Nepal records 4.7 million hypertension patients

Kathmandu, May 17 (RSS): It is estimated that 4.7 million people have been found suffering from hypertension in Nepal.    

At an interaction organised by the Department of Health Services on the occasion of World Hypertension Day here today, Director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Dr Chuman Lal Das said that 4.7 million people have hypertension problems in the country.    

He shared that of them, one million people have known about their condition and 400,000 have been taking medicine. Out of 400,000 hypertension patients, who have been taking medicine, only 200,000 have their blood pressure under control, added Dr Das.    

He further said that the ministry has been making preparation to allocate the budget putting the non-communicable disease a priority.    

People might die untimely from different problems including brain haemorrhage, heart attack, and kidney, and liver problems due to high blood pressure.    

Likewise, the chief specialist of the Ministry, Dr Shyam Sundar Yadav stressed the need of reducing the amount of salt and sugar consumption to avoid high blood pressure.    

Department director-general Dr Dipendra Raman Singh underlined the need of increasing public awareness about hypertension along with arrangements for medical care.    

As he said, health posts, primary health centres and hospitals ensure special services for hypertension. Regular measurement of blood pressure level and intake of medicine contribute to controlling the condition.    

Senior cardiologist Dr Om Murti Anil shared his experiences that 10 per cent of the people aged 15-24 are diagnosed with hypertension while this size is 50 per cent among the population above 40. According to him, working youths in the Kathmandu Valley are vulnerable to the problem.    

Not only the consumption of food containing much salt but also the intake of high sugar foods and high-fat diets elevate the level of blood pressure. “Fifty per cent of the people with high blood pressure are normally unaware of their condition and curriculum about it and cardiovascular (heart) diseases should be incorporated right from the school level,” he suggested.    

World Hypertension Day is observed on March 17 every year and the Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the issue and promoting its prevention. The Day for 2022 was marked with the theme of “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer".