Expert cardiologists and medicine specialists in a discussion called for leading a systematic life to reduce the risk of the silent killer non-communicable disease of hypertension or high blood pressure (HBP).
They viewed this in the event organised by Hypertension and Research Centre, Rangpur (HRCR) at its auditorium here in observance of the World Hypertension Day-2023.
RHRC, a sister organisation of 'Wasim-Waleda Bahumukhi Kallyan Foundation' and a Member of the World Hypertension League, has been observing the day since 2009.
HRCR is a non-profitable organization providing health services and treatments to 31,037 registered HBP and diabetes patients of Rangpur division and other districts at a symbolic cost of Taka 40 only. Besides, the organization is providing completely cost-free health services to heroic freedom fighters, physically challenged, distressed, poor and helpless people.
Founding President of HRCR and former Principal of Rangpur Medical College (RpMC) Professor Dr Zakir Hossain presided over the discussion moderated by Dr Ramim Islam Ibne Noor.
General Secretary of HRCR and Professor of the Department of Medicine at RpMC Dr Shah Sarwar Jahan delivered a welcome speech.
Chief Executive Officer of HRCR Anwar Hossain narrated about the organisation established in 2008 with the aim of serving humanity, its ongoing activities and future plans.
UGC Professor, Member of International Society of Hypertension and former Chairman of the Department of Cardiology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Professor Dr. Sajal Krishna Banerjee addressed the event as main discussant.
Associate Professor of the Department of Cardiology at BSMMU Professor Dr Dipal Krishna Adhikary, Associate Professor of the same department Dr Fakhrul Islam Khaled and Assistant Professor of the Department of Medicine at Dhaka National Medical College Dr Ishita Biswas spoke.
Advisor of HRCR and Vice-principal of RpMC Professor Dr Mahfuzer Rahman said the number of hypertension patients continues increasing mainly due to reduction in physical works across the globe.
"HBP patients should quit smoking and intake of fatty foods, lessen salt intake, take drugs, vegetables and fruits, maintain proper weight and walk to keep HBP within safe range to avoid heart attacks, strokes and brainhemorrhages, kidney ailments, diabetes and other deadly diseases," he added.
Professor Dr Sajal Krishna Banerjee highly lauded the services being provided by HRCR to thousands of hypertension and diabetic patients aiming at serving humanity without profit.
Terming hypertension as a silent killer disease, he said, "Around 1.20 billion people across the globe are now suffering from hypertension, and of them, 50 percent do not know that they are suffering from the deadly disease.
Among the other 50 percent patients who are taking treatment, 50 percent are keeping their HBP under control," he said, adding that uncontrolled HBP causes stroke which is a permanent disaster.
Professor Banerjee put importance on making people aware of severe consequences and complexities of hypertension and uncontrolled HBP to reduce risks of heart attacks, brain hemorrhage, damages of kidney, eyesight and many other organs.
Professor Dr Zakir Hossain sought cooperation of everyone in running RHCR smoothly to serve the hypertension and diabetes patients and suffering humanity.
