A NATION-WIDE health campaign warning of the dangers of hypertension and the importance of early detection and control was launched yesterday to mark World Hypertension Day.
The three-day campaign, launched in Seef Mall, aims to conduct random tests on 2,500 individuals – both citizens and residents aged 18 and above – as part of efforts to raise awareness within the community regarding the non-communicable disease.
The campaign was inaugurated by Supreme Council for Health (SCH) president and Bahrain Diabetes Society (BDS) chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa in the presence of Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed and other health officials.
“High blood pressure is the number one contributing risk factor for death worldwide by causing strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications,” said Dr Shaikh Mohammed.
“Deaths resulting from high blood pressure annually are estimated at no less than 10 million globally and a simple examination – such as measuring blood pressure which takes one minute – can significantly reduce these deaths.
“Studies have shown that high blood pressure is associated with many people with diabetes which contributes to increasing risks to their health and exposing them to complications such as weak heart muscles, stroke, thoracic clots and other cardiovascular or kidney diseases.”
The campaign is being co-ordinated in collaboration with the Health Ministry through the Public health Department and the National Committee for Combating Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in partnership with various health centres.
“High blood pressure is called the ‘silent killer’ as most patients are unaware of the problem and most of the time they don’t show warning signs and for this reason it’s necessary to measure blood pressure regularly for early detection,” said Dr Al Sayyed.
“High blood pressure is a serious disease that greatly increases the risk of heart, brain and kidney disease and is one of the main causes of premature death in the world.”
She said that the campaign will be followed by other ones across various health centres and workplaces to increase awareness and enhance health.
“Patients with hypertension don’t always have a good level of pressure therefore its critical to adhere to a healthy lifestyle,” said Awali Hospital consultant endocrinologist Professor Dalal Al Romaihi, who is also BDS scientific committee chairwoman.
“This includes a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, taking medication, if necessary, and adjusting the treatment plan to adjust pressure to acceptable rates and avoid complications.”
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