According to a research study published in The Lancet Regional Health journal, less than one-fourth of hypertension patients in India have their blood pressure in check.
Hypertension is one of the major causes of early mortality and morbidity and a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A systematic analysis of 51 papers published after the year 2001 reported hypertension control rates in India. It also included researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health and the National Center for Disease Control, New Delhi.
The researchers concentrated on community non-interventional studies that offer a realistic representation of control rates at the community level.
According to the researchers, the combined hypertension control rate in India from 2001 to 2020 was 17.5%, although it increased significantly over time, reaching 22.5% from 2016 to 2020.
According to sub-group analyses, the south and the west areas had much better control rates, and males had significantly worse control rates. They noted that very few research had data on social determinants or risk factors related to lifestyle. In India, between 2016 and 2020, less than one-fourth of hypertension individuals got their blood pressure under control. Although the control rate has increased compared to prior years, significant regional variations persist, according to the study's authors.
The studies claimed that to increase the percentage of people with hypertension under control, India must create and assess community-based, long-term initiatives and programmes.
"In India, hypertension is a major cause of mortality. Increasing the population's hypertension control rate is essential to lowering cardiovascular morbidity and mortality ", added the authors.
Researchers from KIMS Al-Shifa Specialty Hospital, Perinthalmanna, and Government Medical College, Manjeri, were also a part of the team.
