Qatar University College of Medicine (QU-CMED) has organised a road show titled “Know Your Numbers” to mark World Hypertension Day, as part of its strategic objective to raise community awareness on specific diseases and medical issues relevant to Qatar.

“According to the latest WHO data published in 2014, hypertension deaths in Qatar constitute approximately 0.7% of total deaths ranking Qatar at #168 in the world. Also a recent study published in Population Health Metrics journal showed that the overall prevalence of hypertension in Qatar was estimated to be approximately one-third in both men and women,” said Dr Egon Toft, vice president for medical education at QU and CMED dean.

The event included a mobile vitals-measurement unit which moved in various locations on campus. Four medical staff and licensed physicians were on hand to provide students, staff and visitors with body mass index and free testing of blood pressure, blood sugar, uric acid and cholesterol, as well as advising on hypertension symptoms and prevention. The event also included a health risk assessment workshop delivered by Health Clinic staff on topics related to hypertension.

An interactive activity “Heads Up” was offered by medical students in which participants had to guess words related to hypertension in 60 seconds from hints and suggestions. The medical students measured the participants’ blood pressure before and after the activity and assessed the impact of emotional reactions on their vital signs.

Toft said: “Hypertension is occurring when the higher number is 140mmHg or more and/or the lower number is 90mmHg or more. As the blood pressure varies from day to day, it needs to be documented on more than one occasion. Hypertension can lead to potentially life threatening conditions on a shorter or more commonly a longer term if it leads to its complications as occlusions of arteries or rupture of major blood vessels.”