Hyper tension is getting common among the younger generation and Bengaluru has the highest number of cases compared to other metros as information technology (IT) professionals reporting high rate of cases, says a study.

The healthcare abnormality report by Indus Health Plus, released on the occasion of the World Hypertension Day, said one out of four IT professionals were suffering from hypertension.

“The study was conducted in three major metros of India i.e. – Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. It was observed that Bengaluru reported highest numbers of hypertension cases (12.8 per cent)
followed by Mumbai (9.40) and Delhi (7.29 per cent)
per cent).  In Bengaluru it was observed that 1 out of 4 IT professionals are suffering from hypertension. It is alarming that around 31per cent of IT/ BPO professionals are hypertensive and about 5 per cent have malignant levels of hypertension. 6.9 per cent
of females are suffering from hypertension and are considered to be prone to this disease as compared to men. 18 per cent of youngsters between the age group of 20 -25 years and about 23 per cent youngsters in 26 – 30 years reported stage 1 hypertension,” said a release on the study.

“Mumbaikars diagnosed with high BP almost 45 per cent of them are under the risk of stroke and 25 per cent are at risk of suffering from heart diseases. Male and female in the age bracket of 35 – 50 years have been diagnosed with diabetes and kidney diseases which are increasing hypertension cases.  Obesity is also increasing the risk of high BP in Mumbai,” it said.

In New Delhi, 16 per cent of ischemic heart diseases, 21per cent of peripheral vascular disease and 29 per cent  of strokes are attributed to hypertension. Youngsters between the age group of 25 30 years are falling prey to this disease. Prevalence of hypertension among obese is high. It was observed that those under the radar of high blood pressure also had diabetes mellitus and 35 per cent   of them were under the risk of heart problems, according to the report.

In the study it was observed that high stress level at office and home are increasing the risk of hypertension. High intake of junk food, no exercise, hectic lifestyle, smoking and alcohol consumption are increasing the risk.

According to Global Burden of Disease Study, blood pressure tops the list of risk factors for death and disability globally. In developing nations, around 640 million people suffer from this disease. Hypertension is common around the world and many people are unaware that they suffer from this modern epidemic. It is considered to be a silent killer because it has no obvious symptoms.