Hypertension

Letter June 30, 2022
Hypertension

KARACHI:

As of 2017, nearly 46.2% of Pakistanis were suffering from hypertension, which included those who had self-reported and others who had been recently diagnosed. This figure is likely to have increased by now as the condition is extremely prevalent in the country. Hypertension is a serious public health problem and a major risk factor in several health conditions including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, etc. Individuals suffering from hypertension are also more vulnerable to Covid-19. The ongoing wave will once again pose a serious threat to those who are hypertensive.

One of the main reasons for the high prevalence rate is our high levels of salt consumption. Unhealthy diets coupled with little to no exercise results in a plethora of non-communicable diseases. Everyone should undertake regular exercise or running to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Importantly, people must recognise the harmful impact of high salt, sugar, and spice intake and either cut these condiments down or resort to healthy alternatives.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a healthy alternative to salt as it contains one-third amount of sodium and is readily used around the world to improve the taste of food. The US Food and Drug Administration categorised MSG as a ‘generally recognised as safe’. Therefore, the ban in Pakistan appears to be unreasonable. The relevant authorities should revise the decision and reintroduce MSG to local markets. Also, the healthcare department should raise awareness about the threat of hypertension and encourage people to seek regular medical consultations.

Muhammad Rohail Hassan

Karachi

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2022.

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