Saudi Hypertension Management Society (SHMS)

The Saudi Hypertension Management Society (SHMS) is the first society concerned with the disease of high blood pressure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established in 2004 by a group of volunteers in the health field, under the supervision of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. The society's main headquarters is located in the capital, Riyadh, and it has centers in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, and Jeddah.

The society received accreditation from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties in 2008, and in 2009, it was accredited by the International Society of Hypertension. The Society is composed of volunteers from various health specialties, from universities, private clinics, referral hospitals, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Media.

The society's statistics indicate that hypertension affects about 15 percent of the citizens in the Kingdom. The society aims to reduce this percentage to 11 percent, following a work plan consisting of nine training programs. It organizes competence courses in blood pressure measurement and conducts courses and workshops in several cities in the Kingdom. The society also aims to empower specialists in primary clinics to treat patients according to the Saudi guidelines, by supporting a mobile phone program, issuing the improved version of the fourth edition of the Saudi guidelines for hypertension care, in addition to publishing a journal. The society also works on hosting lectures, seminars, and workshops via electronic platforms and disseminating awareness messages to the public through electronic platforms.

The society's mandates focus on disseminating documented knowledge about hypertension, based on the latest research on all aspects of early detection, treatment, and prevention of high blood pressure in the community, and encouraging an improvement in lifestyle.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties oversees the operations of the Saudi Hypertension Management Society. This is done to elevate the standards of professional practice, support scientific publishing in the field of the society's specialty, and enhance the scientific and professional performance of the society's members and practitioners in the field of hypertension. Additionally, it aims to increase health awareness in the community by creating a positive impact, which is represented in establishing scientific, professional, and investment partnerships locally, regionally, and globally.