20 to 30-yr-olds at maximum risk of hypertension in Maximum City

Unhealthy lifestyle of eating junk and packed food items the main cause

The maximum city that never sleeps has taken its toll on the youth in the 20-30 age group. Modern lifestyle with its stresses has impacted this age group adversely, as per an online study conducted by World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 17.

The study reveals that 39% of the people in Mumbai suffer from hypertension and people in the 20- to 30-year category are more prone to hypertension.

Of the 500 participants, 370 were men and 130 women. While 265 were in the age group of 20-30 years, 212 in the category of 30-50 years and 23 were above the age of 50. The survey also showed a lack of awareness of overall health awareness.

“Only 23 among these go for regular medical checkups,” said a doctor.

Dr. Pradeep Gadge, diabetologist, said the youth are more prone to hypertension as they have very unhealthy lifestyle of eating junk and packed food items. “The survey found those in the age group of 20-30 suffered from hypertension because of irregular sleeping patterns, bad food habits, lack of exercise and deprivation of sleep. The youngsters affected should get themselves checked up,” added Dr. Gadge.

Dr. Gadge further said that a steady rise in consumption of fast food or high consumption of salt are few of the major causes of hypertension.

“All types of packaged food contain sodium which leads to an increase in its intake. Due to this, people suffer from high blood pressure,” said Dr. Gadge.

A senior doctor of King Edward Memorial Hospital said more than half the population in the city did not know the normal range of blood pressure. “Every third person in the city suffers from hypertension, while 56% are unaware of the normal blood pressure range,” added a senior doctor.

A senior doctor further said that long-term high blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss and chronic kidney disease.

“The number of people living with hypertension is predicted to touch 1.56 billion worldwide by the year 2025,” said a senior doctor.

Dr. Amol Pawar, internal medicine and cardio diabetes expert, Zen Hospital said youngsters tend to ignore their health and focus on a career oriented lifestyle.

“In the last 15 years, there is 10-15% rise in hypertension patients which falls under the age group of 25-40,” said Dr. Pawar.