46% of Adults Over 18 Suffer from Hypertension in Pakistan

Health experts have revealed that 46% of adults over the age of 18 in Pakistan suffer from hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. This alarming statistic highlights the growing health crisis in the country.

The primary causes of high blood pressure among young people in Pakistan include a sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of processed foods, and lack of exercise. Additionally, smoking and addiction to online gaming are contributing factors.

Experts from five leading medical societies have noted that around 18% of Pakistani youth over the age of 15 are also dealing with high blood pressure. The consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure are severe. Increasingly, young adults are experiencing heart attacks and strokes due to complications from high blood pressure. There is also a worrying rise in vision impairment and kidney failure rates.

Currently, Pakistan needs 1.5 million dialysis machines to adequately support patients suffering from kidney failure, a condition often linked to hypertension.

In response to this crisis, a local pharmaceutical company has launched a project called “Discovering Hypertension.” This initiative aims to screen one million people across Pakistan for high blood pressure within a year. Blood pressure screenings will be available at 500 designated locations nationwide. The program will not only identify those diagnosed with hypertension but will also connect them with 100 dedicated clinics across the country for further treatment.

Also Read: Rising Cigarette Prices Lead to Decline in Smoking Rates in Pakistan

Symptoms of Hypertension

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because most people with it do not experience symptoms. However, extremely high blood pressure can cause headaches, blurred vision, and chest pain. The only way to detect this is through regular blood pressure checks. Untreated hypertension significantly increases the risk of serious health problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a leading cause of premature death globally. In 2023, WHO reported that approximately 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide suffer from hypertension, with two-thirds of them living in low- and middle-income countries.

This data underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, regular health check-ups, and lifestyle changes to combat the high prevalence of hypertension in Pakistan and worldwide.