World Hypertension day is celebrated annually on May 17 to raise awareness about the symptoms of hypertension to prevent and control it. It was first initiated by the World Hypertension League (WHL) an affiliated section of the International Society of Hypertension(ISH), on May 14, 2005.
- The theme for 2021: ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer’
- The focus of 2021: Combatting low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle-income areas, and accurate blood pressure measurement methods.
- In India, 1 in every 3 Indian adults above the age of 60 is being affected by hypertension and the estimated prevalence of hypertension is about 8 percent.
Background:
i.Since 2006, May 17 was dedicated as the World Hypertension Day for every year by the WHL.
ii.WHL stated two critical components to increase awareness of hypertension such as,
- To establish high-capacity community screening programs for recognition of high BP (Blood Pressure) in those at risk.
- To promote the routine measurement of BP by a healthcare professional at all clinical encounters.
iii.The Children’s Art Competition and the announcement of the annual WHL Excellence Awards are also held in conjunction with World Hypertension Day.
About Hypertension:
i.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), BP is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body. Too high BP is Hypertension.
ii.It affects more than 30% of the adult population worldwide, more than 1 billion people around the world.
iii.Causes: High-stress levels, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits are some of the main reasons for hypertension in young people.
iv.Diseases related to Hypertension: This can cause damage to blood vessels; and lead to heart attack, brain stroke, kidney damage, or nerve damage.
v.Normal BP is 120/80 mm Hg. High BP is defined by a level greater than 130/80 mm Hg or 140/90 mm Hg.
