Tell us about yourself.

My name is Zafar Aleem Suchal, a medical graduate of Aga Khan University,
Karachi, Pakistan. I am currently working as Research Associate at Shalamar
Institute of Health Sciences, focusing on Hypertension research, with a particular
focus on Blood Pressure Measurement, Hypertension in the Low resource settings
and cardiovascular risk assessment in South Asians. My goal is to enhance
awareness, early detection, optimal management and education through evidence-
based practices and innovative research both within the hospital and community
settings.

What are your research interests?

My research interests include exploring outcomes of public health, BP Measurement,
adherence and the role of AI in hypertension. By integrating research with practical
solutions, I aim to contribute to more efficient and equitable healthcare systems,
ensuring better management and prevention of hypertension and cardiovascular
disease in underserved populations.

What are you working on right now?

As a Research Associate, my current work focuses on improving patient education
and healthcare access, particularly in relation to hypertension and cardiovascular
risk, in the HEARTS-PK Project. I am also involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing
healthcare providers' knowledge of hypertension management and proper blood


pressure measurement techniques, the BPRIGHT Project. Our latest project focuses
on Home blood pressure Measurement Survey.

What do you hope to achieve in the field of hypertension over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, I aim to enhance patient knowledge and empowerment to
improve adherence to hypertension management and lifestyle modifications. By
developing community-driven educational initiatives, I hope to bridge the gap
between awareness and action, enabling patients to take charge of their health.
Additionally, I plan to advocate for the implementation of hypertension guidelines
among healthcare professionals to standardize care and improve patient outcomes.
Through research, training programs, and quality improvement projects, my goal is to
elevate the standard of hypertension management, particularly in resource-limited
settings. Also, I hope that we can use AI to optimize diagnosis, risk stratification and
treatment in Hypertension.

What challenges have you faced in your career to date?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my career was the impact of COVID-
19, which disrupted healthcare systems and research efforts. Additionally, working in
a resource-limited setting presents challenges in accessing essential equipment and
medications. Misinformation about hypertension—both among the general public and
healthcare professionals—further complicates efforts to ensure proper management
and adherence to guidelines. Despite these challenges, I am fortunate to work in a
supportive environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and meaningful
contributions toward improving hypertension care.

Which of your publications are you proudest of and why?

One of the publications I am most proud of is our study, 'Revolutionizing LVH
detection using artificial intelligence: the AI Heartbeat Project.' In this research, we
explored the potential of AI-driven ECG analysis for detecting left ventricular
hypertrophy (LVH). This innovation has the potential to transform cardiac care in low-
resource settings by enabling early detection of LVH and other cardiovascular
conditions using widely available ECG technology. By integrating AI into routine
diagnostics, we can bridge healthcare gaps and improve cardiovascular outcomes
globally.

Reference:

Suchal ZA, ul Ain N, Mahmud A. Revolutionizing LVH detection using artificial
intelligence: the AI Heartbeat Project. Journal of Hypertension. 2025;43(1):66-77.

What is your favourite manuscript from a lab other than your own?

One of my favorite manuscripts is 'Challenges for the management of hypertension in
low-resource settings' by Mendis S. This paper resonated with me as someone who
has worked in a clinical setting with limited resources. It highlights the barriers
healthcare providers face, such as inadequate access to medications, diagnostic
tools, and patient follow-up. The study also provides practical, guideline-based
strategies to improve hypertension care despite these constraints. Implementing
these techniques in my own work has reinforced the importance of simple, cost-
effective interventions in improving patient outcomes.

Reference:

Mendis S. Challenges for the management of hypertension in low-resource settings.
Ethnicity & Disease. 2003 Apr 1;13:67-70.

What are your passions outside of work?

Outside of work, I love cooking, especially Pakistani and Indian food. I’m also a big
reader—mostly science fiction, fantasy, and Detective novels in both English and
Urdu.