Mysuru Health Screening Uncovers Hypertension in 7% of Schoolchildren
District health authorities in Mysuru have made a concerning discovery. They found that approximately 7% of schoolchildren from Class 1 to 12 are suffering from hypertension. This finding emerged from a comprehensive screening program conducted under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram for the 2025-26 period.
Widespread Screening Reveals Statewide Problem
The screening effort was extensive. A mobile health team, consisting of two doctors, a pharmacist, and one nurse, worked alongside local anganwadi activists, government school teachers, and accredited social health activists. Together, they screened a massive 46.3 lakh children, adolescents, and adults across the state between April and November 2025.
This large-scale operation took place in anganwadi centres and schools within each primary health centre's limits. Statewide, the screening detected 5.7 lakh children suffering from hypertension. In Mysuru district alone, the number reached 28,466 affected children.
Boys More Affected, Lifestyle Factors Cited
The data showed a clear gender disparity. Boys were more affected by hypertension than girls, according to the screening results. Health experts quickly identified the likely causes. They pointed to increased consumption of salt, sugar, and ultra-processed foods as primary factors.
A sedentary lifestyle among children also contributes significantly to the problem. Officials noted that excessive use of mobile phones, stress, and family history further increase hypertension risks in children aged from 6 months to 18 years.
A Silent Killer Emerging in Young Populations
Dr. Chandrashekhar, medical officer at the Sosale Community Health Centre in T Narasipura taluk, highlighted a worrying shift. High blood pressure was traditionally found among people aged 50 to 60 years. Now, it is increasingly detected in children, adolescents, and young adults.
District Health Officer Dr. PC Kumaraswamy emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He confirmed that about 7% of children screened by the RBSK team in Mysuru district showed hypertension. "Hypertension is considered a silent killer," he told TOI. "It is one of the major causes of non-communicable disease growing as an epidemic."
Immediate Response and Awareness Campaigns
The state health department is not taking these findings lightly. They have arranged immediate treatment and prescribed medicines at the nearest primary health centres for diagnosed children. Lifestyle change suggestions form a crucial part of the intervention strategy.
Authorities have issued clear directions to the department of education and literacy. They must raise awareness among school-going children about several key areas:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Avoiding consumption of junk food
- Encouraging good food habits
- Promoting regular exercise
- Implementing other mitigating factors
Even though hypertension might not seem like an immediate serious health problem, officials stress there is urgent need for public awareness. They want to stop encouraging children to consume junk food, as it leads to severe health consequences later in life. These include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and various bodily dysfunctions.
Follow-up care and additional awareness measures are currently being planned by district health authorities. Their collaboration with the school education and literacy department continues as they address this emerging health challenge among Karnataka's youngest residents.
