Hypertension – also commonly known as high blood pressure- is emerging as one of India’s biggest silent health threats. Cardiologists warn that despite growing awareness, dangerous myths about hypertension continue to delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other life-threatening complications.
According to Dr. Refai Showkathali, Consultant Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, many Indians still misunderstand how hypertension develops and why early detection matters. “Despite widespread awareness, misconceptions still persist. This often leads to delayed diagnosis, reduced treatment adherence, and increased long-term risk,” he said.
The hospital’s Health of the Nation 2026 report found that a significant number of people screened during preventive health checks had elevated blood pressure or hidden cardiovascular risk factors without knowing it. “A substantial number of individuals screened were found to have either elevated blood pressure or associated health risks; many of them were previously undiagnosed. Even more concerning is the clustering of other non-communicable diseases, which accelerate damage to blood vessels and organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes,” said Dr. Showkathali.
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One of the biggest myths about hypertension is that people will “feel” when blood pressure becomes dangerous. Doctors say this is false. High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, even at severely elevated levels. Many patients discover they have hypertension only during routine health check-ups or after serious complications occur.
Experts say symptoms such as headache, dizziness, chest discomfort, or breathlessness may appear late, after blood vessels and organs have already suffered damage. This is why regular blood pressure monitoring remains one of the most important preventive health measures.
Doctors warn that hypertension is no longer limited to older adults. Sedentary lifestyles, poor sleep, chronic stress, obesity, smoking, and processed food consumption are causing blood pressure problems in younger Indians, including people in their 30s.
According to Apollo’s report, nearly one in four working-age adults screened had hypertension, while many younger individuals were found to have “prehypertension” - an early warning stage linked to future heart disease risk.
Experts say stress, lack of exercise, and excessive intake of ultra-processed foods rich in sodium, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates are major contributors.
Controlled Blood Pressure Doesn’t Mean You’re Cured - Doctors Warn Indians About Dangerous Hypertension Myth
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