In Pakistan, more than 18% of teenagers suffer from high blood pressure, and about 46% of adults over the age of 18 years. The main causes of high blood pressure in young people include sedentary lifestyle, consumption of junk and processed food, lack of exercise, use of tobacco and online games.
On the other hand, about 46% of people over the age of 18 suffer from high blood pressure. In Pakistan, young and relatively young people are victims of heart attacks and strokes due to complications of high blood pressure.
Loss of vision and kidney failure have increased alarmingly as a result of high blood pressure. About 450,000 dialysis machines are needed in Pakistan because of kidney failure caused by high blood pressure.
This issue was expressed at a press conference held at a local hotel on the hypertension project launched by health experts associated with five medical societies of Pakistan.
According to the Open Hypertension Project, a project of a local pharmaceutical company, blood pressure testing facilities will be provided in 500 locations in Pakistan, and 1 million people will have their blood pressure checked every year in Pakistan. More than 1 million people with high blood pressure will be provided with blood pressure medication and monitoring equipment at 100 clinics in Pakistan.
In a press conference, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine Secretary General Dr. Somia Iqtidar said that about 32.5 million adults in Pakistan suffer from high blood pressure. Unfortunately, millions of people don’t know they have high blood pressure, and only 11% of people who know they have high blood pressure successfully manage the condition through medication and a better lifestyle.
Dr. Somia Iktidar said that salt consumption in Pakistan is the highest in the world. In Pakistan, processed foods and soft drinks also contain sodium, which increases blood pressure. He said, high blood pressure can be controlled by avoiding processed food, exercising daily and stopping smoking.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke in Pakistan, killing four million people every year, said Prof Muhammad Waseem, president of Popular Neurology and Neurology Awareness and Research Foundation.
Harun Qasim, Managing Director of Pharma, said his organization strives to build a healthy society in Pakistan, spread disease awareness, prevent non-communicable diseases and monitor long-term workers.
President of Hypertension League of Pakistan and renowned cardiologist Professor Nawaz Lashari, Secretary General of Pakistan Heart Society Professor Fouad Farooq, famous actress and brand ambassador of Open Hypertension Project Aamina Sheikh and Chairman of Lifestyle Association of Pakistan Medical Dr. Shagufta Feroz also addressed the meeting.
Avoid going outside on the hottest days, and avoid vigorous activity and exercise to prevent heat stroke.
Direct exposure to sunlight should be minimized and drinking plenty of water can also reduce the risk of heat stroke. Also, try to stay in the shade when you go out.
Healthy people should avoid caffeinated drinks, sweets, or tea, as they can increase dehydration.
In hot weather, eating salty foods and using an umbrella, covering the head, wearing light-colored clothing, and bathing can also help.
