In the presence of Her Excellency Dr Jameela AlSalman, Head of Internal Medicine, and Director of Quality & Infection Disease of American Mission Hospital and Member of the Shura Council, Mr Peter Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer of American Mission Hospital, and Dr Eman Tawash, Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Deputy Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain, a hypertension awareness and screening campaign was launched at the Avenues Mall.

This campaign, which ran until May 24th, aimed to increase public awareness and knowledge about elevated blood pressure, highlight the risk factors of hypertension, and possibly identify undiagnosed cases of hypertension among the general public. 

As a joint collaboration between both institutions, healthcare professionals and academic nursing lecturers extended their support to visitors by providing medical advice based on medical history and lifestyle factors, as well as complimentary screening results for blood pressure, blood sugar, and Body Mass Index (BMI) - an indicator of body weight. Medical and nursing student volunteers of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, supported by nursing lecturers, provided valuable assistance to visitors and collaborated closely with healthcare staff members throughout the campaign.

Her Excellency Dr Jameela AlSalman commented, "By engaging with the public and providing basic screenings and guidance for hypertension, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals. By facilitating access to expert advice, we continue to uphold our mission of service to the local community.” 

Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery and Community Engagement & Service Pillar Lead, commented: “We share a joint vision with American Mission Hospital to serve the local communities with their healthcare needs. By providing healthcare education, we aim to empower individuals to manage their health proactively and mitigate potential risks associated with hypertension."

ABOUT HYPERTENSION

Risk factors contributing to the development of hypertension are both lifestyle-related and genetic. Poor dietary habits, particularly diets high in sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods, are strongly linked to elevated blood pressure. Other lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and obesity further increase the risk. Chronic stress and inadequate sleep also play a role, as does a family history of hypertension. Additionally, chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease also contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.

Although hypertension is often asymptomatic, some individuals may experience persistent headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath or chest discomfort. Considering these symptoms are rare and nonspecific, routine blood pressure screenings are essential for early detection. Adults are encouraged to monitor their blood pressure regularly, especially individuals with risk factors or a family history of elevated blood pressure.

Hypertension can often be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. These include maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low in sodium—along with effective stress management and avoiding smoking.

Individuals who think they may be at risk of hypertension are highly encouraged to seek immediate medical advice.