In Bangladesh, morbidity and mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has increased over the last few decades. Hypertension is an important risk factor for NCDs, specifically cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence and risk factors for hypertension and prehypertension among adults in Bangladesh. Data for this analysis were collected during the national NCD Risk Factor Survey of Bangladesh conducted in 2010 from a representative sample of men and women, aged 25 years or above. The survey adopted a multistage, geographically clustered, probability-based sampling approach. WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, behavioral risk factors, and physical measurements. Overall, 20% of the study population were hypertensive at study measurement. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age and body mass index(BMI). Twelve percent of the population were previously diagnosed with hypertension. Among these individuals, nearly half were not taking any medications to control their hypertension. Additionally, the prevalence of pre-hypertension was 43%, with higher levels among males, older age groups, and those with higher education, higher wealth index and high BMI. Predictors of hypertension, included older age, high BMI and diabetes comorbidity. Based on this study, we estimate that 1 out of 5 Bangladeshi adults have hypertension. The risk of hypertension increases with older age and high BMI. Additionally, prevalence of pre-hypertension is high in Bangladesh in both rural and urban areas. Findings from this study can be used to inform public health programming to control the spread of NCDs in Bangladesh.

The stroke patients comprise a large number of hospital admissions and stroke is one of leading cause of significant mortality and morbidity. This prospective observational study was carried out among 100 hospitalized stroke patients admitted into different medicine units of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), with a view to study clinical presentation and epidemiology of stroke. Data, collected in prescribed protocol, were analyzed in simple statistical percentage and cases were selected irrespective of age and sex. Stroke was found most commonly in 51-60 age group (45%in hemorrhagic and 51.75% in ischemic stroke).Most of the patients were male with male, female ratio 3:1 in hemorrhagic stroke and 1.35:1 in ischemic stroke. Most of the patients were from rural area (60% in hemorrhagic stroke and 57.5 in ischemic stroke). Ischemic stroke was found in 80% cases and hemorrhagic stroke was found in 20% cases. The commonest presentation in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke was hemiplegia or hemiparesis. Rightsided hemiparesis was the predominant finding in both types. Headache (60%) and vomiting (75%) were found to be more common accompaniment of hemorrhagic stroke. In case of ischemic stroke the association with these clinical features was less marked where headache was present in 46.25% and vomiting in 40% cases. 50% of patients of hemorrhagic stroke presented with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) level 9-12(grade2) and 5% with GCS level 4 - 8(Grade 3). Whereas, 52.5% of patients of ischemic stroke presents with GCS 9-12 and also 46.25% with GCS13-14 (grade 1). Hypertension was the commonest risk factor associated with both types of stroke. In hemorrhagic stroke it was 80% and in ischemic stroke it was found in 56.25% eases. Smoking was associated with 50% of hemorrhagic and 55% of ischemic stroke. Diabetes mellitus was associated with 26.25% of ischemic stroke   doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2820 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 86-89

 In recent times there is much concern about artificial ripening of fruits in many parts of the world including Bangladesh. Large amount of tropical fruits are produced in Bangladesh. Though fruits like mango naturally ripen in trees; some chemicals are used to ripen them artificially which hasten the ripening process. Ripe fruits are not suitable to carry & distribute as they get rotten. So fruit traders pick unripe fruits & use certain methods to increase the shelf life of them. For many years Ethylene had been used as a fruit ripening agent. But nowa- days Calcium carbide is getting popular in this regard as it has a faster ripening property. But inappropriate use of Carbide to ripen fruits is associated with many health hazards. In this topic we have tried to reveal the essentials of this burning issue & looked for solutions.     DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i1.1425 J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 42-44

Abstract:No national data on drug resistance is available in Bangladesh. The

Background: An event of stroke can be ignited by a number of risk factors, some of which are nonmodifiable and some are modifiable. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, different heart diseases, hyperlipidemia and smoking belong to the latter group and their prevalence shows immense diversity worldwide. In this study we tried to identify the most prevalent risk factor for stroke. Categorization of various types of stroke and history of noncompliance in medication has also been evaluated. Methods: This direct observational study was carried out on 400 patients of stroke admitted in different medicine units of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July to December, 2007. Only patients having clinical diagnosis of stroke, confirmed by CT scan or MRI, were recruited. Patients were grouped into ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or sub arachnoid hemorrhage. Results: The male, female ratio was found 1.2:1. In the study cerebral infraction, intra cerebral hemorrhages (ICH) and sub arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) were found in 56.25%, 38.25% and 5.5% patients respectively. In case of Ischemic stroke and ICH males were predominantly affected but in case of SAH females were predominant. Among patients, hypertension was found in 58.62% followed by smoking (53.79%), lipid disorder (48.01%), heart diseases (25.75%), diabetes mellitus (20.01%), and previous history of stroke (10.61%). 40% patients were on irregular use of antihypertensive drug and it was 17.5% in case of anti diabetic drugs. Major groups (42.44%) of patients have two modifiable risk factors. Conclusion: Stroke is better to prevent than to cure. Identification of risk factors is the only way to achieve this goal. Implementation of screening programme in community to identify risk factors and educate people about primary prevention should be initiated in this regard. This way, we can reduce morbidity and mortality among stroke patients and alleviate the burden of stroke.   doi:10.3329/jom.v10i3.2011   J Medicine 2009; 10 (Supplement 1): 18-21