GUWAHATI, May 17 - On the occasion of World Hypertension Day (WHD) today, GNRC Hospitals highlighted the significance of adopting preventive measures for reducing the risk of hypertension among individuals.
The theme for World Hypertension Day being �Know Your Numbers�, Dr Prabir K Gupta, consultant cardiologist, GNRC Hospitals, while speaking at a programme held in the hospital premises, urged the citizens to consistently monitor body weight, blood pressure and be responsible towards one�s health. He said that the purpose of the day was to promote public awareness of hypertension (high blood pressure) and to encourage citizens of the North East to prevent and control the silent killer, which has emerged as a global menace today.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Krishna Ch Narzary said that in the current digital era, fast-paced life and stressful workplaces have resulted in rapid spread of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart-related problems.
�Hypertension may also cause stroke, vision problems, dementia and kidney problems or failure, if ignored. It is necessary for everyone to be aware of one�s health numbers, adopt healthy lifestyles and take up regular health check-ups. Lifestyle modification, like consumption of healthy diet and exercising regularly must become a daily routine in order to stay fit and healthy. Further, alcohol consumption must be reduced and smokers must show determination to quit,� Dr Narzary said.
Highlighting statistics related to hypertension, Dr Biplab Paul pointed out that hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature deaths in the developing countries. �Due to high blood pressure, ten million lives are lost each year needlessly. The saddening fact is that only half of people (i.e., 50 per cent) with high blood pressure are aware that they have high blood pressure (hypertension),� he said.
Globally, 29.2 per cent of men and 24.8 per cent of women are suffering from hypertension. In India, hypertension is estimated to account for 10.8 per cent of all the deaths and 4.6 per cent of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). A recent study also pegged the prevalence of hypertension in the age group 18-25 years to be at 12.1 per cent, which is a worrying sign for a young nation like India. Dr Habibar Rahman and Dr. Jayanta Gogoi also spoke.
At Down Town Hospital: On the occasion of World Hypertension Day today, city-based Down Town Hospital conducted a blood pressure awareness camp on its premises. Around 1,500 people attended the camp.
The event was organised as part of the endeavour to create general awareness about the menace and health-related issues arising from elevated blood pressure.
