World Hypertension Day

Hypertension is a silent killer that rarely causes symptoms. Increasing public awareness about hypertension is key, along with access to early detection and management.

World Hypertension Day celebrated every year on the May 17th, is aimed at raising attention on the importance of a better hypertension control. 

Background

The World Hypertension Day activity was started by the World Hypertension League (WHL), and was first held on May 14, 2005.  Its purpose is to communicate to the public the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications, and to provide information on its prevention, detection, and management.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a long-term condition where blood pressure is increased.  It is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting more than 1.4 billion people and accounting for more than 28,000 deaths each day.  Initially, it does not cause any symptoms but if left untreated it can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, vision loss, and dementia. Control of high blood pressure can help protect against these conditions and there are many steps that can be taken to help lower blood pressure.

Demographic transition, rapid unplanned urbanization, and the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles are factors that are escalating the burden of hypertension as well as other NCDs.  

Theme for 2024

This year, the theme of World Hypertension Day is Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer, focusing on combatting low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle income areas, and accurate blood pressure measurement methods.

People need to know why raised blood pressure is dangerous, and how to take steps to control it. The theme of the day provides an opportunity for health managers to advocate for increased availability and use of digital blood pressure measurement devices across healthcare facilities to scale up screening and monitoring.

India celebrations

Union Health Ministry announces various initiatives to promote the awareness on Hypertension among the citizens as part of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. The programme provides services for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases NAFLD), ST Elevation of Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) apart from Hypertension, Diabetes and three common Cancers including Oral, Breast and Cervical.

Source : World Hypertension League