Surgeon recalls case of 32-year-old with hypertension who refused blood pressure medicine, ended up with stroke: ‘He believed he had time’

Surgeon recalls case of 32-year-old with hypertension who refused blood pressure medicine, ended up with stroke: ‘He believed he had time’

Most people ignore blood pressure issues until they become life-threatening, said gallbladder surgeon Dr Ismail Khan, recalling a man’s case who thought he was “too young for blood pressure medicines”. “He was 32. Gym-going. Working late, partying on weekends, healthy enough to skip medicines. He had hypertension for 2 years, but he told everyone the same line: ‘I don’t want to start BP tablets, I’ll get dependent on them.’ And like most young men, he believed he had time. Last month, he walked into our emergency with the worst headache of his life. A headache so severe he couldn’t even open his eyes,” Dr Khan wrote in an Instagram post.

“He kept saying, ‘Doctor, bas kuch de do (give me something). I think it’s just migraine or stress.’ Except his blood pressure was 210/130,” added Dr Khan.

The doctor continued, “Before we could stabilise him, he suddenly stopped responding on one side. His speech blurred. His body went limp. A massive hypertensive bleed. A stroke that doesn’t ask your age. A stroke that doesn’t wait for permission. We shifted him for an emergency CT and neurosurgery review, but the damage was already done. Some survive with paralysis. Some never wake up again. And the cruellest part? It was preventable. Completely, easily, absolutely preventable.”

The expert concluded by saying, “The truth young people ignore: BP medication doesn’t make you ‘dependent.’ It protects your brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes. The only thing you get ‘used to’ is living. Safely. Skipping BP tablets doesn’t make you strong. It makes your arteries weak. And once a blood vessel in the brain bursts, no one can turn time back.”

Signs you should never ignore

If you have hypertension (even borderline) and notice:

*the worst headache of your life
*sudden weakness or numbness
*slurred speech
*imbalance
*vomiting + headache
*blurred vision
*confusion
*very high BP after stress or exertion

Treat it as a medical emergency, said Dr Khan, stressing: “Hypertension is silent until it explodes. Don’t wait for the explosion.”

Why are strokes at 32 becoming more common?

Dr Aniruddha Vasant More, consultant neurologist, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, told indianexpress.com that lung and heart health aren’t the only things affected by modern lifestyles. “Long work hours, excessive gym sessions, weekend drinking, poor sleep, and constant stress can raise blood pressure without obvious symptoms. Many young people believe they are fit, so they skip medications, thinking they don’t need them. However, high blood pressure gradually stiffens blood vessels. A sudden spike, whether from stress, alcohol, or even a workout, can lead to a blood vessel in the brain bursting,” said Dr More.

What went wrong in this case?

The young man had high blood pressure for two years but avoided medication because he feared dependency. Stating that belief is common but entirely wrong, Dr More said: “Blood pressure medication doesn’t trap anyone; it protects essential organs. When his pressure suddenly soared to 210/130, a blood vessel in his brain couldn’t handle the pressure, leading to a significant bleed. By the time scans were taken, the injury was already severe.”

What signs should people never ignore?

Any of these symptoms requires immediate help: the worst headache you’ve ever had, weakness or numbness on one side, slurred speech, loss of balance, nausea with a severe headache, blurred vision, or very high blood pressure after exertion, said Dr More. These are often the first and only warning signs before a stroke occurs.

What should young people with blood pressure issues note?

Blood pressure tablets don’t create dependency; they keep you alive, urged Dr More.”They protect the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes. Skipping them doesn’t build strength; it weakens arteries. Consistent medication, regular check-ups, stress management, and good sleep patterns help keep blood pressure stable and prevent emergencies,” said Dr More.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.