Sazzadur Rahman lives in Mirpur, Dhaka. He is only 35 years old. He had a happy family with his wife and two children and used to work at a private NGO.

But now, he mostly lives a confined life at home. At just 34, he suffered a stroke. One of his hands and one leg became partially paralyzed. He can no longer walk properly. On top of that, he lost his job. Doctors said the stroke was caused by extremely high blood pressure.

Every year, on May 17, World Hypertension Day is observed globally to raise awareness about high blood pressure and promote prevention. This year's theme is: "Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer."

Like many other countries, Bangladesh is also seeing a sharp rise in the number of people suffering from high blood pressure. A large portion of young people are now affected, too. Along with genetic reasons, irregular eating habits, lack of physical activity, and obesity are contributing to this growing health concern. As a result, the risk of other diseases related to high blood pressure is also increasing.

The eighth Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) last studied the issue in 2017–18. The survey found that nearly 40 percent of people aged 35 or older had high blood pressure, up from 26 percent in 2011. Women are more affected than men. At least 45 percent of women aged 35 or older were found to have high blood pressure, compared to 34 percent of men. In 2011, these numbers were 32 percent for women and 19 percent for men.

The survey also predicted that by 2040, the number of people suffering from high blood pressure in Bangladesh could reach nearly 46 million.

Dr. NAM Momenuzzaman, chief cardiology consultant at United Hospital, told Bonik Barta, "There's no single known cause of hypertension. For many people, it's hereditary. But when blood pressure crosses a certain level, it increases the risk of long-term health issues like heart attacks. Over time, it can also lead to other serious problems like kidney failure or stroke. That's why if someone has high blood pressure, it must be controlled with medication. A balanced diet is also very important."

Experts recommend starting treatment for high blood pressure at an early stage.

Dr. ATM Hasibul Hasan, assistant professor at the National Institute of Neurosciences, told Bonik Barta, "High blood pressure can lead to brain strokes and kidney diseases. These patients are also at greater risk for heart problems and other illnesses. The main cause of high blood pressure at a young age is genetics. For some, it's also due to hormonal factors. Our eating habits play a major role. We consume a lot of rich food that's high in salt. The spices we use also contribute to rising blood pressure. So controlling our diet is crucial. Many don't engage in physical activity, which increases the risk."

Research in Health Service and Regions conducted a separate study that found that in 2011, about 38.7 percent of people suffering from high blood pressure in urban areas were young adults. By 2017–18, that number had increased by 22.6 percent.

The situation is even more alarming in rural areas. In 2011, 36 percent of rural high blood pressure patients were young. By 2017–18, that figure had jumped to 64 percent.

Dr. Major (Retd.) Deen Mohammad Anwarul Kabir, a cardiac surgeon at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, told Bonik Barta,

"Due to urbanization, we now have fewer places to walk. To save time, people rely more on vehicles. As a result, physical activity has significantly decreased. This is why the risk of high blood pressure is steadily increasing among today's youth. A disciplined lifestyle is essential to keep this condition under control."