The numbers are alarming. Only 36 per cent of women and 31 per cent of men in Jammu and Kashmir have normal blood pressure levels. Nearly 57 per cent of the population falls in the pre-hypertensive category, a warning sign before full-blown hypertension sets in. These figures from the National Family Health Survey-5 are a public health emergency knocking on every door. Hypertension is called the silent killer for a reason. It develops without noticeable symptoms. No fever. No pain. No visible warning. But silently, it damages the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels. By the time symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible. Heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure—these are not distant possibilities. They are the real consequences of ignoring high blood pressure. What is worse is that hypertension is no longer a disease of the elderly. Doctors warn that adolescents and even school-going children are now being diagnosed. Sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time, lack of outdoor activity, stress, and unhealthy eating habits are pushing young people into the danger zone. The government cannot afford to treat this as a minor health issue. It must launch a mass awareness campaign across schools, colleges, workplaces and community centres. People need to know that hypertension is not a death sentence. It can be controlled. Regular blood pressure screening, reducing salt and oil intake, daily physical activity, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and managing stress can save lives. Doctors recommend that every adult get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. Those above 30 need regular screening even without symptoms. Schools should include annual blood pressure checks in their health programmes. Early detection can prevent thousands of deaths from cardiovascular diseases. But awareness alone is not enough. The health department must ensure that screening facilities are available in every block and that treatment is accessible and affordable. Four out of five hypertensive patients do not keep their blood pressure under control. This is unacceptable. The people of Kashmir must also take responsibility. Cut down on salt. Walk instead of sitting. Reduce screen time. Get your blood pressure checked regularly. Hypertension does not announce itself. By the time it speaks, it may be too late. Wake up. Check your numbers. Take control. Your heart will thank you.
