Mandakini Gupta, New Delhi: India is on its way to becoming the 'hypertension capital' of the world. A new study says that almost 200 million Indians are hypertensive. If that isn't bad enough, according to experts the numbers can double to 400 million by 2020, if the rising numbers are not checked at the earliest.

“The latest study from the journal of Association of Physicians in India says that we are heading towards becoming the hypertension capital of the world. High blood pressure is becoming so very common. Every fifth individual in India, an adult suffers from high blood pressure,” says Dr. R R Kasliwal, Cardiologist, Escorts Hospital.

One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension or high blood pressure is the fact that 50% of the people who suffer from the condition don't even realise they are suffering from it. This happens because often the symptoms are too general, like headaches or irritability. Sometimes it's because of lack of awareness.

When asked on a random basis, 9 out of 10 people said they do not get their blood pressure checked since they never felt there is any need for it.

"May be once. I only got it checked when I was joining my new job and the company asked me to filled up in a form," says one Delhi resident. "I never got it checked. Nobody really suggested that I should get it done," says another.

Dr. R. R. Kasliwal, Cardiologist, Escorts says, "Those who have high blood pressure have twice the chances of getting heart attacks, four times the chances of getting congestive heart failure and seven times more chances of getting strokes than a normal person,”

But making certain lifestyle changes can decrease your chances of hypertension by up to 50%. One of the big triggers is a high salt diet. Indian food, even home food is a culprit. So cutting down on salt would help.

And obviously, follow the basic precautions

• Don't smoke
• Keep to your ideal weight
• Avoid oily food
• And Exercise regularly

And you must get your blood pressure checked regularly this will give you an early warning if you are at risk.