World Hypertension Day 2023: History, Significance And All That You Need To Know

A systolic blood pressure that is consistently above 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure that is consistently above 90 mm Hg is referred to as high blood pressure or hypertension.

(Representational Image)

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New Delhi: Every year, World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 and it emphasises the importance of blood pressure monitoring, thereby raising awareness among all the people who suffer from high blood pressure worldwide. A systolic blood pressure that is consistently above 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure that is consistently above 90 mm Hg is referred to as high blood pressure or hypertension and it may lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and early mortality.

In most cases, high blood pressure on its own has no symptoms. Fortunately, you can avoid and manage hypertension by frequently testing your blood pressure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

World Hypertension Day 2023: History

World Hypertension League (W.H.L) is a non-profit international organization founded on January 4, 1984, dedicated to preventing and controlling hypertension at the population level. It is an umbrella group of 85 organisations from around the world that deal with hypertension societies and leagues. World Hypertension Day was first launched on May 14, 2005. Since 2006, W.H.L. has been observing May 17 every year as World Hypertension Day. Due to the inadequate information among hypertension patients, the day's goal is to raise awareness about hypertension.

World Hypertension Day 2023: Significance

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that around one billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension and that its consequences cause more than 7.5 million fatalities each year, making it the top cause of mortality and morbidity globally. World Hypertension Day is commemorated to increase awareness of the cause behind high blood pressure and its risks, as well as to stress the significance of keeping it under control. The day also aims to persuade people, medical professionals, and decision-makers to take the required actions for early identification, diagnosis, and prevention of hypertension.

World Hypertension Day 2023: Theme

The theme for World Hypertension Day this year is 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer' and it focuses on combatting low awareness rates worldwide