Authored by: Humza Rana
Hypertension (HT), a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure (BP), poses a significant global health challenge. In Saudi Arabia, the rates of illness and death related to HT are on the rise. Arabic Qahwa (AQ), a widely enjoyed drink in the region, offers various health advantages. We carried out a randomized control trial to explore the impact of AQ on BP in individuals with Stage 1 HT. Following our inclusion guidelines, 140 patients were randomly chosen, with 126 patients undergoing follow-up. We gathered demographic data and measured BP, heart rate, and lipid levels both before and after participants consumed four cups of AQ daily for a period of four weeks. A paired ‘t’ test was conducted at a 5% significance threshold. For those in the AQ group, notable alterations (p = 0.009) were noted in systolic blood pressure (SBP), with pre-intervention and post-intervention means being 134.72 ± 3.23 and 133.14 ± 3.69, respectively. Likewise, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) pre- and post-test average scores were 87.08 ± 1.8 and 85.98 ± 1.95, respectively, reflecting significant changes (p = 0.001). Additionally, the AQ group exhibited substantial variations (p = 0.001) in their lipid profiles. In summary, AQ demonstrates effectiveness in lowering both SBP and DBP in patients experiencing Stage 1 HT. High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most pressing health concerns in the Middle East. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. In recent years, the prevalence of hypertension in the region has escalated due to lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and environmental factors. Understanding the origins of this condition and implementing strategies to secure better cardiovascular health is crucial to reducing the burden of hypertension in the Arab world.
Origins of High Blood Pressure in the Middle East
- Dietary Habits and High Salt Consumption
Traditional Middle Eastern diets are rich in flavor, but the increasing consumption of processed foods, fast food, and high-sodium meals has contributed to rising blood pressure levels. Many popular dishes contain excessive amounts of salt, a major factor in hypertension.
- Sedentary Lifestyle and Urbanization
With rapid urbanization, many people in the Middle East have shifted to sedentary lifestyles. Increased dependency on cars, prolonged screen time, and reduced physical activity have led to higher obesity rates, directly contributing to hypertension.
- Obesity and Diabetes Epidemic
The Middle East has some of the highest obesity and diabetes rates in the world. Excess weight increases pressure on the cardiovascular system, making individuals more susceptible to high blood pressure. The strong link between diabetes and hypertension further worsens health outcomes.
- Genetic and Ethnic Predisposition
Studies indicate that Middle Eastern populations may have a genetic predisposition to hypertension. A family history of high blood pressure increases the likelihood of developing the condition, making early screening and prevention essential.
- Psychological Stress and Work Pressure
Economic instability, job-related stress, and social pressures have increased anxiety and stress levels in the region. Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones that elevate blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Tobacco and Shisha Consumption
Smoking, including the widespread use of shisha (hookah), is a significant contributor to hypertension in the Middle East. The nicotine and harmful chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels, leading to long-term increases in blood pressure.
- Climate and Environmental Factors
Extreme heat in many Middle Eastern countries forces individuals to remain indoors, limiting outdoor physical activity. Additionally, air pollution has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension.
Securing a Healthier Future: Prevention and Management
- Promoting Healthy Eating and Reducing Salt Intake
- Encouraging a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help control blood pressure.
- Governments should implement awareness campaigns on the dangers of high-sodium diets.
- Encouraging Physical Activity
- Developing public spaces, parks, and fitness programs can encourage physical movement.
- Employers should promote workplace wellness initiatives, such as walking breaks and exercise programs.
- Combating Obesity and Diabetes
- Early screening and lifestyle interventions can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and prevent hypertension.
- Providing better access to healthcare services and nutritional guidance is essential.
- Managing Stress and Mental Well-being
- Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, and counseling can improve heart health.
- Employers and governments should prioritize mental health support and awareness programs.
- Controlling Tobacco and Shisha Use
- Implementing strict regulations on tobacco sales and usage in public places can help reduce smoking rates.
- Educating the public about the dangers of shisha and cigarette smoking is essential in preventing hypertension.
- Improving Hypertension Screening and Treatment
- Regular blood pressure monitoring and early detection programs can prevent complications.
- Ensuring affordable access to hypertension medications and healthcare services is crucial.
Advantages and Constraints
To the best of our knowledge, this is the inaugural study to examine the occurrence, determinants, and management of hypertension among parents of school-aged children in the UAE. Our research reveals a heightened occurrence of BP in younger demographics within the UAE. Additionally, individuals with elevated BP exhibit inadequate hypertension management. The study urges policymakers to implement public health initiatives that can tackle both children’s and parents’ health, thereby fostering a healthy family structure.
Our research has certain drawbacks. Firstly, the cross-sectional design precludes us from making comments on possible causal relationships between the assessed risk factors and hypertension. Secondly, our sample size was comparatively small, limiting our capacity to conduct further detailed subgroup analyses. As a result, the findings regarding awareness and management should be interpreted with care due to the limited sample size. Furthermore, the classification of diabetes relied on self-reports, thus presenting potential reliability concerns.
Thirdly, utilizing a convenience sample of adults restricted our ability to eliminate possible selection bias; nonetheless, the point estimates of hypertension prevalence are unlikely to be significantly influenced.
Challenges in Addressing Hypertension in Arab Populations
Hypertension remains a major health concern in Arab countries, with increasing rates due to a combination of lifestyle factors, genetics, and healthcare limitations. The high prevalence and late diagnosis of hypertension is a significant challenge, as many individuals remain unaware of their condition until it leads to severe complications. Screening programs are often not widespread, leading to undiagnosed cases and increased health risks. A key contributor is poor dietary habits and high salt intake, with traditional diets being rich in salt, fats, and processed foods, all of which contribute to elevated blood pressure. Moreover, sedentary lifestyles and urbanization have led to reduced physical activity. Increased reliance on automobiles, lack of accessible public spaces, and long working hours limit the opportunities for physical exercise, exacerbating the rise of hypertension.
The obesity and diabetes epidemic also plays a significant role. The high rates of obesity in the Arab world, compounded by poor awareness of portion control, contribute to elevated hypertension risks. In addition, tobacco and shisha use is widespread in many Arab societies, despite its detrimental effects on cardiovascular health, further increasing the risk of hypertension. Additionally, genetic factors may contribute to a higher predisposition to hypertension in Arab populations, with early detection being critical but often overlooked.
Limited awareness and health education are major barriers to hypertension control. Many people remain unaware of the risks and symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Public health campaigns are often insufficient, particularly in rural regions, where access to healthcare and information is limited. Mental health issues, such as stress, are prevalent in many Arab countries due to economic and social pressures, which can also exacerbate hypertension, yet mental health care is often stigmatized and inaccessible. Another key challenge is inadequate healthcare access and affordability. Many people, especially in rural areas, lack access to consistent healthcare services and cannot afford regular check-ups or medications. Even when healthcare is available, the cost of hypertension medications can be prohibitive. Lastly, poor medication adherence remains a critical issue. Many patients fail to follow prescribed treatments due to factors like financial constraints, misinformation, or cultural beliefs, leading to poorly managed hypertension and an increased risk of complication.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a growing public health challenge in the Middle East, driven by dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, stress, and environmental factors. However, with proper awareness, lifestyle modifications, and effective healthcare policies, the region can reduce the prevalence of high blood pressure. By securing a healthier future through prevention, early detection, and lifestyle changes, the Middle East can combat this escalating health crisis and improve the overall well-being of its population.
Sources
- Effect of Arabic Qahwa on Blood Pressure
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- Ghubash & Eapen, 2009
- Mahfouz et al., 2021
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