Cardiologists are emphasising the value of short, manageable physical activities, such as the two-minute walk test, both as preventative measures and as diagnostic tools for early detection of cardiovascular issues |Photograph used for representational purpose only
| Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 3 adults globally — about 1.28 billion people are living with hypertension, with nearly half unaware of it. In India, the burden is steep: over 220 million people live with hypertension, with detection and follow-up rates particularly low among younger adults and in rural populations.
“Even people in their twenties and thirties are now showing signs of early hypertension,” says T.S. Srinath, senior consultant, cardiology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai. “But they don’t get tested until symptoms appear, often too late.” Therefore, doctors are pointing to an underused yet effective pair of tools — two minutes of regular movement, and the two-minute walk test (2MWT).
Published – July 17, 2025 01:29 pm IST