Hypertension: Early Signs and Prevention: Q&A Session with an Expert
- decodeMR Team
- Dec 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Welcome back to Inline, and wishing you a very happy New Year in advance!
In this episode, we turn our attention to a condition that many people live with every day—sometimes without even knowing it: hypertension.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 years worldwide were living with hypertension in 2024, accounting for nearly one-third of the global population in this age group. These numbers highlight how widespread the condition is and reinforce the importance of early awareness and regular blood pressure monitoring.
To learn more about hypertension, we are joined by Dr. Vivek Belde, senior consultant physician at Apollo Hospitals, India. Dr. Belde explains why hypertension often goes undetected, the subtle warning signs to watch for, and when routine blood pressure checks should begin. He also emphasizes the vital role of sleep, stress management, diet, and physical activity in preventing and controlling high blood pressure.
Key Discussion Points:
Subtle Signs of Hypertension (0:51)
Early indicators include morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, vision changes, and ringing in the ears
Monitoring these subtle changes regularly is important to prevent progression to sustained hypertension
Impact of Sleep on Blood Pressure (1:54)
Poor sleep patterns, irregular sleep cycles, and shift work can raise both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5–10 points over time
Maintaining 7–8 hours of quality night sleep helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders
Age and Frequency for Blood Pressure Monitoring (3:01)
· Blood pressure checks should start early, from 18–20 years, especially for those under work or life stress
· After age 40, annual monitoring is crucial, particularly for individuals with obesity or metabolic syndromes
Initial Steps for Borderline Hypertension (3:57)
Lifestyle modifications are key: maintaining a balanced, low-sodium diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing weight, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress
Adequate sleep and periodic home monitoring of blood pressure are recommended to prevent progression to sustained hypertension
Lifestyle Strategies for Heart Health (5:04)
Focus on a nutrient-rich diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, omega-3 fatty acids, and reduced red meat and saturated fats
Incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly, strength training, stress management, and regular sleep
Common Misconceptions About Hypertension (6:31)
Myth: Hypertension only exists if symptoms are present. Reality: It is often silent and can cause internal damage without noticeable symptoms
Myth: Salt alone causes hypertension. Reality: Processed foods, fast foods, and high-sodium snacks also contribute significantly
Key Take-Home Messages
Hypertension often has no symptoms, but it can still cause serious internal damage—regular checks are essential
Blood pressure monitoring should begin as early as 18–20 years, especially with increasing stress and lifestyle risks
Sleep quality matters—irregular sleep and shift work can raise blood pressure over time
Early, borderline hypertension can often be managed with lifestyle changes alone
Reducing processed foods, managing stress, staying active, and sleeping well can significantly lower risk
Salt is not the only culprit—processed and packaged foods play a major role
Prevention today can help avoid lifelong medication and cardiovascular complications tomorrow
About Dr. Vivek Belde:
Dr. Vivek Belde is a senior consultant P-physician at Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, India, with over 17 years of experience. He specializes in General Medicine/Internal Medicine, focusing on diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic illnesses to ensure effective patient outcomes. Dr. Belde manages chronic conditions such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, and Obesity, providing long-term guidance for their effective control and overall patient well-being.
