In recent observations, it has been found that Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) drivers face a substantial risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. An alarming 40-50 percent of these drivers are dealing with health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure. Dr. CN Manjunath, the Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (SJICSR), revealed that his hospital has conducted health screenings for 8,200 BMTC drivers over the past year, focusing on identifying cardiovascular problems. This initiative stemmed from an agreement between the hospital and BMTC in August 2022 to proactively assess the heart-related health of the drivers.
During the comprehensive health checkups, which included blood tests, cardiac stress tests using a treadmill, ECGs, and echocardiograms (ECHO), the results were striking. Around 40 percent of the drivers were found to be diabetic, while an equal percentage suffered from hypertension. Additionally, a significant 62 percent had high blood pressure. The tests also detected concerning conditions such as heart blockages in 5 percent of the drivers. Furthermore, a concerning 35 percent of the drivers were habitual smokers, further exacerbating their health risks. These findings underscore the pressing need for addressing the cardiovascular health of BMTC drivers.
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