World Hypertension Day is a global healthcare event celebrated on the 17th of May every year, intending the communication of increased blood pressure significance to people in addition to explaining the impact of hypertension in the development of serious medical complications and providing a piece of knowledge on prevention, detection and treatment.

To achieve the above goals, various local and global healthcare organisations, media, healthcare professionals and volunteer organisations come together to provide resources for spreading awareness. 

Currently, hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure of more than 80 mmHg as per American College of Cardiology (ACC).

Theme of World Hypertension Day

World Hypertension Day 2023 will be celebrated on last year’s theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.” There is no official announcement for any new theme as of now.

The theme of World Hypertension Day 2022 is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.” The theme focuses on combatting low awareness rates across the globe, mainly in low to middle-income areas, and accurate blood pressure measurement methods. The main aim is to increase awareness about high blood pressure (BP) in all populations worldwide and also to focus on accurate BP measurement.

The theme of World Hypertension Day 2020 was “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer.” The theme focuses on increasing high blood pressure (BP) awareness in all populations around the world. 

The theme of World Hypertension Day 2019 was “Know your numbers”. Let us tell you that in 2019, WHL in conjunction with the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) promoted May Measurement Month (MMM).

We would like to highlight several hypertension educational resources, below:

Certification Courses:

• Free blood pressure measurement training and certification course for health care providers
  sponsored by WHO/PAHO/WHL. A new course on Home Blood Pressure Monitoring will be
  released by the end of May, via the link above.

Calls to Action:

• WHL Hypertension Call to Action in Africa (Hypertension)
• African Call to Action implementation manuscript (Journal of Human Hypertension)
• WHL/RTSL/ISH Global Call to Action on Dietary Sodium (Journal of Human Hypertension)
• Sao Paulo Call to Action for the Prevention and Control of High Blood Pressure

Accuracy in Blood Pressure Management:

• Guidance on accurate blood pressure evaluation via the STRIDE BP program
• The Accuracy in Measurement of Blood Pressure collaborative (AIM-BP)
• Online tool for checking the validation status of blood pressure monitors in multi-languages

Guidelines and Strategies:

• WHO Guidelines for the Pharmacological Treatment of Hypertension in Adults
• Resolve to Save Lives Salt Reduction Framework and Under Pressure – Strategies to improve
  access to medicines to treat high blood pressure in low- and middle-income countries
• ESH Blood Pressure Monitoring Practice Guidelines paper and posters
• Cardiometabolic Risk Management in Primary Care
  

Studies:

• Studies by investigators from low- and middle-income countries – “Global Cardiovascular Disease
  Prevention and Management”.

World Hypertension Day 2023: History

1. In 2005, the World Hypertension League (WHL) and the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) initiated World Hypertension Day, primarily aiming to tackle the global prevalence of hypertension.
2. This observance aims to tackle the widespread impact of hypertension, a condition that afflicts millions of people and remains a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.
3. The inception of World Hypertension Day underscores the importance of raising awareness and promoting preventive measures to combat the health risks associated with high blood pressure.
4. Since its establishment, World Hypertension Day continues to serve as a critical platform for education, advocacy, and action to reduce the burden of hypertension-related health issues worldwide.

Significance of World Hypertension Day (WHD)

Hypertension is called the silent killer as it gradually increases in the body, due to which the development of various cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure. It gives no warning signs or symptoms whatsoever.

Affecting over 100 crore adults worldwide, the population suffering from hypertension accounts for up to 45% of the adult population. Hypertension is consistent across all socio-economic and income strata, and its prevalence rises with age. 

Hypertension has been the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years worldwide since 1990, according to a global health survey report. The number of people with hypertension is anticipated to increase by 15-20%, reaching close to 150 crores by 2025.

It is better to cut the problem even before it starts, just as it is better to reduce hypertension rather than to deal with the complications it tends to bring. To achieve this, World Hypertension Day was established, which focuses on spreading awareness of hypertension.

Raising awareness

1. World Hypertension Day is vital in raising public awareness about high blood pressure, sharing information on signs, risks, and complications.
2. This observance motivates individuals to regularly monitor their blood pressure and adopt necessary measures to ensure it remains within a healthy range. A combination of awareness campaigns, events, and media outreach facilitates these efforts.
3. World Hypertension Day aids in decreasing high blood pressure rates and its adverse effects globally by encouraging informed health management and proactive measures in communities.

Promoting Prevention

1. World Hypertension Day highlights prevention through lifestyle choices, like a balanced diet, regular exercise, reduced salt, no smoking, limited alcohol, and stress management, as high blood pressure can stay hidden.
2. These lifestyle adjustments recommended on World Hypertension Day have the potential to delay the onset of hypertension or mitigate its impact. By promoting these healthy habits, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their cardiovascular health and well-being.
3. World Hypertension Day underscores the importance of proactive choices and behaviors in preventing high blood pressure, ultimately working to diminish its silent but significant threat to overall health.

Empowering Patients

1. World Hypertension Day also emphasizes empowering individuals with hypertension by equipping them with the resources necessary to manage their health effectively. This includes providing insights into self-care strategies, building support networks, and ensuring medication adherence.
2. The day’s objective is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with hypertension, reduce challenges they may face, and ultimately enhance their overall health outcomes by fostering a sense of empowerment and self-management.
3. Through these efforts, World Hypertension Day aims to enable individuals with hypertension to take an active role in their health journey, leading to better control of their condition and improved well-being.

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