Abu Dhabi: Nearly 33 per cent of people residing in the UAE suffer from hypertension of which 65 per cent do not know they have high blood pressure and are unaware of the symptoms related to the condition, said Dr Awatif Alsousi, consultant cardiologist.
Interestingly, some residents Gulf News spoke to didn't know the difference between hypertension and diabetes. Rasha Hamad, an Egyptian housewife, had no idea what the difference was. Shirani Wedage, a Sri Lankan woman, was also clueless. Alexander Shinnappan, an Indian Sales Executive, also thought it is the same.
When asked how frequently they visit a doctor for general health check up, many residents said they felt "healthy and there is no need to go for a check up".
