World Hypertension Day is celebrated on May 17 of every year. World Hypertension Day is a day to increase awareness about Hypertension. It was created with the purpose of promoting community awareness about hypertension and encouraging all citizens around the world to prevent and combat this silent killer, which is considered the epidemic of the modern era. The blood pressure can be measured at the hospital or at home by using a measuring device called the BP apparatus.
“Reducing dietary salt is not only important for those who already have elevated blood pressure – limiting added salt is essential for all of us to remain in good health.” – Joel Fuhrman
History of World Hypertension Day
The World Hypertension League (WHL) created World Hypertension Day. World Hypertension League is a health organization led by 85 national hypertension societies and associations. It started the campaign hypertension day to raise public awareness about hypertension. In 2005, the first World Hypertension Day was celebrated with the simple theme of “Awareness of high blood pressure.” As per the values recommended by International and Canadian guidelines, the recommended blood pressure for the general population and hypertensive population without any other complications is less than 140/90 mmHg. The recommended blood pressures for people with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease are less than 130/80 mmHg. Statistics say that around 25% of the world’s population has hypertension. Every year, Hypertension Day is celebrated with the specific theme of raising awareness about the increase in the incidence of hypertension and the ways to prevent hypertension.
High Blood Pressure or Hypertension is a condition in which the blood force against the artery walls is too high. It will cause various complications in the body, and sometimes it may lead to stroke, eye disorders, kidney disease, coma, or even death. Usually, there are no apparent symptoms of hypertension. According to the reports, around the world, nearly 3 out of 10 people are suffering from hypertension. Approximately 1.8 billion people are suffering from hypertension, and the most shocking thing is that 50% of them are unaware of their condition, and some of them who are aware of their condition do not take any preventive action for their blood pressure. This is why World Hypertension Day is observed annually to distribute the message of maintaining normal blood pressure.
The main objectives behind the creation of World Hypertension Day are:
- To raise awareness about the value of early detection and treatment of HBP (High Blood Pressure or Hypertension).
- To promote multidisciplinary collaborative research and to serve local communities.
- To reduce the impact and frequency of high blood pressure (HBP).
- To improve the consensus and guidelines on the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
- To provide education and training all around the world about hypertension.
Other Celebrations on May 17
How to celebrate the day
Generally, World Hypertension Day was observed on a specific theme. The World Hypertension Day 2023 Theme was “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer” and it will be celebrated with the importance of knowing what your blood pressure measurements are. It is also a day to check your blood pressure. Learn more about hypertension, its effects, and its preventive measures. Post pictures and raise awareness on social media about the importance of maintaining normal blood pressure by using the hashtag #WorldHypertensionDay.
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