World Hypertension Day is observed annually on the 17th May to raise global awareness of hypertension as a major public health problem and to promote prevention. This year, due to scheduling constraints, the College of Medicine at Gulf Medical University (GMU) organized this community engagement event on the 4th of February.
This year’s event theme is “Controlling hypertension together.” The event involved many students from the MD and HDPCS and was supervised by a group of GMU Professors. It aims to raise awareness in the community about hypertension, its causes, primary or secondary, its risk factors, its complications, and the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle modification. The event took place in the GMU library foyer.
Event Objectives
- To increase awareness of hypertension as a leading risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases.
- To educate the community about normal and abnormal blood pressure values and the concept of “silent hypertension.”
- To emphasize the importance of early detection through regular blood pressure measurement.
- To clarify the differences between Facts and Myths related to high arterial blood pressure.
- To highlight modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with hypertension.
- To promote lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, physical activity, stress management, and adherence to treatment.
Awareness Booths:
Students from different programs actively participated in organizing interactive awareness booths that included:
- Definition of hypertension & its complications Station:
- Why is it named the “Silent killer”
- Physiology of Blood Pressure Regulation Station:
Explanation of normal blood pressure control mechanisms, including cardiac output, peripheral resistance, and the role of the autonomic nervous system and kidneys. - Pathophysiology of hypertension Station:
Essential or primary and secondary hypertension. - Classification of Hypertension Station:
Presentation of current blood pressure classifications (normal, elevated, stage 1, and stage 2 hypertension) and their clinical implications. - Hypertension in a specific population Station:
Hypertension in the young versus the elderly.
Hypertension of pregnancy versus pre-eclampsia. - Blood Pressure Measurement Station:
Demonstration and “hands-on practice” of accurate blood pressure measurement using the sphygmomanometer, emphasizing correct cuff size, patient positioning, and interpretation of readings. - Epidemiology of hypertension worldwide and regional Station:
Students prepare a PowerPoint presentation, a mini-interactive poster, and interactive question-and-answer games. - Risk Factors and Lifestyle Modification Station:
Discussion of lifestyle-related risk factors (obesity, high salt intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, stress). Education on dietary approaches, regular exercise, weight control, stress reduction, and medication adherence. - Many Interactive Learning Activities, Games & Quizzes:
Engagement through quizzes, question-and-answer sessions, matching cards, and educational posters to reinforce learning in an interactive and learner-centered manner.
Faculty Supervision and Organization
The event was supervised by:
- Prof. Razia Khanam- Pharmacology
- Prof. Faten Diab – Physiology
- Dr. Eman Hassan – Pathology
- Dr. Ghada El-Sayed – Physiology
- Dr. Iram Jaan- Physiology
- Dr. Marwa – Anatomy
Conclusion
The World Hypertension Day event held on 4th February 2026 successfully raised awareness of hypertension and its serious health consequences. By emphasizing accurate blood pressure measurement, early diagnosis, and preventive strategies, the event empowered participants to take an active role in managing their cardiovascular health.
The College of Medicine at Gulf Medical University remains committed to organizing similar community-based initiatives that bridge medical education with public health promotion and contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
