Objective: To assess the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk factors among marathon runners during Beirut-Marathon 2014. Methods: A total of 325 marathon runners were divided into 42 km and 10 km groups. They were assessed for cardiovascular risk factors by measuring their BP and answering a questionnaire. The questionnaire composed of 22 questions related to demographic information, risk factors, medical history, family history, medical checkups, use of antihypertensive drugs and definition of hyponatremia. Results: There were 30 runners in the 42 km group and 295 in the 10 km group interviewed. The majority of 42 km runners were males 29 (96.7%) vs. 205 (69.5%) in the 10 km group, (P = 0.001). The 42 km group was older than 10 km group (47 ± 13.8 years vs. 38.5 ± 14.6 years; P = 0.0025). The prevalence of hypertension was 46.7% in the 42 km group as compared to 31.2% in the 10 km group (P = 0.08). Systolic BP (SBP) was higher in 42 km group vs. 10 km group (143 ± 22.4 mm Hg vs. 129.9 ± 17.8 mm Hg; P = 0.0004). The heart rate was lower among 42 km vs. 10 km group (71 ± 11.1 bpm vs. 84 ± 16 bpm; P < 0.0001). Only 10% of the runners in both groups reported that they have hypertension (HTN). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of HTN among marathon runners but minorities were aware that they have hypertension. The 42 km runners tend to be older with higher systolic blood pressure as compared to the 10 km runners.

Objectives Our aim was to evaluate the conditions and to weigh the potential impact of an obstetrical ultrasound screening intervention on pregnant patients in an underserved area of Lebanon with the presence of refugees. Methods We performed a cross‐sectional study in a rural region in North Lebanon. Monthly second‐trimester obstetrical ultrasound scans were offered to patients. A thorough analysis of the population's characteristics was done, the anomalies discovered were documented and follow up recommendations were offered. Results 268 screening ultrasounds were performed over a one‐year period. The patients' mean age was 27.5 ± 8.5 years with a 35% consanguinity rate. A positive personal history of abnormalities was recognized in 34% of cases, and a positive family history in 21% of them. The average gestational age was of 23.3 ± 1.4 weeks of gestation. We found a rate of 8.6% inaccurate dating, 20% growth abnormalities, and 12% morphological abnormalities requiring follow‐up. These latter included defects affecting multiple organ systems among which renal, neurological, and cardiac structures were the most frequently affected (2.5%, 2%, and 1.6% respectively). Overall, 35.8% of the screened cases required a follow‐up for 1 or more abnormal findings. Conclusions The findings confirmed the necessity to introduce a prenatal ultrasound screening program in rural areas of Lebanon where refugees are settled. The lack of adequate ultrasound screening in these regions presents major threats that can hinder any pregnancy. Our simple intervention tackles the burden of diagnosis of these risks in up to 35.8% of pregnancies and thus can help improve outcomes.