World Hypertension Day 2023
We celebrate World Hypertension Day, every year on May 17, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of monitoring blood pressure and bringing global awareness to the 1 billion people living with high blood pressure worldwide. In this day we must learn everything we need about the disease, how to prevent it and avoid its complications.
About Hypertension
It is high pressure in the arteries resulting from the blood flow. Symptoms varies from person to person that include fatigue and headache.
- Can be dangerous or life threatening if untreated.
- How common is condition? It’s very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US).
- Is condition treatable? It’s Treatable.
- Diagnosis often requires lab test or imaging.
- Common for ages 60 and older.
- Family history may increase likelihood.
Why World Hypertension Day?
Hypertension, (High blood pressure), is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg (or above) and/or diastolic blood pressure consistently 90 mm Hg (or above). Hypertension is a very dangerous health condition that may result in many complications. It is the #1 risk factor for heart disease, stroke, renal complications, and premature death. So, we have World Hypertension Day to raise awareness about its importance, how to control it and prevent complications. Usually, high blood pressure alone does not cause any symptoms. Fortunately, hypertension can be prevented and managed, by checking your blood pressure regularly, and through treatment.
How to celebrate World Hypertension Day
The World Health Organization (WHO), Pan-American Health Organization and Resolve to Save Lives are hosting an event to:
- celebrate achievements in protecting people’s heart health
- launch of a new virtual course and new tools that will support the measurement and management of blood pressure
- share country and partner experiences in implementing hypertension programmes
Categories of Hypertension
It can be classified into 4 general categories, according to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
| Category | Criteria |
| Normal blood pressure (Ideal) | 120/80 mm Hg or lower |
| Elevated blood pressure | The top number from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below 80 mm Hg |
| Stage 1 hypertension | The top number from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 – 89 mm Hg |
| Stage 2 hypertension | The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher |
How to prevent Hypertension?
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Keep exercise daily
- Less salt intake
- Manage tension or stress properly
- Maintain well-balanced diet, which is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium
SOURCES:
- https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/resources/awareness/world-hypertension-day.htm
- who.int
- High blood pressure Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
