Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 16, 2025 (BSS)- Health experts unanimously stated that hypertension is one of the three major causes of mortality and morbidity in Bangladesh. 

One in every five adults is seen suffering from hypertension. 

Hypertension, diabetes, obesity and having unhealthy diets are blamed for the alarming rise of the diseases.
 
Some other factors include lack of exercise as well as habit of eating fast food, taking soft drinks or various drugs and drinking alcohol as largely responsible for heart ailments.

Medical practitioners and experts came up with the observations while conducting sessions of a daylong training workshop for the community health service providers on strengthening referral for non-communicable diseases (NCD) patients and providing lifestyle advice for the community level.
 
NCD Control Programme of the Ministry of Health and National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB) organised the training at Paba Upazila Health Complex in the district today supported by Resolve to Safe Life.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Asaduzzaman, Deputy Director of Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative Programme Dr Shamim Jobayer, NHFB Divisional Programme Officer Khandeker Ehsanul Amin Emon and Surveillance Medical Officer Dr Pritam Saha conducted the training sessions disseminating their expertise on the issue.

The health experts unequivocally called for raising awareness among the public and that will be the crucial means of reducing mortality caused by NCD, particularly hypertension and diabetes to a great extent.
 
The government has opened NCD corner at many Upazila Health Complexes and provides healthcares coupled with distributing medicines to the patients suffering from hypertension and diabetes free of cost.
 
Utmost emphasis should be given on reaching the messages of the services to the targeted people in grassroots and the role of the community level health service providers and members of the community group is very important in this regard.
 
Dr Asaduzzaman said modification of life-style, proper control of blood glucose and hypertension and treatment of lipid disorders can help manage the risk factors of heart attack and stroke.
 
High blood pressure is known as "the silent killer" as it remains without symptoms in most of the individuals.
 
Ehsanul Amin said they organize various events to raise awareness about hypertension and diabetes, including health camps, seminars, and workshops.
 
Besides, they extend their reach to different communities, including rural areas, to provide information and screening services in 25 upazilas of Rajshahi, Pabna and Sirajganj districts.
 
"We also often distribute leaflets, posters, and other materials containing information about hypertension and diabetes," he added.
 
Free or subsidized blood pressure and blood sugar testing is often provided during awareness campaigns to identify individuals at risk.
 
Ehsanul Amin, however, highlighted factors like unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
 
He emphasized the importance of regular exercise, balanced diet, stress management, and regular health check-ups to control hypertension.
 
Around 40 participants, particularly community health service providers and representatives of NCD corners, joined the training.