As every year in June, The Medical University of Gdansk invited every willing Tri-city area citizen to take part in the “Piknik na Zdrowie”. Free cholesterol and sugar level measurements, lessons in breasts self examination, advice on quitting smoking, diagnostic tests, first aid classes, dental inspections, art contests for kids are just some of the attractions prepared by the Medical University of Gdansk for the picnic that took place on the 11th of June 2011 in Park Zielony.

Traditionally the Hypertension Unit from the Department of Hypertension and Diabetology also prepared a stand titled: “Nadciśnienie tętnicze powinno być leczone! Nie tylko lekami” (“Hypertension should be treated! Not only by medications”)

“We diagnose Hypertension when the systolic blood pressure is above 140mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure above 90mmHg. Over the years untreated hypertension can lead to heart and blood vessel damage, stroke and kidney failure.

DID YOU KNOW…

• One in three adults in Poland has Hypertension, but most of them don’t know about it.
• Hypertension has no apparent symptoms – it can only be diagnosed by proper blood pressure measurement.
• Blood pressure is not a constant value, that is why it should be measured at rest.

IF YOU HAVE HYPERTENSION AND TAKE DRUGS, REMEMBER ABOUT:

• Weight reduction
• Reduction of alcohol and salt consumption
• Increasing physical activity.

Prof Krzysztof Narkiewicz
Dr Radosław Szczęch †
Unit of Hypertension”

(based on „Piknik na Zdrowie. Bezpłatny dodatek. 11.VI.2011” – free picnic leaflet)

On the stand prepared by the Hypertension Unit, we offered checking volunteers’ weight and calculating the BMI (body mass index), fat and muscle tissue as well as blood pressure measurement. We tried to convince people that it is very important to modify ones lifestyle in hypertension treatment, especially by reducing body weight, limiting salt and alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. We also emphasize the fact that such actions combined with complying with doctor’s instructions will help in successful blood pressure control.

This year thanks to Polish-Norwegian Research Fund we were able to offer further investigations to some of the guests at our stand. We invited those with elevated blood pressure during measurements at the stand and/or previously diagnosed Hypertension, to take part in the CARE NORTH program. After consultation with the physician and fulfilling the recruiting criteria, patients underwent a series of diagnostic examinations such as ambulatory blood pressure measurements, echocardiography and blood vessel function and structure assessment. Recruited patients also supplied biological material that will be used to find novel biomarkers of cardiovascular complications in hypertensive patients. This goal will be achieved by determining new genetic and protein markers of heart or kidney damage and also increased risk of stroke. The long term goal is the identification of patients with a high risk of cardiovascular events and implementing an individualized, successful therapy.

See you next year!

Prepared by: Katarzyna Polonis

Translated by: Krzysztof Czechowicz