At least 25.2 of students were hypertensive with blood pressure levels measured more than 140/90 mm of Hg
A cross-sectional study has shed light on the alarming prevalence of hypertension or high blood pressure among young medical students studying MBBS. The research, conducted by a leading tertiary care medical institute in Mumbai, highlights actionable insights for intervention.
Led by Aditya Saran, a third-year MBBS student at H.B.T. Medical College and Dr. R. N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, it targeted 250 students aged 18–24 years. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of high blood pressure, identify associated risk factors, and propose strategies for early detection and prevention.
According to the eye-opening findings, which show significant implications for medical education, at least 25.2 per cent of students were hypertensive with blood pressure levels measured more than 140/90 mm of Hg. Around 22 per cent is classified as Stage I and 3.2 per cent as Stage II hypertension, with blood pressure levels exceeding 160/90 mm of hg.
Research said more than 50 per cent of hypertensive students were unaware of their condition. Also, an additional 32.4 per cent exhibited pre-hypertensive blood pressure levels, which were more than 120/80 mm of Hg, indicating a high-risk population that requires close monitoring.
Hypertensi more prevalent among male students
The study found that high blood pressure cases were more common among male students, nearly 36.8 per cent, compared to females with 0.1 per cent.
Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure or force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. Your BP reading has two numbers:
- The top number is the systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure on your artery walls when your heart beats or contracts.
- The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. This measures the pressure on your artery walls between beats when your heart is relaxing.
What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?
According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 220 million people in India live with hypertension, and only 12 per cent have their blood pressure under control. A few risk factors for the condition include:
- Having biological family members with high blood pressure
- Being over age 55 years
- Having certain medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome
- Being obese or overweight
- Not exercising or working out
- Eating foods high in sodium and salt
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?
According to experts, usually, high blood pressure does not cause any signs or symptoms. That is why healthcare providers call it a “silent killer.” You could have high blood pressure for years and not know it. WHO estimates that 46 per cent of adults with hypertension across the world do not know they have it.
When your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, you may experience a few symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Nosebleeds
Doctors say if the blood pressure becomes extremely high, it is a hypertensive crisis that needs immediate medical care.
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