Position statement on hypertension by Indian Society of Hypertension, 2023

Abstract

The Indian Society of Hypertension (InSH) highlights the urgency for India-specific guidelines on hypertension management. Hypertension affects over one billion people worldwide, with India bearing a significant burden due to its population, diversity, and demographics. In India, hypertension affects 21% of women and 24% of men, while pre-hypertension affects 39% of women and 49% of men. The prevalence of hypertension increases in the population with obesity. Even 7% of school-going children in India have hypertension, especially in urban and overweight children. However, awareness and control of hypertension in India are inadequate. Only 57% of women and 38% of men have been diagnosed with hypertension; among them, only a fraction receive appropriate medication. The overall control of hypertension stands at 15%, with regional variations. Hypertension significantly contributes to cardiovascular and renal diseases, and better detection and treatment could reduce their impact in India. At the total population level, reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 2 mm Hg may significantly affect cardiovascular disease. Considering the unique challenges faced in India, the InSH stresses the importance of a tailored approach to hypertension management. They plan to disseminate guidelines through practitioner training and patient awareness campaigns. These guidelines will cover screening, diagnosis, management, handling hypertension with other conditions, long-term follow-up, and patient education. In conclusion, this position paper calls for immediate action to improve hypertension management in India and alleviate the associated disease burden and mortality.