World Hypertension Day Observed in Nepal with Public Awareness Messages

Kathmandu. 'World Hypertension Day', celebrated every year on May 17, is being observed in Nepal this year with various public awareness messages. The slogan for this year has been set as 'Everyone's support in controlling hypertension: Check blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer of death'. On this occasion, the Ministry of Health and Population has made a special appeal to all citizens and stakeholders for the prevention, timely identification, and effective management of hypertension. According to the message issued by Dr. Anuj Bhattachan, Director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, non-communicable diseases account for about 70 percent of total deaths in Nepal. Of these, 27.36 percent of deaths are due to heart and blood vessel-related diseases, and hypertension is the main cause. According to the National STEPS Survey (2076/77), the prevalence of hypertension among Nepali adults was found to be 24.5 percent. Changing lifestyles, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and mental stress are continuously increasing its risk. Since many people do not show any clear symptoms, hypertension is considered a 'silent killer'. The ministry states that if not identified and treated in time, it can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, making regular check-ups necessary. According to the World Health Organization, about 1.4 billion people worldwide are affected by it, and a large proportion of those affected are unaware of their condition. The ministry has urged everyone above 30 years of age to get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. It has also suggested reducing salt and fat intake, increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, engaging in 30 to 45 minutes of physical exercise daily, and staying away from alcohol and smoking. The ministry has also cautioned individuals with hypertension to take regular medication as per the doctor's advice and not to stop medication on their own. It has also been informed that the government is working by prioritizing the control of non-communicable diseases as per the Public Health Service Act, 2075.