Chronic illnesses rising without symptoms: Apollo Hospitals study

Screenings of 2.5 million individuals across Apollo’s nationwide hospital network system showed 26 per cent of the surveyed had high blood pressure

A new report by Apollo Hospitals reveals that millions of Indians are living with undiagnosed chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Screenings of 2.5 million individuals across Apollo’s nationwide hospital network system showed 26 per cent of the surveyed had high blood pressure and 23 per cent were diabetic — despite showing no symptoms — highlighting that healthcare systems are failing to detect major risks in time.

Fatty liver disease, once primarily associated with alcohol use, has now emerged as a leading metabolic red flag. Among over 2,57,000 individuals screened, 85 per cent of those diagnosed with fatty liver had no history of alcohol use. Alarmingly, more than half of them also showed normal blood tests, raising concerns that conventional diagnostics are missing early warning signs, according to the fifth edition of the Health of the Nation 2025 report by Apollo Hospitals.

The report also painted a troubling picture of women’s health post-menopause. Diabetes rates among women surge from 14 per cent before menopause to 40 per cent after, while obesity increases from 76 per cent to 86 per cent. Fatty liver prevalence also jumps significantly, underlining the urgent need for targeted, age- and gender-specific interventions.

Childhood obesity is also rising fast — 8 per cent of primary school children are already overweight or obese, which increases to 28 per cent among college students. Additionally, 19 per cent of the college-aged youth show signs of pre-hypertension, suggesting lifestyle diseases are now taking root in early life.

“Preventive healthcare is no longer the future—it’s the present,” said Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals. “We must integrate screenings into everyday life — from schools and offices to family routines.”

Nutritional deficiencies continue to erode health silently. Vitamin D deficiency was found in nearly 80 per cent of those screened, while anemia affected 45 per cent of women. Among adults under 40, nearly 49 per cent of men and 35 per cent of women showed signs of vitamin B12 deficiency — posing long-term risks to energy, cognition and metabolism.

Mental health issues are also rising. Depression symptoms were reported in 7 per cent of women and 5 per cent of men, especially in those aged 40–55. One in four people screened were at high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, with risk sharply higher after 55.

Hypertension remains underdiagnosed. Of 4,50,000 screened, over 25 per cent had high BP, many unknowingly. The report recommends routine BP monitoring nationwide.

Perhaps most concerning, early signs of heart disease are going undetected in asymptomatic individuals. Advanced scans revealed coronary calcium deposits in 46 per cent of those tested, with 25 per cent already having obstructive coronary artery disease. Even among those under 40, 2.5 per cent had calcium buildup — suggesting that cardiovascular risk is beginning earlier than expected.

Compiled from AI-powered analysis of de-identified electronic medical records, structured screenings, and risk stratification across Apollo’s national network, the ‘Health of the Nation 2025’ report calls for a paradigm shift — from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.

Published on April 7, 2025