Hypertension

Nov. 29, 2022

According to a study in medical journal The Lancet for 2016-20, over 75% with hypertension in India have uncontrolled BP (blood pressure).

About:

  • The study reinforces uncontrolled BP as a significant contributor to mortality.
  • It follows the Centre’s 2019-20 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) that reported a hypertension prevalence of 24% in men and 21% in women, an increase from 19% and 17% over the 2015-16 survey.
  • Patients with readings of systolic <140 mmHg and diastolic <90 mmHg are defined as those with hypertension under control.
  • Hypertension control rate is defined as the proportion of patients with BP under control (systolic <140 mmHg and diastolic <90 mmHg).
  • The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia study is based on a diversified analysis of studies of BP control rates between 2001 and 2022 in India.
  • Despite government efforts, awareness and better access to healthcare facilities, the number of patients able to control hypertension has only grown from 6% to 23% in the past 21 years.
  • The Lancet researchers included 51 studies involving 3. 4 lakh patients.
  • Of these, 21 studies (41%) reported poorer BP control rates among males than females, and six (12%) poorer rates among rural patients.
  • The combined control rate in India in 2001-20 was 18%, with significant increase over the years, reaching 23% in 2016-20.
  • The study indicated significantly better control rates in the south and west, and considerably poorer rates among males.

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