High blood pressure cases rising rapidly in Pakistan, warns Dr. Zaman Baloch

HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Senior Cardiologist and Associate Professor at Indus Medical College (IMC) Dr. Muhammad Zaman Baloch has termed unhealthy diet, excessive salt intake, obesity and mental stress as the major causes behind the rapid rise of hypertension cases in Pakistan, warning that high blood pressure is a “silent killer.”

According to a statement issued on Monday, speaking to representatives of various health-related NGOs on the occasion of World Hypertension Day, Dr. Baloch said that nearly 33 million people in Pakistan were suffering from high blood pressure, but only 12 percent had their condition under control, while around 50 percent remain unaware that they had the disease. He added that hypertension had significantly increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes in the country.

Dr. Baloch stressed that adopting positive lifestyle changes and undergoing regular medical checkups were essential for prevention and awareness. He said understanding blood pressure levels and maintaining them within the normal range was vital for every citizen’s health.

He noted that many people remain unaware of their condition because hypertension often shows no clear symptoms.

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However, he advised people to immediately consult a doctor if they experience severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, chest discomfort or pain. He also urged hypertension patients to get regular checkups from qualified doctors.

Emphasizing preventive measures, Dr. Baloch advised reducing salt intake, avoiding fast food and making exercise a daily routine by walking or exercising for at least 30 minutes a day. He said maintaining a healthy weight was also important, as obesity was one of the leading causes of hypertension. He further urged people to consume a balanced and healthy diet and completely avoid smoking and the use of huqqa.

He recommended that people over the age of 40 or those with a family history of hypertension should regularly monitor their blood pressure.

Dr. Baloch said that globally around 1.4 billion people were suffering from hypertension and nearly 10 million deaths occur every year due to the disease. He added that high blood pressure can lead to several serious complications including stroke, heart disease, kidney disorders and vision loss.