The Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL), in collaboration with Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) and with the support of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, organized a cardiovascular screening and awareness morning dedicated to amateur athletes.

The initiative aimed to encourage safe and responsible sports participation by offering attendees a comprehensive cardiovascular prevention program. Participants benefited from blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, and height measurements, an electrocardiogram (ECG), a medical consultation, and a personalized assessment of their cardiovascular risk factors.

On this occasion, Dr. Nicole Gebara, Director of the Hypertension Unit at Hôtel-Dieu de France, emphasized that while regular physical activity is one of the cornerstones of cardiovascular disease prevention, it cannot replace routine medical follow-up. She also highlighted the importance of early screening, noting that many cardiovascular diseases may progress silently for years before symptoms appear, making early diagnosis essential for timely and appropriate treatment.

The event also featured hands-on demonstrations of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), underscoring the importance of first-aid skills and their critical role in saving lives during cardiac emergencies.

Through this collaboration, ATCL and Hôtel-Dieu de France reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting cardiovascular prevention, raising awareness of cardiovascular risk factors, and encouraging the safe practice of physical activity.

The medical team participating in the event included Professor Simon Abou Jaoudé, Head of the Cardiology Department; Dr. Nicole Gebara, Director of the Hypertension Unit; Dr. Joëlle Khadra, Emergency Physician and Coordinator of the Emergency Department; as well as cardiology residents Elie Farah and Marc Moussallem.