World Hyperten-sion Day was observed across the country like many other parts of the world on Tuesday. According to an estimate, over one billion people are suffering from hypertension across the world. In Pakistan one person out of ten is patient of hypertension. Around 8.7 million males and 8.5 million females are suffering from hypertension, which is also commonly known as high blood pressure.
According to physicians, lack of physical activity, mental pressure, obesity, excessive intake of spicy food, smoking and consumption of alcohol are the major reasons for hypertension. The doctors suggested that healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, proper exercise and less use of salt could save people from the dangers of hypertension. An umbrella organisation of 85 hypertension societies and leagues, initiated the event with the aim to raise awareness about precautionary measures and treatment to avoid dangers related to hypertension.
Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated. Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Most of the time, there are no symptoms, but when high blood pressure goes untreated, it damages arteries and vital organs throughout the body. That's why high blood pressure is often called the 'silent killer'. Conferences, seminars, workshops and walks were organised both at government and private level in major cities including Lahore to mark the event.