GUWAHATI: On the occasion of World Hypertension Day (WHD), 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 Cardiology, GNRC Hospitals urged citizens to consistently monitor the body weight, blood pressure and be responsible towards one’s health. He highlighted that the purpose of the day is to promote public awareness of hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and to encourage citizens of North East Region to prevent and control this silent killer, which has emerged as a global epidemic on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Krishna Ch Narzary, said: “In the current digital era, fast-paced life and stressful workplaces have resulted in the 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 a healthy lifestyle and take up regular health check. Lifestyle modification, like consumption of a 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.”
Highlighting statistics related to hypertension, Dr Biplab Paul, pointed out that hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature deaths in developing countries. Due to high blood pressure, 10 million lives are lost each year needlessly. Saddening fact is that only half of people (i.e. 50%) with high blood pressure are aware that they have High Blood pressure (Hypertension). 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 percent of all the deaths and 4.6% 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. The need to create awareness about hypertension and the measures to be taken is quite high in the country,” he asserted.
Speaking about GNRC’s initiatives on the occasion, Dr Habibar Rahman, highlighted that GNRC will support the May Measurement Month (MMM), which is a global awareness campaign led by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH). As a conscientious healthcare service provider, we will be organising camps in and around the city where individuals can get themselves tested and take necessary actions based on results.
“We have released educational leaflets to create awareness among individuals regarding hypertension, wherein the statistics, symptoms and preventive measures to be taken to reduce the risk of the epidemic have been highlighted.”
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