Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 8: With hypertension cases on the rise across India—especially among young adults—health experts have welcomed the American Heart Association’s (AHA) newly revised blood pressure guidelines, which define normal BP as below 120/80 mm Hg, down from the previous 130/90 mm Hg threshold. The shift could mark a turning point in how India detects and manages high blood pressure.

Calling the updated definition a “game-changer” for India, Dr. Mukesh Goel, Senior Consultant in Cardiothoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, said the new classification will significantly expand the number of Indians considered hypertensive. "With nearly 200 million Indians estimated to have high BP, the lower threshold will help raise awareness and encourage early intervention," he noted.

Experts say this is crucial because hypertension—often called the "silent killer"—typically shows no symptoms until it causes severe health problems like heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Scientific Committee at IMA Cochin, echoed this concern. He pointed out that many people are unaware of their condition and even among those receiving treatment, blood pressure control often remains inadequate.

However, Jayadevan also sounded a note of caution, stating that while the new guidelines support stricter BP control, not all studies agree that aggressive treatment leads to better outcomes. "Over-treatment can cause low BP, fainting, and kidney injury," he said, urging a customised approach based on each patient’s individual health profile.

The guidelines also promote potassium-based salt substitutes, which could have a major impact in India, where home-cooked food tends to be high in salt. But experts warn these substitutes are not safe for people with chronic kidney disease or those on certain medications.

Dr. Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health, India, highlighted another India-specific angle: the new emphasis on community health worker involvement. He noted that the AHA’s push for team-based care, involving ASHA workers and nurses, aligns well with India’s rural healthcare framework, improving access and continuity of care in remote areas.

Experts stressed that treating hypertension is only one part of reducing cardiovascular risks. A holistic lifestyle change—including quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol, regular exercise, weight management, and a low-sodium diet—is critical to keeping BP under control.

With younger Indians increasingly falling prey to lifestyle-related health issues, the revised BP norms may serve as an urgent wake-up call—not just for clinicians, but for individuals, families, and policymakers alike.