2016

Research from the Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, studied the feasibility of gradually reducing salt in bread, and its corresponding effect on blood pressure, in two cities in South-eastern Iran. The community trial found that a reduction of 40% of the salt in bread was acceptable within the 2 cities and also found that there was a reduction in urinary sodium and systolic blood pressure. To view the full study, please click here.

The Supreme Council for Health & Food Security revised the standards for 14 food additives, including salt and sugar, and reformulation of foods to reduce sugar, salt and trans-fats primarily in drinks achieved reductions of up to 10%. Source Furthermore by 2025, the Council aim to achieve 30% reduction in population salt intake.

2015

The President of Iran announced a new health policy, which included the declaration that they would develop a comprehensive approach to health and healthy people in all laws, policies and regulations to comply with the executive, including the prioritisation of prevention over treatment, and the updating of health programs. The Supreme Council for Health & Food Security was created to oversee this work.

2012

Research from the Isfahan University of Medical Services demonstrated the potential of salt reduction messages in Iran. The research was carried out using data collected from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) – a community-based intervention which targeted the general population to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours and to reduce unhealthy nutrition, smoking, physical inactivity and stress.

The study looked at the effect of the program on salt intake and blood pressure and used data from 1999 (before IHHP was launched), 2001-2001 (IHHP’s baseline) and 2007 (after IHHP had concluded). The study found that between 1999 and 2001-2001, dietary salt intake increased from 8.21g per day to 12.52g per day, but then decreased significantly to 10.66g per day in 2007. Blood pressure was also significantly decreased during the 9 year study period. To view this study, please click here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23267374

Furthermore, a paper published stated that, as a developing nation, Iran is undergoing a nutrition transition and is therefore facing an increased burden of NCDs. The paper acknowledged that there has not been a large scale population study to measure salt intake through 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. However several smaller studies have been carried out using 24-hour urinary sodium excretion as their method of calculating salt intake and found that the average salt intake of the study participants was 9-11g/day. To view this paper, please click here.

2008

World Hypertension Day

World Hypertension Day 2008 was supported in Isfahan, Iran.  The activity included an active week of education and interventions for professionals, high blood-pressure patients and the general population.   This was a great opportunity to increase knowledge to everybody, particularly high risk people and patients about the silent killer disease – hypertension.  It will prevent and control with easy ways by changing health and life style. It is very important and very easy by decrease salt and weight, increase exercise and healthy diet. Iran had some education program in their population for one week from 15-21 May, focusing on 17th May in Isfahan with two messages:1) Measure your blood pressure at home 2) Decreasing salt = Decrease high blood pressure (Isfahan is one of the biggest city in Iran with above 5-6million population. Prevalence of hypertension in Isfahan is above 18%).

Isfahan World Hypertension Day, 17 May 2008

Report of Hypertension Day

Hypertension Unit of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center WHO Collaborating Center in the EMRO Secretary General Iranian Heart Foundation

Rezvan Ansari*, Alireza Khosravi, Ahmad Bahonar

*Manager of Hypertension Day and Deputy and research expert of Hypertension Unit of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center: r_ansari@crc.mui.ac.ir

The rates of prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension are 17.5%, 51% and 12%, respectively, in the cities of Isfahan and Najaf-Abad. The activities conducted in these cities to mark the World Hypertension Day were in line with the following objectives:

• Training activities centred on primary prevention, to increasing community awareness of  hypertension particularly salt intake
• Encouraging the public to have their blood pressure checked
• Increasing patient compliance with antihypertensive drug regimens
• Encouraging follow-up of hypertensive patients
• Increase the knowledge of people specially patients and their families about daily salt intake and its important in prevention and control hypertension
• Increasing the knowledge of physicians and health personnel about correct methods of prevention and treatment of hypertension particularly healthy diet and daily salt intake

The Hypertension Unit of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Centre coordinated the activities to mark the World Hypertension Day with the Vice-Chancellery for Treatment of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan and Najaf-Abad Municipalities, Isfahan health centres and clinics, hospitals, factories, offices and Isfahan Radio and television Broadcasting Service (IRIB).

1. Islamic republic of Iran broadcasting ,news department
2. Youth news club
3. Clinical of Isfahan oil and petroleum distribution company
4. Treatment assistance of Isfahan university of medical sciences
5. Nursing office in treatment assistance of medical sciences
6. Health assistance of Isfahan medical science university
7. Public affaires of Isfahan medical science university

The activities performed in health centers and other designated locations across Isfahan province during these the 10 days leading up to the Hypertension Day included:

1. Carrying out morning manoeuvre with the cooperation of Heart Friends’ NGO(National Group Organization)and presence of some cardiologists, internists and nurses group .Education as well as blood pressure measurement at home by them to the members of Heart Friends' NGO in clouding CAD patients and their family.
2. Organizing a mountain climbing event on may 19, 2008 with aim: sharing pamphlets to 8 educating title and learn to participants about "what do we measure our blood pressure at home".
3. Print of education poster on 15m2 size and their posting some (was attached)
4. Organizing a seminar about the World Hypertension Day entitled "Prevention, control and treatment hypertension" for nurses, active members of Isfahan hospitals and clinics.
5. Using mass media (radio, television, dailies) to announce the World Hypertension Day with two message "Measure your blood pressure at home" and "Decrease Salt = Decrease Hypertension"
   • Arranging a medical talk show on hypertension on Isfahan local TV Channel
   • Arranging the broadcast of several sub-titled mottos and short messages about prevention and control of hypertension on Isfahan local TV Channel
   • Arranging for the broadcast of radio messages and programs about hypertension for 10 days
6. Setting up 30 blood pressure measurement stalls in hospitals across Isfahan Province to offer free training on blood pressure measurement and with two messages: "Measure your blood pressure at home" and "Decrease Salt = Decrease Hypertension"