Media Workshop on World Hypertension Day

Every second Pakistani above fifty years is hypertensive

KARACHI:  Pakistan is facing a rampant situation regarding hypertension, as according to the estimation of World Health Organization (WHO), 50 percent of the population over the age of 50 is hypertensive. Moreover, The National Health Survey of Pakistan conducted by Pakistan Medical Research Council reveals that only 3% of the hypertensive population in Pakistan has their blood pressure adequately controlled.

Considering the deteriorating situation regarding this highly prevalent disease, healthcare experts addressed a media workshop. The workshop was organized by Macter in wake of World Hypertension Day in order to create awareness among the masses regarding hypertension which is a silent killer, and is responsible for more than 7 million deaths every year, world-wide.

Prof Dr Ejaz Vohra, speaking at the occasion, stated that there is a strong correlation between obesity and hypertension. He informed that hypertension is a silent killer, as usually it does not cause any symptom. Dr Vohra said that uncontrolled hypertension may lead to cardiac problems, kidney failure, stroke and impairment of vision.

He further informed that by avoiding smoking and tobacco consumption, regular exercise, weight control, healthy diet and less consumption of fats; risk of hypertension could be reduced. Dr Vohra informed the media persons that prevalence of hypertension in Pakistan is quite high, and it is our responsibility to curb this menace. He advised that prevention is better than cure, and we should shift our focus towards prevention.

Dr Vohra was of the view that despite Pakistan being a developing country, it has a considerable proportion of obese population. Sharing the findings of a national health survey, he stated that a quarter of the population of Pakistan may be classified as overweight or obese according to the Indo-Asian-specific Body Mass Index (BMI) values.

Weight reduction, use of diet low in sodium and high in potassium with fruits and vegetables, physical activity and dietary salt restriction; he informed; may lead to significant reduction in blood pressure. He suggested that the preventive measures that may reduce the prevalence of obesity in the country are the most cost-effective method to control various diseases including hypertension. Dr Vohra advised that the prescribed lifestyle measures should be vigorously advocated and public awareness through print and electronic media should be a national priority.

Speakers were of the view that hypertension is a major risk factor for a number of diseases and incidence of stroke and heart & kidney diseases could be drastically reduced by controlling blood pressure.

Dr Zakiuddin Ahmed, Medical Director –Macter, who also spoke at the occasion, shared details of various initiatives intended to improve the existing healthcare scenario and provide ultimate benefit to the patients.