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Overview
The World Hypertension day is celebrated on May 17 every year. It is observed annually to raise awareness about hypertension. It was initiated by the World Hypertension League (WHL).
World Hypertension Day 2023
This year, the theme is Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.
Key facts
- Hypertension – or elevated blood pressure – is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
- An estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries.
- In 2015, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women had hypertension.
- Fewer than 1 in 5 people with hypertension have the problem under control.
- Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
- One of the global targets for noncommunicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25% by 2025 (baseline 2010).
Risk factors
- Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and being overweight or obese.
- Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Prevention is KEY!
- Eat healthily and reduce salt consumption
- Eat more fruit and vegetables Limit alcohol intake
- Don’t smoke Be physically active
- Maintain a healthy body weight
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