Physician Devendrappa Maynal has said that the incidence of hypertension was growing at an alarming rate, particularly in countries where awareness levels about the condition were low and healthcare facilities, lacking.
He was delivering a special lecture at a function to mark World Health Day, organised jointly by the zilla panchayat and the Health and Family Welfare Department here on Sunday. Dr. Maynal said one of every three persons in the world above 25 years of age, and one in every two above 50, were suffering from hypertension.
Hypertension is often seen among people in African countries: 46 per cent of the total population. This is mainly due to a lack of awareness and healthcare facilities. One of the main reasons for hypertension is a sedentary lifestyle, bad eating habits, and excessive consumption of salt. He advised people to take up regular exercises and healthy eating habits.
District Surgeon and Medical Superintendent Nalini Namoshi in her inaugural address said hypertension could be averted by following healthy practices and maintaining an active life.
