The hospital authority said that it had deployed health workers at 10 different locations of the capital who checked the blood pressure of 1,159 city residents on occasion of the World Health Day that falls on April 7. [break]
The hospital had deployed health workers at Krishna Mandir of Patan Durbar Square, Sankata Temple, Basantapur Durbar Square, Civil Mall, Pashupatinath Temple, Syambhunath Temple, Bhatbhateni Supermarkets of Maharajgung, Pulchowk and Baluwatar and Sherpa Mall.
Out of the total people examined, 625 were found to have hypertension and among them 173 were firstly diagnosed of having high blood pressure. The hospital said that, of those studied, 115 needed immediate medications as their blood pressure readings were above 100-160, which is considered dangerous.
Fifty-six percent of those who had hypertension consumed tobacco, the study said.
According to Dr Shivaji Bikram Silwal, a cardiologist at the hospital, the people with blood pressure well past the safe levels must immediately take precautionary measures to reduce health risks. Dr Silwal said unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, stressful life contribute to increase the blood pressure. He said those who consume alcohol and tobacco are also prone to the disease.
Dr Bharat Rawat, executive director and consultant cardiologist at the hospital, said that city dwellers, especially youths who have busy lifestyle are prone to multiple health complications. He said that high blood pressure leads to heart attack, brain attack, strokes, kidney disease, eye problems and others.
"Everybody should get their blood pressure checked regularly," said Dr Rawat said, adding, "Hypertension is growing to become a serious problem in the capital." He suggested that an extensive study might reveal even more worrisome picture.
Dr Rawat advises everybody to quit smoking and alcohol, lose weight, reduce in take of salt and avoid stress.
According to Dr Rawat, an individual should consume only four grams of salt each day, but most people take in more than double. He said salt raises blood pressure level.
Meanwhile, another study conducted recently by Civil Hospital among Singha Durbar employees showed over 70 percent of bureaucrats suffering from high blood pressure with only few among them aware of their health condition.
Likewise, a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) in the past had also revealed that about 20 percent Kathmanduites had hypertension.
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