"World Hypertension Day" marked across malls with tests for over 1,000 lebanese adults

Doctors from the National Society of Hypertension (NSH), medical students and members of both the Red Cross and YMCA all supported the screening initiative, which saw members of the public checked for blood pressure levels and Body Mass Index (BMI).

People visited the special testing booths at Spinneys in Saida and Tripoli and Auxilia Malls across the country, in Halba, Chtaura, Baabda, Antelias and Sarba, in one of the largest campaigns of its kind ever held in Lebanon.

High blood pressure is a public health crisis across the region, affecting millions of people, and posing serious potential risk of heart and kidney damage, stroke, heart attack, heart failure and other serious problems.

Part of the aim of the campaign is to catch people with high blood pressure as early as possible. Hypertension is often called the "Silent Killer," because sufferers may not feel any ill effects, so regular testing is essential.

Current guidelines have set the target blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. The risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with every increase of 20/10 mm Hg blood pressure above the healthy level of 115 mm Hg systolic pressure and 75 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

Organizers also hoped that the campaign would encourage those suffering from hypertension to seek appropriate care to get their condition under control.

Over 70 percent of people with high blood pressure do not have their condition controlled and about half of those taking medication for their condition do not have it successfully managed.

Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure can seriously damage many of the body's vital organs. Many studies demonstrate a direct relationship between uncontrolled high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure and eye problems.

The screening campaign is also being supported by Novartis, one of the world leaders in healthcare, which is recognized as a leading innovator in the field of cardiovascular well-being. The campaign is another example of Novartis' positive contribution to tackling disease in the Lebanese community.