Like other parts of the globe, "World Hypertension Day" is being observed here on May 17 (today) with a resolve to continue efforts for creation of healthy society by raising awareness among public about the preventable diseases.
This year's theme:"Know Your Numbers and Target Your Blood Pressure" also focus on persuading the people to know your blood pressure levels and continue efforts for maintaining it by following healthy lifestyle. It may be noted that this day was designated and initiated by the World Hypertension League that is itself an umbrella to organisations of 85 national hypertension societies and leagues. This day was, especially important because of the lack of appropriate knowledge among hyper patients.
To mark the day, different health organisations and NGOs have planned a series of functions, including awareness seminars, walks, medical camps and other scientific sessions to raise awareness among public about the disease. Health professionals told Business Recorder that most alarming fact is that many people particularly women have high blood pressure for years, but they do not treat it. "When high blood pressure goes untreated, it damages arteries and vital organs throughout the body. Blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, which constitute the major causes of death," they added.
According to them, epidemiological data provide strong evidence that hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. In developing countries like Pakistan, the magnitude of the problem of uncontrolled hypertension is even greater. The National Health Survey of Pakistan reported that 21.5 percent of the urban population over 15 years (one in every three persons the over age of 45) suffers from hypertension and only less than three percent of the hyper persons had their blood pressure (BP) controlled.
They further said that in Pakistan too much salt is used in practically all types of foods, be it bread, "nan", curry, chutney or pickle etc. In fact all foods are saturated with sodium chloride. Excessive salt intake is one of the important factors in precipitating and aggravating hypertension. There is no law or campaign to restrict the quantity of salt in edibles, they added.
They further said that renal infections occur particularly amongst the ladies, due to unplanned pregnancies with poor or non-available ante-natal care, which are either not treated or poorly managed resulting in chronic infections, leading to hypertension. Many diabetics and patients suffering from metabolic syndrome are not managed properly and thus they develop hypertension and its complications, they added. Life style therapy including dietetic measures, exercise and weight control etc need to be given proper emphasis even at school levels, they added.
To a query, they said accurate data regarding total number of hypertension patients is not available, but it can be said without any doubt that the situation is alarming as every third person above 40 years of age is becoming increasingly vulnerable to a wide range of diseases, including myocardial infarction, strokes, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and renal failure.
When asked about etiological factors involved in primary hypertension, they said these included genetic factors, besides intrauterine influences and environmental factors. Regarding genetic factors, they said 40 percent of people were believed to be vulnerable to the disease due to genetic factors. Specific genes were yet to be identified, they added.
About intrauterine influences, they said low birth weight increased the risk of metabolic syndrome. Additional factors are: obesity, physical inactivity, high salt and alcohol consumption and stress. Regarding the causes of secondary hypertension, they said renal diseases, such as polycystic disease, renovascular disease and renal parenchymal disease were responsible for the disease. They expressed concern over rise in the number of heart patients in the country and advised people to carry out daily exercise, use fresh fruits and vegetables and control blood pressure and weight. They said life is a blessing and it could be enjoyed by adopting healthy lifestyle, which is a must to avoid diseases.