8-bed ICU opens at NHF Hospital in Rajshahi

An eight-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been opened in the National Heart Foundation (NHF) Hospital and Research Institute here for the welfare of the patients suffering from cardiac diseases.

Commissioner of Rajshahi division and administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir inaugurated the ICU and its activities.

Deputy Commissioner Afiya Akhter, Civil Surgeon Dr Abu Sayeed Muhammad Faruque, NHFH Director Prof Roish Uddin, ICU Head Dr Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal and General Secretary Prof Habibur Rahman, among others, were present on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Dr Humayun Kabir said checking high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetics can be the crucial means of substantial and sustainable reduction of mortality and morbidity caused by heart diseases.

Number of various non communicable diseases (NCD), including cardiac ailments and stroke, is increasing sharply as reckless life-style and food habits are largely responsible for the diseases.

Hypertensions, diabetes, obesity, having unhealthy diets alongside consumption of tobacco products are blamed for the alarming rise of the disease.

In his remarks, Prof Roish Uddin said some other factors, including lack of exercise as well as habit of eating fast food, taking soft drinks or various drugs and drinking alcohol as largely responsible for heart ailments.

He, however, said modification of life-style, proper control of blood glucose and hypertension and treatment of lipid disorders can help manage the risk factors of heart attack.

High blood pressure is known as "the silent killer" as it remains without symptoms in most individuals. High blood pressure causes wear and tear of the delicate inner lining of blood vessels.