Hypertension emerging as a silent crisis in Kashmir

The rising cases of hypertension in Kashmir are becoming a serious public health concern. Doctors have repeatedly warned that high blood pressure, often called a “silent killer,” is affecting people across all age groups and silently leading to life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
The recent CME programme organized by the Department of General Medicine at SKIMS Medical College on the occasion of World Hypertension Day highlighted the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease.
Medical experts during the programme stressed that hypertension often develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why many patients remain unaware of their condition until severe complications arise. Doctors also pointed out that lifestyle changes, mental stress, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity and smoking are major reasons behind the growing number of cases in Kashmir.
What is particularly worrying is that hypertension is no longer limited to elderly people. Increasing numbers of young adults are now being diagnosed with high blood pressure due to changing lifestyles, stress and poor dietary habits.
The healthcare community believes that awareness at the grassroots level is the need of the hour. Regular blood pressure monitoring, healthier lifestyles, reduced salt intake, exercise and timely medical consultation can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
The initiative by SKIMS Medical College to conduct academic discussions and on-site blood pressure screening was widely appreciated. However, experts believe that sustained awareness campaigns and community-based screening programmes are essential to tackle the growing burden of hypertension in the Valley.
As hypertension continues to silently affect thousands of people, doctors are urging the public not to ignore regular health check-ups and to take preventive care seriously before the disease turns fatal.