Islamabad: Cardiologists have warned that hypertension is estimated to affect 42 per cent of Pakistani adults, urging regular blood pressure monitoring, timely medical assessment and sustained treatment to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other complications.
The warning was issued at more than 50 free health screening camps held in 19 cities across Pakistan to mark World Heart Day. Organisers said more than 10,000 adults received blood pressure checks, while cholesterol testing was also offered at the camps.
Speaking at the camps, cardiologists said hypertension affects one in three adults worldwide and often presents no obvious symptoms. Persistently elevated and untreated blood pressure, they said, can damage blood vessels, the heart, brain and kidneys over the years.
They stressed the need for regular blood pressure checks at community and primary-care levels, adding that a single elevated reading does not confirm a diagnosis. Repeat measurements and clinical assessment are required, they said.
Health experts identified hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, unhealthy food and physical inactivity as major preventable risk factors behind Pakistan’s growing 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.
National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Associate Professor of Electrophysiology Dr Ghazala Irfan urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles and regularly monitor 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.
Director of the PIMS Cardiac Centre Dr Fazal Aziz Mian stressed the importance of prevention, timely screening and medical care in protecting 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.
PIMS consultant cardiologist and Associate Professor of Cardiology Dr Syed Nasir Ali Shah called for greater public awareness and more physically active lifestyles.
“World Heart Day inspires people to care for their cardiovascular health and live life actively,” he said.
Organisers said 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.
Participants with elevated readings were encouraged to seek medical evaluation and regular follow-up. Cardiologists commended the effort to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring.
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. Other venues included Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi, DHQ Hospital Gujrat and Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore.
Participants were encouraged to reduce salt intake, avoid tobacco, improve dietary habits and remain physically active. They were also advised 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, with leading cardiologists. The study aims to generate local evidence on cardiovascular risks and identify at-risk individuals before they develop heart disease.
Health experts said screening campaigns must be supported by accessible primary-care services, quality medicines and regular follow-up to ensure maximum health benefits, particularly for people at risk of developing hypertension.
