Hypertension Journal

Guidelines on Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in India

2026-05-30T13:55:04+0530

Though HBPM is recommended for hypertension management, its use remains low in India—especially in rural areas—with only 18.1% of participants using it. Most users lacked formal training, relying instead on self-learning methods. Asia HBPM survey (India) 2020 reveals that although a high proportion of Indian physicians (88%) recommend HBPM to individuals with hypertension, actual usage remains low, with only about one-third owning or using a device. Inadequate or inconsistent guidance from physicians and low awareness of diagnostic reference values likely contribute to suboptimal HBPM adoption. The HBP measurement rate is 47.5% from GRAND Study.These findings underscore the need for standardized physician education and clear patient instructions to enhance the use of HBPM in routine hypertension management and cardiovascular disease prevention.

Despite its growing importance, there are no widely adopted national guidelines in India that provide standardized protocols for HBPM. This document seeks to fill that gap by offering clear, evidence-based guidance tailored to the Indian healthcare environment. It outlines recommendations for device selection, measurement technique, frequency of monitoring, interpretation of readings, and patient education. It also addresses practical considerations such as affordability, health literacy, and integration with India's national non-communicable disease control programs. By establishing structured practices for HBPM, this guideline aims to support clinicians, healthcare workers, and patients in achieving better BP control and improving cardiovascular outcomes across India.

Managing Hypertension in Today’s Lifestyle

2026-04-09T11:18:10+0530

In today’s sedentary lifestyle, increased body weight, elevated blood pressure, and dyslipidemia are often found together, leading to the suggestion of the term metabolic syndrome. Approximately 50% of hypertensive patients exhibit insulin resistance. Consequently, the mechanisms, risk factors, and management strategies exhibit notable similarities among many patients with diabetes or hypertension.

Medication Non-Compliance as a Determinant of Stroke Severity and Mortality in Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients

2026-03-01T10:04:21+0530

Introduction: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are major modifiable risk factors for stroke, but the impact of medication adherence on stroke severity and short-term outcomes remains underexplored. This study evaluated the association between treatment compliance, stroke severity, and in-hospital mortality.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, 115 adult patients with radiologically confirmed stroke and documented diabetes or hypertension were enrolled. Medication adherence over the preceding three months was assessed (≥80% defined as compliant), and stroke severity was graded using the NIHSS.

Results: Non-compliant patients in both diabetic and hypertensive groups presented with significantly more severe strokes (p < 0.01). Mortality occurred exclusively in non-compliant diabetics (26.3%) and was significantly higher in non-compliant hypertensives (10.7%).

Conclusion: Medication non-compliance is strongly associated with increased stroke severity and higher in-hospital mortality, highlighting adherence as a critical and modifiable determinant of stroke outcomes.

Admission Hyperglycaemia as a Predictor of Stroke Severity and Mortality: Evidence from a Prospective Emergency Department Cohort

2026-03-01T10:07:55+0530

Background: Admission hyperglycaemia is commonly observed in acute stroke and has been linked to poorer neurological outcomes. Its role as a prognostic marker in emergency settings warrants evaluation.

Objective: To assess the association between admission random blood sugar (RBS) levels and stroke severity, and to determine its relationship with in-hospital outcomes.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 115 adult patients with radiologically confirmed stroke presenting to a tertiary care emergency department. Admission RBS levels were recorded, and stroke severity was categorized using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Statistical analysis was performed with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Mean admission RBS levels increased significantly with stroke severity, rising from 175.6 mg/dL in minor stroke to 216.5 mg/dL in severe stroke (p < 0.01). Overall in-hospital mortality was 7%.

Conclusion: Admission hyperglycaemia correlates positively with stroke severity and may serve as a simple, rapid prognostic marker in acute stroke care.

Comparative Profile of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke in Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients: A Prospective Observational Study from an Indian Emergency Department

2026-03-01T10:06:04+0530

Introduction: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are major risk factors for stroke. This study compared stroke subtype, severity, and in-hospital outcomes between diabetic and hypertensive patients in an Indian emergency department.

Methods: A prospective observational study of 115 adults with radiologically confirmed stroke and documented diabetes or hypertension was conducted. Stroke type was determined by CT scan, and severity was assessed using the NIHSS.

Results: Ischemic stroke was predominant overall (74.8%). Hemorrhagic stroke was significantly more common in hypertensive patients, while ischemic stroke predominated among diabetics (p < 0.01). Stroke severity and in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion: Hypertension is more strongly associated with hemorrhagic stroke, whereas diabetes predominantly predisposes to ischemic stroke. However, stroke severity and short-term hospital outcomes were comparable between the two groups, emphasizing the need for effective risk-factor control in both conditions.

Dietary Standardisation Matters in Evaluating Himalayan Raspberries

2026-03-01T10:01:17+0530

We read with great interest the article titled “Anti-Hypertensive Properties of Himalayan Raspberries: A Case Series of Five Hypertensive Patients” by Mani and Gautam, published in Hypertension Journal. The authors should be commended for exploring an under-researched, regionally relevant dietary component and for attempting to bridge traditional dietary practices with contemporary cardiovascular science.

Clinical Caution in Applying Artificial Intelligence to Diabetic and Hypertensive Emergencies

2026-03-01T10:03:23+0530

We read with keen interest the review article “Artificial Intelligence and Early Detection of Diabetic-Hypertensive Emergencies in the Emergency Room”[1]. The authors should be congratulated for addressing a clinically relevant and timely topic, particularly in the context of the growing dual burden of diabetes and hypertension in India. The narrative successfully highlights the promise of artificial intelligence (AI)–driven tools in augmenting early detection, triage, and risk stratification in emergency settings.

Role of Salivary Biomarkers in Hypertensive Patients: An Oral Pathologist’s Perspective

2026-03-12T17:32:49+0530

Hypertension is a major global health burden associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Early detection and monitoring remain challenging because the disease often remains asymptomatic until complications develop. Saliva has recently emerged as a promising non-invasive diagnostic medium reflecting systemic physiological changes. This review explores the role of salivary biomarkers—including electrolytes, autonomic markers such as salivary alpha-amylase, inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress indicators, and hormonal markers like cortisol and aldosterone—in the context of hypertension. These biomarkers mirror underlying neurohormonal, inflammatory, and metabolic pathways involved in blood pressure regulation. Integrating salivary diagnostics with oral health evaluation may support early cardiovascular risk assessment and interdisciplinary preventive healthcare strategies.

Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disorders among the Taxi Drivers: A Multivariate Analysis

2025-12-19T13:50:26+0530

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity Globally, particularly in occupational groups that experience high levels of stress. Because of the stressful nature of their jobs, taxi drivers are especially susceptible to these health concerns. Examining the effects of several risk variables on cardiovascular illnesses in cab drivers with at least five years of experience was the goal of this study. Data from impacted cab drivers were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis, which divided risk factors into five categories: comorbid diseases, ergonomic issues, psychological problems, work-related factors, and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The results showed that a number of stress-related factors play a substantial role in the development of CVD, with the highest correlations seen between psychological and work-related components. These findings highlight how important work-related stressors are to taxi drivers' cardiovascular health. To confirm these results and direct focused interventions, more long-term studies with bigger sample sizes are advised. Policymakers and transportation authorities can use the study's data to help create health policies and preventative measures that work for commercial drivers.