The Novartis-sponsered nine events held across UAE in private companies, hospitals and shopping malls as part of this years World Hypertension Day, helped thousands of residents with free blood pressure screening and education.

According to UAE doctors, annual screening for high blood pressure is highly recommended from the age of 18 for healthy individuals, and also for those with obesity, stress and a family history of hypertension.

"High blood pressure is a major risk factor for developing heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and diabetes, all of which reduce life expectancy," said Dr. Fadila Mohammed Sharif, Consultant Family Physician, Sharjah Medical District, UAE Ministry of Health.

However, hypertension is also related to weight gain, "We do not ask patients to go on a diet, we ask them to change their lifestyle," added Dr. Fekry El Deeb, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Head of Cardiology at International Modern Hospital, Dubai.

According to Dr. Ahmed Amin, Medical Director, Novartis Middle East, Novartis aims to raise public awareness of hypertension and ensure that people are screened, diagnosed and treated as soon possible, so helping to prevent the onset of chronic diseases that claim lives.