7.37% of School Students in Delhi Suffering from Hypertension, Study Finds
A recent health study has raised concerns over the rising cases of hypertension among adolescents in Delhi schools. The report, conducted across 3,888 government and private schools, revealed that 7.37% of teenagers are already showing symptoms of high blood pressure, often due to unhealthy lifestyles.
Excessive consumption of junk food, physical inactivity, obesity, and prolonged screen time are cited as the primary reasons for the rise in hypertension, pre-hypertension, obesity, and cholesterol among school-going children.
Key Findings at a Glance
- Pre-Hypertension: 7.44% of students
- Hypertension: 7.37% of students
- Overweight: 15.66% (Private), 7.63% (Govt.)
- Obesity: 13.41% (Private), 4.48% (Govt.)
- Underweight: 8.09% (Private), 4.95% (Govt.)
- Waist Obesity: 16.77% overall
- Dislipidemia (cholesterol imbalance): 33.73% (Govt.), 31.22% (Private)
Comparison Between Government and Private Schools
The study also revealed differences in health parameters based on school type:
|
Health Metric |
Govt. Schools |
Private Schools |
|
High Cholesterol |
4.41% |
5.90% |
|
Borderline Cholesterol |
15.11% |
21.07% |
|
Triglycerides High |
7.97% |
9.28% |
|
Blood Sugar >100 mg/dl |
15.02% |
9.04% |
|
Dislipidemia |
33.73% |
31.22% |
Experts Warn of Long-Term Risk
Doctors warned that these early signs of cardiovascular disease at the school level could become chronic in adulthood if left unchecked. Children with pre-hypertension are at a higher risk of developing full-blown hypertension by their early twenties.
The research team emphasized the need for lifestyle intervention, including balanced nutrition, daily physical activity, reduced screen time, and regular health checkups. Health officials have recommended integrating fitness and dietary education into school curriculums across Delhi.
