Post Name : World Hypertension Day 2024
Post Date : 17 May , 2024
Post Description : Every year on May 17, World Hypertension Day is observed to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection, and control (because to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been moved to October 17, 2020). High blood pressure is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
World Hypertension Day
More than one billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension (hypertension), which is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. The burden of hypertension is disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries, where two-thirds of cases are detected, mainly because these populations have increased risk factors in recent decades. Additionally, approximately half of people with hypertension are unaware of their condition, which puts them at risk for preventable medical complications and death.
To achieve the global goal of reducing the prevalence of hypertension by 25% by 2025, the WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the Global Heart Initiative in 2016. With its five technical packages – HEARTS (cardiovascular disease management), MPOWER (tobacco reduction), Active (more physical activity), SHAKE (reduce salt consumption) and REPLACE (remove trans fat) – the initiative aims to improve heart health worldwide. The HEARTS technical package itself guides the more effective detection and treatment of hypertension patients in primary care.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). This is common but can be serious if not treated. People with high blood pressure may not experience symptoms. The only way to know is to check your blood pressure. Things that increase your risk of high blood pressure include:
- Older age
- Genetics
- Being overweight or obese
- Not being physically active
- Eating a salty diet
- Drinking too much alcohol
Lifestyle changes, how eating healthier, quitting smoking and being more active can help lower blood pressure. However, some people may need medication. Blood pressure is written with two numbers. The first (systolic) number shows the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is resting between beats.
World Hypertension Day 2024 Theme
The World Hypertension Day, a global celebration of hypertension with the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!” The WHD promotes awareness of high blood pressure and the accuracy of blood pressure measurement, especially in low- and middle-income areas. To achieve this, WHL members and partners are encouraged to engage with WHD through blood pressure screening, calls to action, community events, media and awareness campaigns worldwide. Blood pressure screening and education about lifestyle changes and dietary salt reduction help reduce the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease worldwide.
World Hypertension Day 2024 Significance
World Hypertension Day plays a vital role in highlighting the scientific understanding of high blood pressure and encouraging research into better ways to manage and prevent it. As the world’s population grows and lifestyle factors change, blood pressure has become a growing problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Public education campaigns, such as World Hypertension Day, can help bridge the gap between research and public knowledge and ensure the dissemination of accurate information about blood pressure. This, in turn, helps reduce the burden on health systems by promoting preventive measures and early treatment, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
World Hypertension Day is an important tool to raise global awareness of hypertension, its risks and best practices for prevention and treatment. This underscores the importance of continued research, accurate blood pressure monitoring, and public education to combat the growing impact of this silent killer on global health.
