The cases of hypertension in the state rose by about 25 per cent in 2018, according to the data collected by the health department. With more than 50 per cent cases, women have been affected the most. Lifestyle imbalance and stress are to be blamed for the rise in cases.

According to Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Maharashtra reported a total of 2,06,936 cases of hypertension in 2017, which increased to 2,59,408 in 2018. Of the 2,59,408 cases, 1,32,205 were reported by women.