Health experts have raised concerns about the growing prevalence of high blood pressure among Pakistani teenagers and adults. Around 18 percent of teenagers aged 15 and above are affected by hypertension, largely due to sedentary lifestyles, obesity, high salt intake, tobacco use, gaming addiction, and excessive social media usage, which contribute to physical inactivity. For adults aged 18 and above, the prevalence rises to 46 percent, exacerbating the country’s burden of cardiovascular diseases. Key factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress levels.
Dr. Somia Iqtidar, general secretary of the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM), highlighted the primary causes of hypertension among the youth: physical inactivity, high sodium intake from junk and processed foods, and tobacco use, including smoking and vaping. The lack of awareness about elevated blood pressure is particularly concerning, as it silently harms blood vessels and vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and eyes, potentially leading to death.
These remarks were made during a press conference in Karachi for the launch of the Discovering Hypertension project. This CSR initiative by pharmaceutical firm PharmEvo, in collaboration with five leading medical societies, aims to screen 1 million people for hypertension by June 30, 2025, across 500 sites in Pakistan.
