World Hypertension Day 2023: World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17 to promote hypertension awareness and prevention, detection, and management. Over 30% of the world’s adult population is affected by hypertension, which affects over one billion individuals worldwide. It is the most significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery disease and stroke. In addition, high blood pressure is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease, cardiac failure, arrhythmias, and dementia. Sharing information about this condition is therefore essential.
HISTORY OF WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY
World Hypertension League (W.H.L.) initiated World Hypertension Day. W.H.L. is an international non-profit organisation founded on January 4, 1984, whose mission is to prevent and control hypertension at the population level. The first World Hypertension Day was observed on May 14, 2005. Since 2006, World Health Organisation has observed May 17 as World Hypertension Day. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of hypertension due to the dearth of appropriate knowledge among hypertensive patients.
Hypertension, also known as excessive blood pressure, is a medical condition characterised by persistently elevated blood pressure in the blood vessels. When your heart circulates more blood and your blood vessels become narrower, your blood pressure rises. In most cases, high blood pressure is asymptomatic, but long-term hypertension can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, cardiac failure, arrhythmias, and dementia. Due to the absence of symptoms, you must undergo a screening to determine your blood pressure.
Primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension are the two forms of hypertension. Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause, but secondary hypertension does, including obstructive sleep apnea, renal disease, and certain medications such as birth control pills and certain prescription drugs. For the primary prevention of hypertension, adults should maintain a healthy body weight, engage in regular aerobic physical activity, such as vigorous walking, reduce their sodium intake, consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limit their alcohol consumption.
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY
Share the news
Some hypertensive individuals are oblivious of their condition. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness about hypertension so that people will have their blood pressure regularly examined.
Control yours
Perhaps you are among those who are ignorant of their high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure, and hopefully it will be normal.
Prevent its occurrence
Since hypertension has no symptoms, it is essential to determine if you have it. After that, you should engage in primary hypertension prevention measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular aerobic physical activity, and limiting your alcohol intake.
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5 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HYPERTENSION
It can occur to adolescents.
Nearly one in four adults aged 20 to 44 reportedly have hypertension.
It contributes to the cause of mortality
In 2019, 516,955 Americans died from hypertension as a primary or contributing cause of death.
There is no treatment.
Although hypertension has no known cure, it can still be prevented and managed.
It affects males and females
Men and women can be equally affected by hypertension.
A minority have it under control.
Only about one-quarter (24%) of adults with hypertension are said to have their condition under control.
WHY WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY IS IMPORTANT
It can be harmful.
This condition can cause strokes, cardiac failure, and dementia. In order to prevent hypertension, World Hypertension Day serves as a reminder to get our blood pressure checked routinely.
To initiate a healthy routine
Hypertension can affect anyone, regardless of age. World Hypertension Day can serve as a starting point for us to follow the primary prevention of hypertension, which includes leading an active lifestyle and consuming more fruits and vegetables.
It is incurable
There is no cure for hypertension, but it can be managed; however, taking medications until your blood pressure is under control can be unpleasant or distressing for some. In any case, they may be required to take blood pressure medication for the remainder of their lives. It is still preferable to prevent it through healthful living.
WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 17 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 17 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 17 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 17 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 17 | Monday |
