks, rarely engage in physical activity, and struggle to maintain a balanced diet.
“Unhealthy lifestyles are directly impacting cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Meera Nair, a Bengaluru-based neurologist. “Sleep deprivation, anxiety, and mental fatigue are becoming common and directly influencing blood pressure levels.”
Low Awareness and Late Detection
One of the key challenges in managing hypertension among young adults is the lack of awareness and early screening. Because the condition often has no immediate symptoms, it frequently goes undiagnosed until a health emergency arises.
“Many of our patients are shocked to learn they have high blood pressure,” said Dr. Nair. “Regular health checkups and early intervention are critical.”
Need for Targeted Public Health Campaigns
The Ministry of Health has integrated hypertension screening into its national non-communicable diseases (NCD) program. However, implementation remains focused on older populations. Experts now call for a stronger emphasis on youth-targeted awareness campaigns and preventive health initiatives.
“Hypertension is emerging as a silent threat to India’s working-age population,” said Dr. Goyal. “Unless we act quickly, the long-term impact on public health and productivity could be severe.”