Tackling high blood pressure in pregnant women
The screening for pre-eclampsia, or high blood pressure, in pregnant women is at an advanced stage within healthcare provision in the UAE. This is the view of Dr. Howaida Khair, Consultant O&G and Chief of Obstetrics, Tawam Hospital. She spoke at OBS-GYNE Exhibition and Congress 2009 running until Friday 3 April at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
“Every visit a pregnant women takes to our clinic she is checked for pre-eclampsia,” she said. “It’s one of the hallmarks of our pre-natal healthcare.”
High blood pressure experienced during pregnancy could be a woman's earliest warning that she is at risk of developing heart disease. Called pre-eclampsia, this type of high blood pressure occurs in 5-10 per cent of all pregnancies.
According to a recent study conducted in Canada many physicians are unaware of the connection between pre-eclampsia and the risk of future cardiovascular problems, and as a result they fail to follow up with screening tests. Consequently their patients aren't taking proactive steps to avoid potential heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Khair believes women be made aware of the importance of screening for high blood pressure.
“It’s very important that women know about this, because it can cause many problems and heighten the risk of death if left unchecked,” she said. “Screening is essential, not just for the health of the mother to be, but also for the health of the unborn child. Babies born to mothers with pre-eclampsia tend to be smaller and can suffer from many conditions.”
A range of health issues relating to women are being covered at the congress. Many health professionals are taking the opportunity to improve their knowledge and understanding of the latest findings of international studies and in turn continue to improve the quality of healthcare provided to their patients.
Simon Page, Director of Life Science Division, IIR Middle East is delighted to be playing an active role, by organising the congress.
“The design of the programme will allow the latest research findings to be discussed, along with the international health policy protocols being followed that are improving women’s health globally. It’s vital that physicians, midwives and nurses keep on top of these rapidly changing subjects, and OBS-GYNE will become part of their on-going educational programme.”
OBS-GYNE Exhibition & Congress is taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 1-3 April. For further information visit, http://www.obs-gyne.com/
