ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its inaugural hypertension report titled “The Race Against a Silent Killer,” revealing a concerning prevalence of high blood pressure in Pakistan. With over 30 million adults affected, hypertension has emerged as a major health crisis in the country. This article explores the report’s key findings and underscores the urgent need for awareness and intervention.
According to the WHO report, Pakistan is grappling with 32.2 million cases of hypertension, but a mere 44% have received an official diagnosis. This diagnostic gap encompasses 34% of men and a more significant 54% of women who remain unaware of their condition. Even more alarming is the fact that only 35% of those diagnosed receive treatment, with a mere 11% achieving hypertension control—8% among men and 14% among women.
The report delves into the contributing factors behind this hypertension epidemic. Pakistan’s daily salt consumption per capita stands at a staggering 9 grams, well above recommended limits. Furthermore, 21% of the population, including 34% of males and 8% of females, are smokers, significantly elevating cardiovascular risks. Physical inactivity poses another serious concern, with 34% of Pakistanis reported as physically inactive, based on 2016 data.
Treatment Guidelines for Hypertension Management in Pakistan
The report underscores the absence of treatment guidelines for hypertension management in Pakistan. Additionally, the country lacks a national target for blood pressure control and salt consumption, as well as a functioning system for generating reliable cause-specific mortality data on a routine basis.
To combat this looming crisis, the WHO report suggests that achieving a 50% control rate would necessitate effectively treating an additional 12.5 million hypertensive individuals. Such progress could potentially avert approximately 839,000 deaths by 2040.
The report also places Pakistan’s situation in a global context. Worldwide, the number of people living with hypertension doubled between 1990 and 2019, totaling a staggering 1.3 billion individuals. Alarmingly, nearly half of these individuals remain unaware of their condition. Furthermore, over three-quarters of adults with hypertension reside in low and middle-income countries.
Hypertension, often referred to as a silent killer, is exacting a severe toll on the health of millions of Pakistanis. Lifestyle factors, including high salt consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity, significantly contribute to this crisis. Urgent measures are needed, including the development of treatment guidelines, national targets, and robust data systems for effective hypertension monitoring and management. Addressing this public health challenge is vital to reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases and enhancing the overall well-being of the population.
