Kathmandu, May 16:

Every year around thirty per cent of the total population of Nepal suffer from the hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.

Dr Mrigendra Raj Pandey, heart disease specialist and president of the Nepal Hypertension Society, said: “According to a gross estimate, more than 2.5 million people in Nepal suffer from hypertension every year.”

He added that 25 years ago, around 10 per cent of the people suffered from hypertension.

Dr Pandey said that a survey conducted by them recently outside the Valley showed that around 30 per cent of people above 20 years and around 40 per cent of people above 40 years suffered from hypertension.

Speaking to this daily, Dr Pandey said: “It may be caused by hereditary problems or by type of lifestyles.” He added that obesity, physical inactiveness, excess intake of salt in food, intake of alcohol, smoking and mental stress are the main reasons behind hypertension.

Hypertension can lead to heart disease, heart attack, paralysis, kidney failure, stroke and even death.

Dr DB Karki, a heart specialist, said: “It is more likely that hypertension may cause heart disease.

He added that hypertension could be reduced by doing regular blood pressure check-up, eating food low in fat/ calories, avoiding junk food, reducing salt intakes in food, eating fresh fruits and vegetables.