World Hypertension Day 2024: Hypertension or High Blood Pressure is a condition in which the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). Every year, May 17 is observed as World Hypertension Day and the theme chosen for 2024 is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.
According to Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Principal Director – Nephrology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, hypertension affects about one-third of the world population.
“It is estimated that about 26 percent of the world’s total population has hypertension and it is expected to increase to 29% by 2025. In a recent study in Indian adults, more than 1 in 4 people had hypertension, and of these, only 1 in 3 received a diagnosis, less than 1 in 5 were treated, and only 1 in 12 had blood pressure control. What is alarming is that in our country only 8.3% of these have their hypertension under control,” Dr. Gulati told Financial Express.com.
According to Prof. (Dr) D. Prabhakaran, MD, DM (Cardiology), MSc, FRCP, FNA, DSc (Honoris Causa).- Executive Director, Centre for Chronic Disease Control, hypertension isn’t just a statistic – it’s a stark reality today and the world’s leading preventable cause of death.
“It is also a significant risk factor for stroke, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. In India, hypertension accounts for 10.8% of all deaths, exerting a public health burden on cardiovascular health status and healthcare systems. Integrated efforts across government, healthcare systems, and communities are critical to ensure early interventions and equitable healthcare access to transform and save lives,” Dr. Prabhakaran said.
Hypertension and Kidney
The Kidney plays a crucial role in salt handling and dysregulation of this is the primary cause of high blood pressure in essential Hypertension, he said.
In young people under 35 years of age high blood pressure is most often due to underlying kidney disease. High blood pressure over a long period of time also causes kidney damage.
According to Dr. Gulati, hypertensive is amongst the top 3 common causes of chronic kidney disease.
“Over time high blood pressure can cause narrowing of the small and big arteries of the kidneys followed by weakening and stiffness. This results in reduced delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the kidney along with damage to the kidney filters they need to work well. High blood pressure can lead to scarring of kidney tissue. This can impair the ability of the kidneys to filter the blood and regulate fluid and electrolytes,” Dr. Gulati said.
The accumulation of water and electrolytes results in further worsening of blood pressure control, he added.
“Good blood pressure control in all patients with chronic kidney patients plays an important role in prolonging life of the kidney. High blood pressure continues to play an important role even after kidney transplant in prolonging the life of the transplanted kidney,” he said.
According to Dr Mohit Khirbat, Consultant, Nephrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, hypertension, or high blood pressure, can significantly damage the kidneys over time.
“Kidneys are the organs that play a vital role in filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood. They also help regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, and keep our bones strong,” Dr. Khirbat said.
High blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to:
- scarring
- Reduced blood flow to the kidneys: When the blood vessels are narrowed, the kidneys don’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients required by them to function properly.
- Increased blood pressure: When the kidneys are damaged, they can’t regulate blood pressure as effectively. This can lead to a vicious cycle, where high blood pressure damages the kidneys, and damaged kidneys can’t control blood pressure.
- In severe cases, uncontrolled hypertension can even lead to kidney failure.