Maintaining blood pressure vital for heart health and longevity – Experts
Pune 16 May 2026 : Maintaining blood pressure (BP) within a healthy range is vital for heart health and longevity opined experts.
World Hypertension Day is observed on 17 May. Hypertension frequently progresses without obvious symptoms and therefore called as silent killer. This year’s theme “Controlling Hypertension Together: check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer”. Hypertension continues to be the leading preventable cause of premature deaths across the world. Globally, nearly 1.4 billion people are living with hypertension. Although effective and affordable treatment options are widely available, a large number of individuals remain unaware of their condition, and only around one in four people with hypertension manage to keep their blood pressure under adequate control. ( https://www.who.int/news-room/
Dr. Dattatraya B. Patil, Consultant Physician, Noble Hospital, Pune said that regular checks are no longer just for those over 40. Guidelines now recommend universal screening start at age 18. Rising stress and sedentary lifestyles mean hypertension is appearing earlier; catching trends in your 20s can prevent lifelong medication. With the growing number the time come to rethink the age for our screening of blood pressure. Maintaining blood pressure (BP) within a healthy range is vital for heart health and longevity.
Dr. Dattatraya B. Patil added that amongst the many concerns related to blood pressure is ‘Secondary Hypertension’. It stems from underlying conditions like kidney disease, endocrine disorders, or sleep apnea and It is rising in urban areas due to higher obesity rates and other factors like persistent noise, and air pollution. One more concern is the rising number of comorbidities alongside each other. Particularly blood pressure is more dangerous alongside diabetes or obesity. Diabetes stiffens vessels, while obesity causes systemic inflammation and kidney pressure. Together, they accelerate damage to the heart, kidneys, and retinas if not managed properly.
Dr. Patil added that a five-step approach to control BP step by step can help which includes Track BP at home for one week with a validated cuff for an accurate average, limiting intake of salt to less than 5 grams (1 teaspoon) per day, daily moderate exercise, brisk walk of 30 minutes, prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins over processed sugars ( DASH diet ) and deep breathing or mindfulness to lower cortisol and relax vessels.
He said that for those with multiple conditions alongside hypertension coordinated care to avoid drug interactions, weight loss, dual monitoring ( Use apps to track blood sugar and BP together) and Use organizers or reminders to ensure medication consistency will go a long way in ensuring better management and quality of life.