RIYADH: The Health Ministry on Monday advised patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) to reduce consumption of salt and fried foods during Ramadan. The announcement is part of the ministry’s annual health-and-safety awareness program conducted during the holy month.
A ministry official said hypertension patients should consume low-fat dairy products because they contain yeast that helps lower blood pressure.
He urged such patients to see a doctor before commencing a fast to determine their ability to do so. They are also advised to take medication to treat hypertension directly after Taraweeh prayers so the body can recover enough fluids following breakfast.
Patients who forget to take such medication are advised to do so whenever they remember on the the same day. If they remember the next day, they should not double the regular dose.
Dr. Abdul Hameed Hassan, a consultant at the International Medical Center in Jeddah, said: “It seems as though many people in modern societies are living a life that leads to hypertension. As people age, the situation gets worse. Nearly half of all elderly people have hypertension. This disease makes people more prone to strokes, three times more likely to have a heart attack, and two to three times more likely to experience heart failure.”
Studies indicate that foods that are high in fat, especially saturated fat, can cause hypertension, as can using a lot of salt.
Obesity, lack of exercise, high caffeine intake, smoking and high cholesterol are also causes.
There are ways to treat hypertension and still lead a normal life. There are many different types of medications called anti-hypertensives on the market today that can treat it. Doctors can assess appropriate dosage.
Health Ministry urges hypertension patients to reduce salt intake during Ramadan
Health Ministry urges hypertension patients to reduce salt intake during Ramadan
Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference
- Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
- Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan
RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.
The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.
Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.
Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.
“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.
“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”
