How Stress and Lifestyle Habits are Causing a Rise in Hypertension in India

Hypertension in India is a growing health concern. It is commonly known as high blood pressure and has emerged as one of the most serious and rapidly growing health issues in India. An estimated 20 crore (200 million) people in the country are affected by hypertension, yet according to government statistics, only 2 crore (20 million) have their condition under control.

This alarming gap is particularly concerning because hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality rates in India. So, why has hypertension become such a widespread problem in recent years? In this blog, let’s take a closer look at: What hypertension really is, its underlying causes and why its prevalence is rising in the Indian population.¹

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls remains consistently high. Over time, this increased pressure can damage the arteries, increasing the risk of serious health conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Hypertension is usually diagnosed based on blood pressure readings. In simple terms, blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. A normal blood pressure reading is considered to be around 130/80 mmHg. This reading consists of two numbers:

The upper number is the systolic pressure, which indicates the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
The lower number is the diastolic pressure, which indicates the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.^{2, 3}

The Silent Rise Of Hypertension In India:

Hypertension is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it typically shows no obvious signs or symptoms, making it difficult to detect without regular monitoring. According to recent statistics, around 20 million people in India are currently living with high blood pressure.

A recent survey conducted to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in the Indian population found that one in every three Indians is affected by this condition.⁴

A Quick Glance At Blood Pressure:

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association classify blood pressure into four main categories, helping doctors identify when intervention is needed. An ideal blood pressure is considered to be within the normal range. ³

Symptoms To Recognise High Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure usually doesn’t show any symptoms. In fact, there are many instances where people don’t even realise they have it. That’s what makes it so dangerous—it quietly affects your body without any obvious warning signs.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 46% of people globally who have high blood pressure are unaware of their condition. This highlights the importance of regular health check-ups, even if you feel perfectly fine.⁵

People With High Blood Pressure Will Have the Following Symptoms:

• Severe Headaches
• Chest Pain
• Dizziness
• Difficulty Breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred Vision or Other Vision Changes
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Buzzing In the Ears
• Nosebleeds
• Abnormal Heart Rhythm

Causes And Risk Factors Of Hypertension.

There are multiple causes of hypertension. But, in India, stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits are among the most significant contributors.

Stress And Hypertension – -What Is The Connection

Stress is your body’s natural response to any situation that disrupts its internal balance. When you’re under stress—whether it's due to work pressure, personal issues, or health concerns—your body experiences a kind of internal imbalance, known as a disturbance in homeostasis.

This imbalance activates the central nervous system and hormonal (endocrine) system, which try to bring your body back to a stable state. However, if stress continues for too long or becomes overwhelming, this ongoing response can put strain on your heart and blood vessels.

Stress can be of two types:

• Acute stress, which is short-term and usually triggered by immediate challenges.
• Chronic stress, which lasts over a longer period and often stems from unresolved or persistent issues.

In both types, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that increase heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. But when stress becomes chronic, this pressure doesn’t ease up, increasing your risk of developing hypertension and even cardiovascular diseases over time.⁶

Other Risk Factors:

Several factors can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). These include: ²

• Family history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes
• Age over 55
• Black ethnicity
• Chronic kidney disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Thyroid disease
• Overweight or obesity
• Physical inactivity
• High-sodium diet
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Lifestyle Changes Can Help Control Hypertension

Scientific research strongly supports the fact that everyday habits play a key role in influencing blood pressure levels. Making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly help manage high blood pressure, reduce your overall risk of cardiovascular disease, and even lower your chances of early death.

According to medical studies, here are some of the most effective lifestyle changes for preventing and managing hypertension:⁷

• Reduce alcohol intake 
• Cut down on salt (5g of salt per day).
• Quit smoking 
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight 
• Follow a balanced diet

Diagnosis and testing:

Healthcare providers diagnose high blood pressure (hypertension) by using a blood pressure cuff placed around your upper arm. This is a quick, painless test that gives two numbers — systolic and diastolic pressure — to assess how hard your heart is working.

Blood pressure is usually checked during annual health checkups or other routine visits. If your readings are consistently high across two or more visits, your provider may confirm a diagnosis of hypertension. ²

Conclusion:

Hypertension is a serious and growing health challenge in India, often driven by stress and lifestyle factors. Since it usually shows no obvious symptoms, many people remain unaware they have high blood pressure until it causes serious complications. The good news is that with regular monitoring and simple lifestyle changes, hypertension can be managed effectively, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Taking charge of your health starts with regular blood pressure checks and a healthy lifestyle. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early detection is key to keeping your heart healthy.

Get regular health checks with LifeCell Diagnostics — your trusted partner in proactive healthcare. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, hypertension-free life!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is hypertension called the silent killer?

Because it typically doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms, hypertension is known as the silent killer. Many people don’t realise they have high blood pressure until it leads to serious health problems, like heart attacks or strokes. ²

How does stress lead to hypertension?

When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that temporarily raise your heart rate and blood pressure. If stress is constant or chronic, this ongoing pressure can damage your arteries and increase your risk of developing hypertension.

How does lifestyle cause hypertension?

Unhealthy lifestyle habits—such as eating too much salt, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight—can raise your blood pressure over time, leading to hypertension.

How do lifestyle changes affect hypertension?

Making healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing salt and alcohol intake, and quitting smoking can help lower blood pressure, manage hypertension, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

What are the causes of hypertension in India?

In India, major causes of hypertension include stress, unhealthy diets high in salt, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, genetic factors, and lack of awareness or regular health checkups.