A prominent Kolkata-based Cardiologist has warned that high blood pressure is a 'silent killer' and if kept unchecked, it can increase the risk of suffering heart attack, brain stroke and even kidney disease.

Dr. Anjan Siotia, Director of Cardiology, BM Birla Heart Research Centre, said: "Hypertension is one of the most common clinical conditions affecting the world population. More people on this planet are suffering from it than any other condition."

Creating awareness about the condition when World Hypertension Day is being observed across the globe on May 17, Siotia said: "It is called a silent killer since it does not cause any symptoms for most of us."

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"The problem with this condition is that it does not cause any symptoms, and it is chronic, so people tend to ignore it," he said.

He said: "Only 12 people out of 100 worldwide will have their BP controlled with the medicines that they take. Others either do not know that they have hypertension or don't take any medicine."

"In some cases, if they take some medicine, then it remains insufficient," he said.

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He said checking blood pressure once a month and taking medicine are necessary steps that should be followed to control the condition.

Is there any proper time to check blood pressure?

Siotia said blood pressure should be checked when a person is relaxing in their home.

"Blood pressure should be checked at home when a person is in a relaxed state. It gives a much better indicator of the condition. If it remains elevated on multiple readings, then a person should take medicine," he said.

"High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, kidney disease and even brain stroke," he warned.

According to the European Society of Cardiology website, the event of observing World Hypertension Day was launched in 2005.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event.