It has become a norm to increase awareness of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure with World Hypertension Day, which is been celebrated May 17 of every year.
This day reminds the world of the global campaign for Hypertension, which is a chronic medical condition characterised by high blood pressure that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
With an interesting theme which says, ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,’ the World Hypertension Day focuses on hypertension prevention, treatment, or awareness every year.
The theme further speaks about the emphasis on early detection, good lifestyle choices, and adherence to medical treatments.
Going memory lane on how it started, World Hypertension Day was first observed in 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL) and the International Society of Hypertension (ISH).
Its aim has been to fight the widespread occurrence of hypertension, which affected millions of individuals, and was and still is a risk factor for several cardiovascular ailments, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney issues.
The significance of the special day is not far-fetched from raising awareness, promoting prevention and empowering patients.
One very important part of the World Hypertension Day is to raise awareness about hypertension among the general public.
To achieve this, its easier to inform people of the danger signs, health risks, and complications related to high blood pressure.
People are also encouraged to frequently check their blood pressure and take the required steps to maintain healthy readings through campaigns, events, and media coverage.
The prevention of disease is also very important as it can go undetected for years. This is one of the reasons High blood pressure is usually referred to as a “silent killer”.
This day also create awareness for a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, cutting back on salt, abstaining from cigarettes and excessive alcohol use, and managing stress. The advantage here is that such way of life changes can delay the onset of hypertension or lessen its effects.
The empowerment of patients on such day also go a long way. On such day, people with hypertension are given the tools they need to take charge of their health.
Moreso, details on self-management strategies, support systems, and drug adherence are also made available on such day.
Above all, the World Hypertension Day seeks to enhance patients’ quality of life, lessen difficulties, and advance better health outcomes by empowering them
