New Delhi: Every year May 17 is observed as the World Hypertension Day. In today’s hectic and stressful life health complications such as hypertension has become common. Hypertension is a condition related to high blood pressure and happens when your blood pressure rises to unhealthy levels.
Globally, it is estimated that 30 per cent of the world’s population is suffering from hypertension, and expected to increase to 29 per cent by 2025, driven largely by rise in economically developing nations. Also Read: CoWIN Reconfigured To Show 12-16 Weeks Gap Between Covishield Doses, Adds Sputnik Info
This day works as a reminder to get a basic health check done amid the raging coronavirus pandemic and tragic news pouring in from everywhere. Let’s understand the factors behind Hypertension and how it can be prevented besides the importance of the theme.
What’s hypertension?
The condition takes times to develop over a period of time, and you may not notice any initial symptoms. It is important to note that high blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ''hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure, is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in the vessels. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the vessels. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels (arteries) as it is pumped by the heart. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to pump.''
Hence, it is important to keep checking blood pressure readings to notice any changes.
Theme of World Hypertension Day 2021
Even this year, the theme lays emphaisis on the aspect of measuring blood pressure levels. 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer '- is the theme of World Hypertension Day 2021. With this theme, there is an effort to create awareness and communicate in our social networks about accurately measuring blood pressure regularly. Blood preesure is one the main risk factor for heart diseases, kidney problems and dementia. The condition of hypertension can be easily detected by taking a blood pressure reading.
As per Webmd, nearly one-third of people suffering with the condition are not even aware about it, and even when the blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. It is because high blood pressure doesn’t have any symptoms unless it is severe or life-threatening.
Some of the patients may complain of headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms aren't specific and usually don't occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.
The common reason behind the condition include age, family history, being overweight or obese, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, using too much salt in your food, drinking too much alcohol and high levels of stress.