News Flash
RAJSHAHI, May 18, 2025 (BSS) - Experts at a post-rally discussion here unanimously observed that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with hypertension being one of the major contributing factors.
Heart disease is responsible for 34 percent of all deaths in Bangladesh, a large number of which is preventable. Availability of anti-hypertensive medicine at the grassroots level can reduce the risk of heart disease to a great extent.
Specialists and other medical practitioners concerned revealed these issues while addressing a discussion and seminar titled "Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease Risk" to mark World Hypertension Day 2025.
National Heart Foundation, Rajshahi, organized the meeting at its conference hall here on Saturday. Main theme of the day this year is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!"
Prof Roish Uddin, Director and Chief Consultant of National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Rajshahi, addressed the meeting as the focal person, saying that many diseases can be prevented by controlling diabetes and hypertension.
Prof Latifur Rahman, Dr Rafiur Rahman, Dr Wasim Hossain, Dr ASM Sayem, Dr Rezwanul Islam, Dr Taniia Akter, Dr Nafisa Lubaba and Dr Gaziul Alam also spoke at the seminar, disseminating their expertise on the issue.
The meeting was told that one in every four adults in Bangladesh is suffering from hypertension.
According to the first Global Report on Hypertension 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO), 273,000 people die of cardiovascular diseases every year in Bangladesh and 54 percent of these fatalities are attributable to hypertension.
The reports also revealed that half of the individuals (aged 30-79 years) with hypertension are not even aware of their condition.
Heart Specialist Prof Roish Uddin said increased awareness programs, along with other activities, have become an urgent need to control hypertension.
"Heart disease causes more than 40 percent of premature deaths in Bangladesh. Controlling hypertension is the most effective way to reduce this mortality rate", he added.
In his remarks, Prof Latifur Rahman said empirical studies by region, age and gender are highly required to accurately determine the prevalence of hypertension nationwide.
He also opined that assessment of the number of hypertensive patients across the country is important to ensure the supply of anti-hypertensive medicine at the grassroots level.
Prof Rahman said a healthy dietary habit is essential to control hypertension and heart disease.
