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Every year, World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 to raise awareness about the condition that is also widely called ‘the silent killer’ globally. This year, the theme is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!’. While hypertension may seem like a complication, it simply means high blood pressure, which occurs when the force of the blood is continuously higher in the arteries.So, what are the causes of hypertension? Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, senior consultant, Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon, Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, explains, "Unhealthy lifestyle habits like high salt intake, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, smoking, kidney disease, or genetic factors can cause a surge in cases of hypertension among the Indian population. Hypertension is referred to...

Feeling lonely or older than your age at 40? According to a study, these negative perceptions about ageing could be early signs of frailty, even in your 40s. Usually associated with older age, frailty is a recognised medical condition, marked by reduced strength, energy, and ability to recover from illness. Pre-frailty is the reversible transition stage that comes before; however, experts say it`s ill-defined and requires more understanding. The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health, showed that it can begin much earlier with subtle psychological and social cues. "Many people assume frailty is something that happens when we get much older," said lead author Tom Brennan from Flinders University`s Caring Futures Institute in Australia. "But our research shows the psycholo...

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about half of the world`s population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 - 400 million infections occurring each year. In India, as per data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), dengue cases have increased from 1.57 lakh in 2019 to 2.33 lakh in 2024. While the monsoon season is popularly believed to exacerbate dengue and lead to a rise in cases, it is a myth that the disease only affects people when it rains. As Mumbai is experiencing intense heat with untimely rains, city-based experts warn that dengue can be prevalent even during summers. On National Dengue Day 2025, which is observed annually in India on May 16, mid-day speaks to Dr Parit...