21 February 2025: Healthcare professionals in Pakistan linked to the ISH have delivered several activities to raise public awareness of hypertension and its complications, and to train nurses on accurate blood pressure measurement.

Hypertension Camps

From September to December 2024, the Hypertension Clinic at Shalamar Hospital organised multiple Hypertension Camps across Lahore, including universities, community centres, and the Lahore Bar Association.

These camps provided accurate blood pressure measurements using validated digital monitors, along with screening for type 2 diabetes, BMI, waist circumference, and body composition analysis.

Participants were assessed for their knowledge, perception, and adherence to hypertension management. Educational materials were distributed, covering home BP monitoring, hypertension diagnostic criteria, the DASH diet, and awareness on Fatty Liver Disease, an emerging health concern.

Each camp screened over 150 individuals daily, facilitated by a team of doctors and nurses, led by Azra Mahmud, Consultant in Hypertension and Director of Clinical Research at Shalamar Medical and Dental College, who is also Chair of the ISH South and Central Asia Regional Advisory Group.

Thanks to the initiative, there is now greater awareness of high blood pressure and its complications the importance of regular blood pressure checks, and the critical role of a Hypertension Specialist Clinic in providing expert care and long-term management. These camps are part of a larger effort to improve hypertension awareness and control in Pakistan, funded by the Shahid Hussain Foundation, via the HEARTS-PK initiative (Hypertension Education, Awareness, Recognition and Treatment Study Pakistan).

Training for nurses in accurate blood pressure measurement

On December 12, 2024, the Hypertension Clinic at Shalamar Hospital held a workshop at the hospital to train nurses on accurate blood pressure measurement. The session targeted nurses involved in outpatient blood pressure assessments.

Prof Mahmud presented findings from the BPRIGHT project, an audit evaluating BP measurement techniques across the hospital’s outpatient departments. A hypertension specialist nurse conducted hands-on training and video demonstrations to reinforce proper BP measurement techniques. The workshop emphasised precision in clinical practice, ensuring improved patient care.

Due to the overwhelming success of the BPRIGHT Project, Shalamar Hospital will now conduct regular blood pressure measurement training workshops for both doctors and nurses to standardize BP assessment and enhance patient outcomes.