HYDERABAD, MAY 18, 2025: On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, Apollo Hospitals is drawing attention to the rising prevalence of hypertension in India. With nearly 30% of India’s adult population living with high blood pressure, hypertension has become one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death. Despite its significant impact on public health, a large number of hypertensive people remain undiagnosed, underlining the urgency for a national shift in healthcare priorities.
The Growing Burden of Hypertension in India
Recent studies indicate that hypertension is affecting approximately 300 million people. Notably, nearly half of those with high blood pressure remain unaware of their condition. The prevalence is notably high among younger populations, with 26% of those aged under 45 diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2024.
Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, said, “India has overcome many public health crises, and each success was driven by awareness and collective effort. At Apollo Hospitals, we believe prevention is the first prescription. Through initiatives like Apollo ProHealth, we are transforming over 25 million screenings into powerful action, enhancing digital hypertension monitoring, strengthening policy advocacy, and making routine screenings a national priority. We want to see healthier, longer lives for every Indian.”
There is escalating pressure on India’s healthcare system, particularly in major cities, with Hyderabad (68%), Delhi (65%), and Chennai (63%) reporting the highest prevalence. This reflects poorly on ‘Urban lifestyles’, characterized by chronic stress and sedentary routines, accelerating cardiac risk.
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, said, “Hypertension is no longer a condition confined to age or genetics—it is increasingly becoming a silent epidemic among young urban populations. The real challenge lies not just in measuring blood pressure, but in understanding the broader cardiovascular risk profile of an individual. We must move beyond isolated metrics and embrace a more holistic understanding of biomarkers, as even mild imbalances can be early indicators of more serious underlying conditions. Moreover, with rapid urbanisation, we are witnessing a sharp rise in sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and unrelenting stress, all of which are fuelling this public health crisis. Prevention and early intervention are not just options, they are imperatives. Alarmingly, nearly 30% of India’s urban population under the age of 40 is already affected by hypertension or pre-hypertension. This calls for immediate and collective action across healthcare, policy, and community awareness to protect the health of our fellow citizens.”
The Path to Prevention: Personalised and Tech-enabled
Evidence shows that 80% of heart attacks and strokes caused by hypertension could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and stress management. While the medical management of hypertension is crucial, Apollo Hospitals is advocating for a shift towards preventive healthcare. The key to reversing the growing burden of hypertension lies in empowering individuals to take control of their health through regular screenings, healthier lifestyle choices, and managing risk factors before they evolve into serious complications.
Apollo Hospitals is advocating for integrating technology into the country’s healthcare systems to enhance the detection and management of hypertension. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and telemedicine are transforming how healthcare is delivered, allowing for more accurate risk assessments, early detection, and continuous management of hypertension.
A National Call to Action: A Collective Responsibility
Apollo is calling for a national rethink of cardiovascular prevention, urging Indians to start screenings early, particularly after the age of 30 or for those with a family history of heart disease. Incorporating advanced imaging techniques like Coronary Calcium Scoring can help reveal hidden risks, while adopting preventive treatment strategies for those showing early markers, even if asymptomatic, can significantly reduce future complications. Studies indicate a 45–50% reduction in cardiovascular events when individuals with early atherosclerosis receive guideline-based interventions.
