11 Silent Health Risks Common in South Asian Genetics

5. Hypertension That Hides Early — What You Need to Know

High blood pressure sometimes develops quietly and can be “masked” at clinic visits, showing up only on home checks. Salt-heavy meals, frequent pickles, and rich festival foods can push blood pressure higher over time. For South Asian families, home monitoring is helpful: a reliable home blood-pressure monitor and a log give a clearer picture than a single reading. The World Health Organization and other bodies emphasize regular monitoring because high blood pressure is a major driver of heart attacks and strokes. Reducing added salt, choosing lower-sodium packaged foods, and increasing potassium-rich choices like spinach and lentils help. If lifestyle steps aren’t enough, medicine is effective and safe; discuss thresholds with your doctor, especially if there’s a family history of stroke or heart disease before age 60.