Context
Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) is a hidden but deadly health condition that affects one in three people around the world. Four out of five people with hypertension don’t have it under control. According to the WHO’s (World Health Organization) latest report on hypertension, countries have failed to address this major risk factor for diseases such as heart attacks and strokes despite the availability of affordable drugs. 

The Alarming Global Scenario  
·         Hypertension is a pervasive health condition that affects a large portion of the world’s population. What’s worse is that most of those affected don’t control their blood pressure. 
·         Uncontrolled hypertension (defined as blood pressure over 140/90) is a major risk factor for severe cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack and stroke. These conditions are a leading cause of disease and death worldwide.
  
The Consequences: Stroke and Heart Attack
A study      conducted in parts of India reported stroke incidence rates ranging from      108 to 172 per 100,000 people annually.
In      the 2019 Global Burden of Disease report, heart attacks emerged      as the leading cause of death and disability in India.
Research      also has shown that too much salt consumption, exceeding 5 grams per day,      contributes to 17%-30% of hypertension cases.
WHO      guidelines mandates a 30% relative reduction in salt intake by 2025. But      India has yet to take actions on the same.
 
Way Forward: 
India must      prioritize strategies to address the silent killer that is hypertension.      This includes comprehensive efforts to reduce salt consumption, encourage      healthier food choices through labeling and reformulation, and raise      awareness about the importance of blood pressure control. 
Expanding      the reach of initiatives like the IHCI and ensuring that more individuals      have their hypertension under control should be at the forefront of India’s      public health agenda.
 
LTX Mains Question
  Q. Examine the global scenario of hypertension and its implications for public health, with the focus on India.