Public Health Dept's study reveals every fourth person in city suffers from lifestyle diseases
Recent data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) public health department has revealed that out of the city's 24 wards, the D ward, which consists areas such as Khetwadi, Tardeo, Haji Ali, Girgaum Chowpatty, Grant Road among others, has recorded the highest number of people suffering from hypertension cases in the past four years.
This year, over 2,025 cases were reported in D ward alone, while in 2018, 2,568 cases were reported, and 2,153 cases were reported in 2017.
The data further shows that out of the total cases, 17% of the cases are reported in municipal hospitals while 64% cases were reported in municipal dispensaries. "We can see that hypertension cases are reported in all municipal hospitals as well as dispensaries. But we haven't analysed the data at local ward-level. Medicines are provided for treatment but there is a special initiative taken to control or reduce its prevalence."
A pilot medical health and wellness initiative run by BMC's public health department this year in three areas of Mumbai for non-communicable disease (NCD), reported that every fourth person in the city suffers from hypertension and diabetes. The report analysed by the public health department stated that 26% of citizens who were given an NCD medical check had hypertension.
Bleak Numbers
|
- Mumbai’s D ward consists areas such as Khetwadi, Tardeo, Haji Ali, VP Road, Girgaum Chowpatty, Grant Road among others
|
- This year, over 2,025 cases were reported in D ward alone, while in 2018, 2,568 cases were reported, and 2,153 cases were reported in 2017
|
- In addition, 17% of the total cases are reported in municipal hospitals while 64% cases were reported in municipal dispensaries
|
According to city-based doctors, an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and stress are few of the major reasons for hypertension. While the prevalence of hypertension in young and working adults is going up, a healthy lifestyle can help decrease the chances of developing the condition.
Dr Paritosh Baghel, Consultant Physician, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim, said, "Hypertension is also called the 'silent killer', primarily because it does not show any symptoms. High-risk groups such as the elderly, those with a strong family history of hypertension, a history of cardiovascular diseases, obese persons, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, smokers, etc are more likely to suffer from hypertension. Increased salt intake is also associated with hypertension."
Lifestyle modification, including regular exercise and weight reduction through appropriate means can help avoid the condition. Citizens should modify their diet and ensure low salt intake, preferably less than 5 g per day. Low intake of fatty and non-vegetarian diet, cutting down on red meat consumption helps. There should be increased intake of fruits and vegetables," Dr Baghel added.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Girgaum Chowpatty")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}