Islamabad: Cardiologists have warned that hypertension is estimated to affect 42 percent of adults in Pakistan, calling for routine blood pressure monitoring, early medical assessment and timely treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.
The warning was issued during more than 50 free health screening camps arranged in 19 cities across the country to mark World Heart Day. Organisers said over 10,000 adults had their blood pressure checked at the camps, while cholesterol testing was also offered.
Speaking at the screening sites, cardiologists said high blood pressure affects one in every three adults globally and may not produce clear symptoms. They said persistently raised and untreated blood pressure can, over time, damage blood vessels, the heart, brain and kidneys.
The experts underlined the need for regular screening at community and primary healthcare levels. They said a single high reading does not confirm hypertension, as diagnosis requires repeated measurements and clinical evaluation.
Participants whose readings were found to be elevated were advised to seek medical assessment and maintain regular follow-up.
Health experts identified hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity as major preventable risk factors contributing to Pakistan’s rising burden of cardiovascular disease.
“High blood pressure and cholesterol can be detected before they cause a heart attack or stroke, but people need to get checked and continue treatment if it is prescribed,” cardiologists said.
Dr Ghazala Irfan, Associate Professor of Electrophysiology at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), urged citizens to adopt healthier habits and keep track of their cardiovascular risk factors.
“Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day. Give it a reason to keep going strong. Eat smart, move more, check your numbers, and manage stress. This World Heart Day, protect the rhythm that keeps your world turning,” she said.
Dr Fazal Aziz Mian, Director of the PIMS Cardiac Centre, said prevention, timely screening and medical care were essential to protect people from cardiovascular disease.
“Your heart is at the center of your life. Take care of it, protect it, and encourage others to do the same,” he said.
Dr Syed Nasir Ali Shah, PIMS consultant cardiologist and Associate Professor of Cardiology, called for stronger public awareness and more physically active lifestyles.
“World Heart Day inspires people to care for their cardiovascular health and live life actively,” he said.
According to the organisers, Getz Pharma arranged more than 50 free health screening camps in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, Abbottabad, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Quetta, Hyderabad and Nawabshah.
Participating institutions included the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi, Jinnah Hospital and Shalimar Hospital in Lahore, Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Nishtar Hospital Multan and Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan.
Ayub Medical Complex Abbottabad, Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi, Khyber Teaching Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar, and DHQ Hospital Gujranwala were also among the participating institutions.
Awareness walks and educational sessions were held at Mayo Hospital Lahore, Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology and Kazi Hussain Ahmed Hospital Nowshera. Similar activities also took place at Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi, DHQ Hospital Gujrat and Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore.
Participants were advised to reduce salt intake, avoid tobacco, improve dietary habits and remain physically active. They were also encouraged to have their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checked regularly.
Getz Pharma has launched the PREACH initiative, short for PREvention, mAnagement, and Control of Hypertension, to promote national hypertension guidelines at the primary healthcare level. The initiative is building the capacity of more than 450 general practitioners across the country to detect and manage high blood pressure.
The company is also conducting the PAK-SEHAT study, or Pakistan Study of Premature Coronary Atherosclerosis in Young Adults, in collaboration with leading cardiologists. The study aims to develop local evidence on cardiovascular risks and identify at-risk individuals before they develop heart disease.
Health experts said screening campaigns must be backed by accessible primary-care services, quality medicines and regular follow-up to achieve the greatest health benefit, particularly for people at risk of hypertension.
