High blood pressure, or hypertension, was once thought to be a health issue that only affected older people. But now, an increasing number of young Indians — even those in their 20s and 30s — are being diagnosed with it. Many assume their rising blood pressure is due to stress, caffeine, or lack of sleep. However, in several cases, doctors are finding that the real reason is hormonal, not lifestyle-related.
According to Dr Sweta Budyal, Senior Consultant in Diabetology and Endocrinology at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, a hidden condition called Primary Aldosteronism (PA) is becoming a key cause of hypertension in younger adults. “We are noticing more young patients whose blood pressure does not respond to standard medicines. In many of these cases, the underlying reason is excessive production of aldosterone,” she explains.
Primary Aldosteronism happens when the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, produce too much of the hormone aldosterone. This hormone helps the body maintain the right balance of sodium and potassium, which affects blood pressure control. When aldosterone levels rise too high, the body retains sodium and loses potassium. This leads to water retention and increased blood pressure that is often resistant to regular treatment.
Global studies show that 5–10% of all hypertension cases and up to 20% of difficult-to-treat cases are caused by this hormonal disorder. Yet, most people have never even heard of it, making it one of the most underdiagnosed causes of high blood pressure.
Young Indians today lead fast-paced lives filled with stress, irregular sleep, and unhealthy eating habits. While these can trigger hypertension, doctors say that if high blood pressure appears before age 40 — or doesn’t improve despite taking multiple medicines — a hormonal cause like Primary Aldosteronism should be investigated.
“Identifying Primary Aldosteronism early can completely change the patient’s treatment plan,” says Dr Budyal. “It not only helps control blood pressure but also prevents serious complications affecting the heart, brain, and kidneys.”
When aldosterone levels remain unchecked, the hormone can cause long-term damage. It stiffens the blood vessels, weakens the heart muscle, and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, irregular heart rhythms, and kidney failure. The condition often progresses silently — many young people ignore early symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, or frequent urination — believing their hypertension medicines are enough. This delay can make treatment harder later.
Fortunately, the good news is that Primary Aldosteronism is treatable and even curable in many cases. Diagnosis involves simple blood and urine tests that measure aldosterone and renin levels. If an imbalance is detected, imaging tests like a CT scan can determine whether one or both adrenal glands are involved.
“For many patients, drugs that block aldosterone production work extremely well,” says Dr Budyal. “If the problem is caused by a small benign tumour in the adrenal gland, minimally invasive surgery can remove it entirely — often curing the patient and restoring normal blood pressure without lifelong medication.”
Experts recommend hormonal testing for anyone showing unusual signs of hypertension, especially if they:
Develop high blood pressure before turning 40
Need two or more medicines to control their BP
Have a family history of early hypertension or stroke
Show low potassium levels or muscle weakness without a clear cause
ALSO READ: Tech glitch cripples Delhi airport operations, hundreds of flights face major delays
ALSO READ: BJP still needs Nitish Kumar despite differences in Bihar politics
Dr Budyal emphasizes that screening for hormonal causes of hypertension should become a routine step, not a last resort. “Testing is simple, accessible, and life-changing. It can prevent years of silent organ damage,” she says.
The condition is particularly relevant for urban Indians, whose sedentary lifestyles, high-salt diets, and stress already increase their risk for hypertension. Yet, unlike lifestyle-driven hypertension, Primary Aldosteronism can often be reversed with proper treatment.
Early detection can save lives and restore normal health. It also changes the narrative around young people and hypertension — proving that not every case of high blood pressure comes from bad habits or stress. Sometimes, it’s your hormones sending a warning signal that shouldn’t be ignored.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash