A national blood pressure campaign, which will run over the next 12 months, has been launched to facilitate the early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
The campaign, in its third edition, was inaugurated yesterday by Bahrain Diabetes Society in partnership with the Supreme Council for Health (SCH) and the Primary Health Care Centres.
Screening points have been set up in four health centres across all governorates, as well as in Seef Mall and Enma Mall, where medics will conduct blood pressure checks and offer consultations and therapeutic guidance throughout the year.
The launch was held in the presence of prominent health officials and community figures, including SCH chairman and society board chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Primary Health Care Centres chief executive Dr Ejlal Al Alawi and a number of physicians and volunteers representing health organisations and civil society institutions.
The event was held at the Shaikh Abdulla Bin Khalid Al Khalifa Health Centre in Hunainyah.
Lt Gen Dr Shaikh Mohammed stressed the significance of the drive, describing it as part of Bahrain’s ‘qualitative health initiatives’ that align with international efforts to combat non-communicable diseases.
“This national campaign reflects Bahrain’s commitment to proactive health strategies,” he said. “Early detection of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a fundamental pillar in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, strokes and other related complications.”
Dr Al Alawi highlighted the key role that primary care plays in supporting preventive health strategies.
“Our partnership with Bahrain Diabetes Society demonstrates the effective integration of all components of the health system, working together to serve both citizens and residents,” she said. “Empowering individuals with knowledge and early detection tools enables them to make timely health decisions, thereby avoiding complex therapeutic interventions in the future.”
Society board vice-chairwoman Dr Mariam Al Hajri pointed out the strong correlation between hypertension and diabetes, calling it a global public health challenge.
“Studies indicate that 29 per cent of patients with hypertension also suffer from diabetes,” she explained. “This campaign is a successful example of collaboration between public health institutions and civil society in fostering a culture of disease prevention and early intervention.”
The campaign’s general-co-ordinator, consultant endocrinologist and the society’s scientific committee chairwoman Professor Dalal Al Rumaihi noted that the initiative extends beyond simple screening.
“The campaign not only offers blood pressure checks, but also medical consultations, guidance for therapeutic follow-up and data collection for future scientific research,” Prof Al Rumaihi said.
“The data will be reviewed and analysed by Bahrain Diabetes Society’s scientific committee to support further studies.”
More than 230 health professionals and volunteers participated, including members from Bahrain Red Crescent Society, Health Friends Society and volunteer teams such as ‘Sahabat Amal’ and ‘Ghaimat Khair’.
Prof Al Rumaihi described high blood pressure as ‘one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide’, warning that it is often referred to as ‘the silent killer’ due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages.
She cited data from the 2018 Bahrain National Health Survey, which found that 33.2pc of adults in Bahrain suffered from hypertension.
“Many individuals were unaware of their condition, which highlights the importance of routine screening as a tool for early detection and risk reduction,” she said.
Prof Al Rumaihi noted that global estimates suggest more than one billion people live with high blood pressure, which contributes to millions of deaths annually through complications such as strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure.
“It is essential to measure blood pressure regularly – at least once in two years for all adults aged below 40 and once every year for those above 40. Those at higher risk, such as individuals with obesity, a family history of hypertension or chronic diseases like diabetes should monitor blood pressure more frequently,” she advised.
“Diagnosis is made when systolic blood pressure readings reach 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic readings hit 90mmHg or higher, in repeated measurements.
“Good control is defined as readings below 130/80 mmHg for high-risk patients (those with diabetes or heart disease), and below 140/90 mmHg for others.”
She emphasised the importance of lifestyle changes in both preventing and managing hypertension.
“Reducing daily salt intake to less than 5gm, engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, maintaining a healthy body weight, quitting smoking, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and managing psychological stress effectively are vital,” she said.
“Adhering to prescribed medications is equally important. Research has shown that proper treatment can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 35pc and heart disease by 20pc.”
Prof Al Rumaihi revealed that data from the past two years of the campaign showed that only 41pc of participants had well-controlled blood pressure, a figure she said was ‘concerning’.
“This can be attributed to inconsistent use of medication, insufficient treatment plans – which may require two or more medications – and poor compliance with recommended lifestyle changes,” she explained. “We renew our call to all individuals in the Bahraini community to make blood pressure screening a part of their personal health routine.”
The campaign coincides with the global observance of May as High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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