Medical students from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) participated in the observance of World Heart Day, which is being celebrated this year under the theme “Use Heart for Action”. Their involvement included taking part in a campaign aimed at raising awareness within the community about cardiovascular diseases and their prevention. This initiative reflects the students’ strong belief in the significance of heart health and its integral role in enhancing both physical and mental well-being, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a healthy, disease-free society.

The medical students are actively engaged in launching health initiatives and participating in community campaigns and projects designed to promote healthy lifestyle choices, thereby mitigating the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases and reducing the prevalence of related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity. This year’s theme for World Heart Day underscores the necessity of maintaining heart health as a critical component in improving work capacity and productivity; a healthy heart fosters enhanced concentration and energy, leading to greater creativity and productivity.

Student Ms. Burouq Ghanem Al Sulaiti stated that the participation of medical students in the voluntary campaign organised by the Bahrain Heart Saver Group, comprising cardiology consultants, specialists from various fields, nursing staff, and other health professionals, reflects their commitment to empowering individuals to take charge of their heart health. This is particularly pertinent, given that data from the World Health Organisation indicates that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. 

In the Eastern Mediterranean region, it is estimated that 38% of the population—approximately 258 million people—suffers from hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease. Furthermore, half of all deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases occur before the age of 70, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive measures and early treatment strategies.

Ms. Al Sulaiti remarked: “The involvement of students in global health awareness days such as World Heart Day, alongside doctors and consultants in private hospitals and medical centres, enriches our experience as medical students and opens new avenues for contribution in our future careers.”

She also noted that her participation, along with that of her fellow medical students at the Ramli Mall campaign, included providing informative presentations on heart models that visually illustrate various heart diseases for attendees, as well as detailed explanations of anatomical issues affecting the heart and essential information regarding first aid, particularly cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The campaign saw participation from medical students, including Ms. Sara Al Abbasi, Ms. Moza Al Buainain, Mr. Abdulaziz Al Rasheedi, Mr. Osama Al Hajiri, Mr. Abdulaziz Nawaf, and Mr. Hatim Al Jaber. Their involvement was supervised by Dr. Syed Raza, Consultant Cardiologist at Awali Hospital, and Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Maliki, Consultant Paediatrician at the American Mission Hospital.