World Hypertension Day (WHD) is observed every year on May 17. The global day is an initiative of the World Hypertension League. The major aim behind celebrating the day is to educate the masses and spread awareness about hypertension that is commonly known as high blood pressure. Notably, it is also deemed as a silent killer.
Over 30 per cent of the world’s population, i.e., more than 1 billion of the world’s population is known to be affected by hypertension. It is also a primary risk factor that leads to several cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, chronic kidney failure, dementia, and arrhythmia. In this article, we will talk about what is world hypertension day, its history, importance, and other details related to the day.
The first World Hypertension Day or World High Blood Pressure Day was celebrated 17 years ago in May 2005. It is organised annually by the World Hypertension League (WHL). The first WHD was a success with 24 countries taking part in the inaugural celebration. It is a conglomeration of 85 hypertension leagues and societies all over the world. In the year 2019, World Hypertension Day was celebrated with the theme “Know your Numbers” which highlighted the importance of measuring one’s blood pressure levels regularly.
As mentioned earlier, hypertension is one of the major causes of several cardiovascular diseases. It becomes important to raise awareness about this as it can also prove to be fatal in some cases. Here is a look at the importance and significance of the day:
The World Hypertension League recognised that more than 50 per cent of the hypertensive population are ignorant about their condition.
Among the estimated billion-plus people affected by hypertension, less than 1 out of 5 have it under control.
The key factors contributing to a rise in hypertensive population are unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol and tobacco consumption.
To address this increasing prevalence of hypertension across the globe, World Hypertension Day encourages the citizens of all countries to spread awareness of this silent killer and put forth measures for its prevention and control.
By now you must know that the day is celebrated every year with a certain theme. This year (2022), the theme is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”. The primary aim of this year’s theme is going to be combatting the low awareness rate about hypertension at a worldwide scale with a special focus on mid to low income areas and also accurate blood pressure measurement methods.
During the week of World Hypertension Day in the previous years, all the WHL member countries in partnership with their local governments, NGOs, private industry, and professional bodies created awareness among their citizens through various media and public rallies. Using electronic media, social media, and the internet to its full potential, the message about hypertension is spread to millions of people every year. Here are some of the country-wise WHD campaigns that were held in the year 2020:
Country |
Activity |
India |
Door to door campaigns in several villages of India by the Indian Society of Hypertension (InSH) was also conducted. |
South Africa |
In South Africa, social media outreach through graphics about World Hypertension Day was done. North-West University (NWU)’s Hypertension in Africa Research Team came up with 10 tips to control hypertension and shared it with the people. |
Iran |
In Iran, blood pressure screening was done during the period leading up to WHD. Awareness of hypertension-related diseases was raised and the significance of a healthy lifestyle such as nutrition, reduced salt intake, physical activity for prevention and control of hypertension were also highlighted. |
There are various ways in which you can celebrate World Hypertension Day. Here is a look at some of them:
To mark this year’s World Hypertension Day, you can start by getting your blood pressure checked.
You can attend different webinars that will be organised by various NGOs, hospitals, or heart specialist doctors.
You can share the importance of this day among your peers and family and make them aware of the risks associated with hypertension.
You can reach out to hospitals or healthcare facilities and donate towards the equipment that is required for checking blood pressure, like BP monitors.
Your one single message or wish can make a difference in many lives. Hence, share wishes and World Hypertension Day messages across family, friends, and loved ones.
World Hypertension Day promotes healthy living. If you are aware of hypertension and the risks that it comes with, you can be at a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. You can also observe this day by buying health insurance for yourself and your family. This way, you will have financial backing during any unwanted health emergencies. So take the right step and get yourself insured at Finserv MARKETS now!
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With every 9 out of 10 adults prone to hypertension at some stage in their lives, the population that could be affected by hypertension-triggered cardiovascular diseases is quite high. While suitable medication and a healthy lifestyle can keep your hypertension levels under control, it is always better to be well-prepared for any health adversities. Opting for a comprehensive health insurance policy on trusted online platforms such as Finserv MARKETS provides financial coverage to you and your family in case of health emergencies such as heart stroke or coronary heart disease.
Buying a health insurance policy on Finserv MARKETS entitles the insured not only to ample coverage for rising medical costs but also a host of other benefits such as lower premiums, quick claim settlement, and prompt customer service. What’s more, applying for a health insurance policy on Finserv MARKETS is simple, quick, and requires minimal documentation.
Blood pressure, simply put, is the physical pressure in the blood vessels of the body. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, read as 120 over 80. The systolic or higher pressure of 120 reflects the arterial pressure when the heart beats, pumping blood into them. The diastolic or the lower pressure of 80 indicates the arterial pressure when the heart becomes relaxed between the beats.
1 in every 5 under the age of 25 is at risk of hypertension across countries and 9 out of 10 adults who survive until 80 years will develop hypertension.
Although not curable in the real sense of the term, hypertension can be effectively treated with safe and modern therapeutic methods. When the treatment is stopped, hypertension returns quickly.
Diabetics are usually at the risk of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension only aggravates the risk further. So, doctors pay extra attention to such cases.
High blood pressure could be dangerous both for the baby and pregnant mother. However, there are suitably safe medications to control hypertension in pregnant women upon a doctor’s prescription.