Experts have raised serious concerns over the growing burden of hypertension in Pakistan, warning that high blood pressure is becoming a major cause of premature deaths in the country.
Speaking at an awareness seminar and panel discussion organized by the Dow Institute of Cardiology, DUHS Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Jehan Ara Hasan stated that approximately 400,000 people in Pakistan die every year due to complications related to high blood pressure.
She further highlighted that globally, around 1.4 billion people are suffering from hypertension, while nearly 10 million deaths occur worldwide each year due to the condition.
According to her, uncontrolled blood pressure leads to severe health complications, including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and vision impairment. She stressed the urgent need for early diagnosis and regular monitoring.
Professor Jehan Ara Hasan also shared that Dow University is planning to convert more than 100 laboratory collection units in Karachi into primary healthcare centers, where blood pressure screening and treatment facilities will also be provided.
Experts at the seminar noted that around 33 million people in Pakistan are affected by hypertension, yet only 12% have their condition under control. Alarmingly, nearly 50% of patients remain unaware that they suffer from high blood pressure.
Medical professionals further warned that uncontrolled hypertension has significantly increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes in recent years, calling for nationwide awareness campaigns.
