World Hypertension Day: Theme, Importance, History, Objectives

World Hypertension Day is observed on 17 May every year. The day was designated and initiated by World Hypertension League with an aim of spreading awareness about hypertension and its effects. First Hypertension Day was observed on 14 May in 2005. Since 2006, it is being celebrated on 17 May every year.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is the condition in which the force of blood flow is too high against the walls of arteries. The situation can lead to severe health complications. It increases the risk of life-threatening conditions like heart diseases and stroke. If not controlled at the right time, hypertension may even lead to death.

Blood pressure over the mark of 140/90 is commonly considered as hypertension. When the blood pressure reaches the mark of 180/120 it is considered the case of severe hypertension.

Normally, hypertension does not exhibit any pre-defined symptoms. But, according to the World Health Organization, hypertension is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular deaths all around the world. This is the reason hypertension is called a silent killer which kills without any warning.

What is World Hypertension League?

World Hypertension League, the parent organization for the World Hypertension Day, is an umbrella organization consisting of 85 hypertension organizations and societies from all over the world.

The organization initiated the observance of World Hypertension Day as it was recognized that more than 50% of people do not even know that they have a high blood pressure. The condition necessitated a global awareness drive like World Hypertension Day.

The Objectives of the World Hypertension Day

Creating awareness about hypertension is the main objective behind the observance of World Hypertension Day. It has been observed that the level of awareness about blood pressures is very low even in resource-rich and developed countries with high-quality health care systems.

The objective of the day is to communicate to the general masses the serious medical complications that can be caused by hypertension. Further, the aim is to provide the right and useful information about the prevention, detection and treatment of hypertension.

Preventing Hypertension

World Hypertension League and other organizations relating to hypertension awareness often share information about preventing hypertension. The condition can be managed with medications but prevention is always the smartest choice. We can all save ourselves from the condition by following some healthy lifestyle routines. Some of the ways of preventing hypertension are –

• EAT HEALTHILY: Reduce the intake of sodium and increase the intake of potassium in the daily diet. Fatty foods too need to be avoided as much as possible while increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• EXERCISE REGULARLY: Adopting an active lifestyle and managing a healthy weight is the key to prevent hypertension. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure.
• LIMIT ALCOHOL: Increased blood pressure is among the ill effects of high alcohol consumption.
• DO NOT SMOKE: Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
• MANAGE STRESS: Mental stress is among the leading causes of high blood pressure. It is important to manage stress and improve emotional health in addition to the physical health.

World Hypertension Day Themes

• 2020-2021: Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer
• 2013-2019: Know Your Number

What to Do This World Hypertension Day?

The theme of this World Hypertension Day is ‘Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer’. So, let’s cultivate the habit of getting our blood pressure checked at regular intervals. Hypertension often comes silently without any signs and symptoms. So, it is very important to keep track of our blood pressure proactively. In addition to knowing your number, you should also focus on adopting healthy lifestyle changes to prevent the silent killer – Hypertension.