World Hypertension Day is annually observed across the globe on May 17 to raise awareness about hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, and promote its prevention, detection and control.
World Hypertension Day 2023 was observed on 17th May 2023 under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.
Aim:
The day aims to communicate to the public the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications.
Background:
i. World Hypertension League (WHL) initiated a global campaign on Hypertension in 2005 and observed the first-ever World Hypertension Day on 14th May 2005.
ii. From 2006 onwards, WHL dedicated the 17th May of every year as “World Hypertension Day”.
Hypertension:
i. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition which generally has no symptoms and if left untreated, can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and blindness.
- Hypertension is when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) or higher).
ii. Blood pressure is recorded as 2 numbers: the systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) and the diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats).
iii. Hypertension risk factors include older age, genetics, being overweight or obese, not being physically active, a high-salt diet, and drinking too much alcohol.
Key Points:
i. Worldwide, 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 are believed to have hypertension, with two-thirds of them living in low- and middle-income countries.
ii. Adults with hypertension are reportedly 46% less likely to be aware of their condition.
iii. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 42% of persons with hypertension receive a diagnosis and treatment. 1 in 5 (21%) persons with hypertension have it under control.
- Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
iv. The reduction of hypertension prevalence by 33% between 2010 and 2030 is one of the global goals for non-communicable diseases.
About the World Health Organization (WHO):
Director General- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Establishment- 7 April 1948
