"High blood pressure, if not controlled well is often a 'silent killer', with stroke as well as heart and kidney failure leading to early death. High blood pressure can be caused among other things by an unhealthy life style, lack of exercise, stress and excessive weight-gain".
This was stated by Dr Riaz Qureshi, Professor and Chairman, Department of Family Medicine at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), at a programme to commemorate World Health Day held at Aga Khan University (AKU). He was discussing relevant current issues in his presentation, 'Recent Advances in the Management of Hypertension'.
Dr Qureshi strongly recommended that a brisk walk for half hour, 5 days a week, on an empty stomach or an hour after meals, for control of blood pressure end associated risk factors. Citing recent literature, he said that the selection of the most suitable drug for blood pressure reduction needs to be prescribed on an 'individual' basis for each patient.
Dr Waris Qidwai, Associate Professor and Consultant Family Physician at AKUH said that primary care is essential for the success of any healthcare delivery system. It has been shown that countries with focus on primary care have better health indicators than those who do not. Pakistan, as a country with limited resources, should strengthen this area.
Dr Sameena Shah, Senior Instructor and Consultant Family Physician at AKUH, speaking on "Prevention and Screening in General Practice" said that many developing countries including Pakistan are affected by a double disease burden, that is the combination of long-established infectious diseases, with a rapidly growing new epidemic of chronic, non-communicable diseases. Four out of five chronic disease deaths today are in low and middle-income countries and people here tend to develop diseases at younger ages and suffer longer - often with complications that are preventable. Under the circumstances the general practitioner stands in a key position to bring non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, and respiratory conditions under control through prevention and screening.
Dr Saniyza Sabzwari, Senior Instructor and Consultant Family Physician at AKUH spoke on "Asthma - Optimising Assessment and Outcome", and described asthma as a lung disease whose symptoms show shortness of breath, cough and wheezing (whistling sounds in the chest), though in some people this may be manifested in the form of repeated chest colds. Mentioning the common prevalence of asthma in Pakistan, she informed that it tends to run in families.
Dr Sabzwari advised consultation with a doctor, who would carry out a detailed check-up and prescribe tests to detect asthma. If confirmed, proper and timely use of medicines and no smoking are most important. Patient's understanding of the illness is also very important, as they can play a major role in taking care of their illness. As asthma is generally not curable, patients should continue to see their doctor as advised and avoid cessation of treatment on their own as symptoms may return.
For the benefit of referring physicians and their patients, AKU regularly organises continued medical education seminars and workshops. These programmes are designed to provide a current, practical update on the management of medical problems faced by primary care physicians and specialists.-PR