World Hypertension Day is annually observed on 17th May to create awareness and educate people to prevent and control the Hypertension. This day was initiated by the World hypertension League (WHL) an affiliated section of the International Society of Hypertension(ISH) in May 2005.The theme of World Hypertension Day 2020 is “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer”.
Key Points:
i.The theme for the past five years was “Know Your Number” with a goal to increase the awareness of high blood pressure (BP).
ii.Annually the World Hypertension League(WHL) organises various events on this day and due to COVID-19 pandemic the WHL has announced to postpone the celebration of WHD 2020 to 17th October, 2020.
iii.The day concentrates on two components of hypertension to increase the awareness they are,
- To establish high-capacity community screening programs for the recognition of high BP in those at risk
- To promote the routine measurement of BP by a health-care professional at all clinical encounters.
Hypertension disease:
i.Hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease which causes strokes, vision loss, dementia, heart attack and chronic kidney disease which does not show any symptoms in the early stages.
ii.The risk factor of hypertension of a person are age, tobacco usage and alcohol consumption, obesity, excessive salt, high level of stress and genetics
iii.The uncommon cause of high blood pressure are, added sugar, sleep apnea, lack of potassium, herbal supplements, thyroid problems, dehydration, hormonal birth controls and antidepressants.
Warnings and symptoms:
Severe headache, blurred vision, breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, nose bleeding are some of the symptoms of hypertension.
Change of Lifestyle to fight Hypertension:
i.Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
ii.Avoid packed foods and ordering in and consume home-cooked food
iii.Sleep for minimum 6 to 7 hours.
iv.Practicing yoga, meditation and exercise for five days a week.
About ISH:
In December 2007 the society was registered as a charity in England and Wales.
President- Alta Schutte
Vice President- Fadi Charchar(Chair, New Investigator and Mentorship Committees)
Established- 1966
ISH Secretariat- Edinburg, United Kingdom
