Changes in lifestyle urged to keep hypertension at bay

Rawalpindi
Let’s pledge to beat hypertension by changing our lifestyle and avoiding oily and spicy food.
This was stated by experts while addressing an awareness seminar held at the Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) here on Tuesday.
The theme of World Hypertension Day was ‘Know your Numbers’.
Doctors, medical students and Senior Executive PharmaEVO Shoaib Butt attended the seminar. The event was organised by the Department of Cardiology, BBH, Rawalpindi, with the cooperation of PharmaEVO.
BBH Medical Superintendent Dr. Asif Qadir Mir, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that public awareness is vital to sensitise masses about the hazardous effects of hypertension. He appreciated the efforts of BBH Cardiology Department for arranging the event to educate people and involve health professionals for a noble cause.
Professor Dr. Syed Fayyaz Ahmed Shah said that diabetic patients had 60 per cent chances of hypertension and above 50 years persons should regularly monitor their blood pressure. If they have any abnormality, they must consult physicians and use prescribed medicines.
He stressed on the intake of fruits and vegetables and advised people to avoid fatty foods and smoking.
BBH Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Raja Mehdi Hassan, in his address quoting a study, said that 26 per cent population in Pakistan is suffering from hypertension while 58 per cent people have never ever checked their blood pressure.
Professor Dr. Rai Muhammad Asgher said that prevention is better than cure and by changing our eating habits we can save our life from multiple diseases.
Earlier, a walk was held at the BBH which was participated by doctors, nursing staff and paramedics. Free blood pressure check-up camps were also organised on the occasion.