Prof. Dr. Konju has urged people to reach a health facility without delay if they experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, or other suspicious symptoms, and to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and quit smoking.
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The number of heart disease patients at Dhulikhel Hospital is continuously increasing, according to data presented by senior cardiologist Prof. Dr. Rajendra Konju at the 'Heart Attack Around the World' interaction program organized at Dhulikhel Hospital on Tuesday. The number of patients receiving angioplasty services, which are specifically designed to remove blockages in the blood vessels of the heart, has increased by nearly 17 times in the last five years.
In 2021, 9 people underwent angioplasty, and this number increased to 158 in 2025, according to the data. The number of patients undergoing angioplasty was 39 in 2022, 49 in 2023, and 81 in 2024.
Similarly, the number of patients receiving angiography services, which are used to diagnose the condition of the heart's blood vessels, has also increased significantly, said Dr. Konju. Angiography was performed on 60 people in 2021, and 476 people received the service in 2025, according to the data. The number of patients who used the service was 264 in 2022, 354 in 2023, and 309 in 2024.
Prof. Dr. Konju said that the recent increase in heart attacks among the young generation has become a matter of concern. Dr. Konju said that irregular eating habits, increased consumption of junk food, smoking, alcoholism, lack of exercise, and stressful lifestyle are putting even the youth at risk of heart disease.
'Heart disease, which used to be seen only after old age, is now also being seen in the 30-40 year age group,' he said. 'If lifestyle is not improved, heart disease can become an even bigger health challenge in the coming years.'
He said that angiography and angioplasty are effective methods for the timely identification and treatment of heart disease. He said that angiography tests the condition of the arteries that circulate blood to the heart, and if an obstruction is found, angioplasty is the treatment method to make blood flow easier by placing a stent.
Stating that heart and blood vessel diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, he said that the number of heart patients is increasing in Nepal due to high blood pressure, diabetes and unhealthy lifestyle. However, with the expansion of access to modern treatment technology and health services, the death rate due to heart disease is decreasing, he said.
Prof. Dr. Konju has urged people to reach a health institution without delay if they experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating or other suspicious symptoms and to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and quit smoking.
