Several days ago, the sessions of the Seventh International Scientific Conference of the Iraqi Hypertension Society ended successfully with wide participation by doctors from all over the Iraqand some Arabic countries during which various topics and updates related to hypertension were discussed, as well as some clinical cases related to the disease. The conference for this year was characterized by different topics, which included hypertension disease in children, women and the elderly, and a discussion of cases and complications that are associated with or caused by hypertension on all body systems. Conclusions and recommendations were also delivered at the end of the conference in addition to the announcement of the date of the next conference, which will be in held in Basra, south of Iraq next year. The conference also included some social events such as honoring professors and speakers shield of the Assembly as well as some scientific competitions and awards.

Final 7th Conference Conclusions and Recommendations  

1. Hypertension is highly prevalent in Iraq and worldwide with only small fractions is controlled and this emphasizes the importance of early screening of not only the younger elderly patients but also the pediatric population and to offer the tools for this task.
2. Challenges in the management of hypertension are still present whether from medical care providers patients themselves or the healthcare system these challenges should be dealt with to make the outcome better.
3. Lifestyle interventions are of paramount importance through encouraging a healthy diet, regular exercises, stress management and treating obesity as it is regarded as an important modifiable risk factor.
4. We encourage patient education to improve compliance to treatment as it is approved to be a vital factor for better blood pressure control.
5. Treatment of hypertension should be individualized based on individual patient profile considering factors like age comorbidities and genetic predisposition.
6. We encourage the use of digital health tools like wearable devices mobile applications and the use of artificial intelligence and the electronic data registration.
7. We highlight the need for continued research into the underlying causes of hypertension, new treatment modalities and the long term outcomes of current therapies.
8. We urge policy makers to support policies that make healthy food options more accessible, reducing salt intake, promote physical activities, noise and pollution reduction and to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to hypertension management integrating care from dietitians, psychiatrist and other specialist.
9. Finally the Iraqi Hypertension Society will always be very helpful and willing to help anyone who share their interest and cooperation to achieve these goals.

To view the conference lectures, you can access this link.