The Community Outreach and Public Engagement Committee at the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University (QU-CPH) recently held an outreach event on “Atrial Fibrillation” at Landmark Mall.

The campaign aimed to raise public awareness about atrial fibrillation, the most common form of arrhythmia. Despite being asymptomatic in many cases, atrial fibrillation predisposes patients to an increased risk of life-threatening strokes.

The campaign engaged more than 30 volunteers from CPH students and 14 faculty members and attracted a large number of visitors. Students were on hand at the booth and enthusiastically engaged with the public to educate them about atrial fibrillation symptoms, risk factors, and available therapies to prevent complications such as stroke and other associated acute conditions.

Furthermore, several services were offered for visitors during the campaign including a free pulse check and an evaluation of their atrial fibrillation risk factors.

CPH dean Dr Mohamed Diab said: “This campaign is part of the continuous effort of CPH to actively contribute to the national effort for a healthier nation.”

CPH associate professor Dr Abdelali Agouni said: “Stroke is the leading cause for disability worldwide, and sadly it presents at a young age in Qatar and therefore it was timely for us, as the first pharmacy college in the country, to raise public awareness about atrial fibrillation, a major risk factor for stroke.”

“Many visitors approached us and showed interest in knowing more about the campaign. The best thing was that people were very pleased that we, as pharmacy students, are spreading knowledge and helping them know more about diseases,” third-year pharmacy student Sarra Koummich added.

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