By Sadia Gulzar
Gilgit-Baltistan, recently recognised by CNN as one of the world’s most breathtaking tourist destinations, attracts thousands of visitors each summer who come to witness its natural wonders. Yet, behind this scenic beauty lies a pressing healthcare challenge, forcing residents to travel to major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad for medical treatment due to the region’s lack of quality healthcare facilities.
Among the many health issues plaguing Gilgit-Baltistan, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as a growing concern. Rapid lifestyle changes and the influx of substandard food products from down country have contributed to an alarming rise in heart-related ailments. Despite this, there is no dedicated cardiac hospital in Gilgit-Baltistan, leaving patients with no choice but to seek treatment in distant urban centers.
Global and local burden of CVDs
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disorders, strokes, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease, remain a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs—whether symptomatic or asymptomatic—claim 17.9 million lives annually, with four out of five deaths attributed to heart attacks and strokes.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) reports that 14 million people develop cardiac diseases each year, with CVDs responsible for 85% of global noncommunicable disease deaths.
Another study published in the National Library of Medicine (2021) highlights that 20.5 million deaths occurred due to CVDs, 80% of which were in low- and middle-income countries.
In Pakistan, the situation is equally alarming. WHO’s Global Burden of Disease Data (2019) reveals that 341,108 Pakistanis died from CVDs, with a standardised fatality rate of 357.88 per 100,000 people.
The rising CVDs in Gilgit-Baltistan
While Gilgit-Baltistan was once relatively unaffected by CVDs, recent trends indicate a worrying escalation. A 2022 ECG study by Aga Khan University Hospital found that 28.6% of patients from Gilgit-Baltistan suffered from sinus bradycardia, the highest prevalence in Pakistan.
The Global Burden of Disease Study (1990-2019) shows a significant increase in CVD-related deaths in the region. In the last decade of the last century, the CVD mortality rate was 59.3 per 100,000, which rose to 65.4 in two decades by 2019.
A 2012 community-based survey in Astore District, covering 330 residents, revealed that 34% had hypertension, 15% were overweight, 11% were obese. Notably, 44% of obese individuals had hypertension, compared to 32% of those with normal weight—key risk factors for CVDs. Since this data comes from only one district, the actual prevalence across Gilgit-Baltistan may be even higher.
Unfortunately, Pakistan’s health sector has largely overlooked this crisis, leaving the region without adequate preventive or diagnostic measures.
Awareness, prevention
These statistics underscore the urgent need for creating awareness among people and preventive healthcare measures. Key measures to reduce CVD risks include, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, regular physical activity, stress management, and routine health screenings.
By adopting these lifestyle changes, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the growing threat of cardiovascular diseases.
Sadia Gulzar, a dedicated nursing student from Yasin Valley, is currently pursuing her BScN at Ziauddin University, Karachi. Passionate about health advocacy, she writes on critical medical issues to raise awareness and promote wellness in underserved communities.
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