Doctors raise alarm over rise in prevalence of resistant hypertension

India is facing a growing problem with resistant hypertension. Out of 20 crore people with high blood pressure, only 2 crore have it under control. Experts say treatments like Renal Denervation may help those whose BP doesn't respond to medicine

Hyderabad: A large number of patients with hypertension are struggling to control their blood pressure, a challenge that is fast becoming a public health concern for India.

Of an estimated 20 crore adults with hypertension, only 2 crore have it under control, while the rest struggle with resistant hypertension, a condition where blood pressure remains high despite regular medications.

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In Telangana, based on the data from National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), the overall prevalence of hypertension (for ages 15 to 49) among men is 25 per cent and among women is 15 per cent. The prevalence is higher in urban centres, at 29.6 per cent for men and 17.3 per cent for women, compared to rural areas, at 22.4 per cent for men and 13 per cent for women.

In a workshop on resistant hypertension held at AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad on Tuesday, experts highlighted the trend of rising prevalence of resistant hypertension.

According to Dr Rajeev Menon, Director and Head, Cardiology, AIG Hospitals, resistant hypertension progresses gradually and symptoms can include frequent headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, or occasional chest discomfort.

During the workshop, experts said alternative treatment modalities like Renal Denervation (RDN), a minimally invasive procedure, are showing promising results in stabilising hypertension. It works by interrupting overactive nerve signals between brain and kidneys, helping to lower/stabilise blood pressure over time.