‘Half of Pakistani population suffering from high blood pressure’

Islamabad : Health expert on Sunday has strongly advised the public to have timely awareness, precautions and adoption of the healthy lifestyle thus to save them suffering from rising number of ‘Hypertension’ cases.

In an interview renowned Cardiologist Major Gen. (r) Dr. Azhar Mahmood Kayani warned that hypertension is a silent killer and it is causing premature deaths worldwide.

He said more than half of Pakistani population including adults are suffering from high blood pressure issue which is causing many dangerous and life threatening diseases in the human body.

"Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure issue, and is often referred to as the ''silent killer'' because there are rarely visible symptoms warning you that your blood pressure is going to be high.

He said high blood pressure has become common issue nowadays which is caused due to intake of unhealthy foods.

Dr Kiyani said the high blood pressure causes brain haemorrhage, diabetes and kidney diseases especially for women, high blood pressure during pregnancy can be dangerous.

Heart attacks and strokes are most common emergencies related to hypertension and can be life threatening, he added. He said it is important for everyone to know what is high BP level and upon crossing the level how to treat it in emergencies.

"Hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and premature death, he added.

"Exercise is one of the best things which can lower high blood pressure", he stressed, adding, walking just 30 minutes a day can help lower your blood pressure.

He further recommended that people should try to avoid excessive use of salt in food and unnecessary stressful situations.