Have you ever had a headache, nosebleed or suddenly become anxious doing something you’ve done a million times before? Or has recovery from illness begun to feel more tiring, more prolonged than you remember? Sure, we have the usual suspect to blame for it—lifestyle. But is it possible that climate change is a hidden accomplice? There is growing evidence to point out that hotter summers, colder winters and a monsoon that makes you wonder if it is time to build an ark do worsen existing health conditions.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Dorairaj Prabhakaran, who is a cardiologist and the executive director at the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, as we focus on the impact of anomalistic weather on India’s leading non-communicable disease—hypertension or high blood pressure. According to the World Health Organization ‘Global Report on Hypertension’ 2023, an estimated 188.3 million Indians are living with hypertension—that’s more than the population of the UK and France combined. The same report found that less than 40% of people get diagnosed with this condition.

Tune in to hear Dr Prabhakaran explain the value of optimal blood pressure, key symptoms, common diagnostic mistakes, and how temperature can influence your heart, circulation, and well-being.

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh