World Hypertension Day 2023: Check Date, History, Theme, Significance and Important Facts

Are you keeping your Blood Pressure within control? Do you measure and monitor it accurately for a healthy heart? This World Hypertension Day, let’s raise maximum awareness about this serious health threat.

History of World Hypertension Day

World Hypertension League or WHL is a non-profit organization working globally to prevent hypertension and to educate people about the condition globally.  The organization was founded on 4th January, 1984. WHL is the organization that initiated World Hypertension Day in 2005. And from 2006 onwards, May 17 has been observed as World Hypertension Day every year.

The day is observed to enhance awareness about hypertension or high blood pressure as the organization realized that there is a lack of knowledge among people about the condition.

Which Day is Celebrated as World Hypertension Day?

Hypertension Day is celebrated globally on May 17 every year with a unique theme to make people aware about the serious threat that this disease poses to human health. The goal of the event is to promote awareness about blood pressure among people throughout the month to make them understand the seriousness of the condition.

As per statistics, over 30 percent of the world’s population are affected by Hypertension, also commonly known as high blood pressure (High BP).  In this blog, we are going to unveil some interesting facts about High Blood Pressure to make you aware about the vital health factors related to high BP that might help in avoiding a health crisis.

World Hypertension Day 2023 Theme

The theme of World Hypertension Day, 2023 is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”

World Hypertension Day Theme and other aspects

World Hypertension Day Theme for year 2023 is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”. The theme for the year is to combat the low awareness rates globally about hypertension, primarily among the low income to middle income people. Further, the theme also  focuses on guiding people about the accurate methods of measuring blood pressure.

With this aim, the event will strive to create awareness among people via different networks including social media about measuring and controlling High Blood Pressure. It is well known that high blood pressure is one of the most common causes of heart diseases along with several other illnesses such as kidney malfunction, dementia and so on.

World Hypertension Day Timeline

• In 1733, Stephen Hales who was an English clergyman with some major contributions in scientific fields has made the first direct blood pressure measurement
• Essential Hypertension is a term that was coined by Eberhard Frank in 1911
• In 1984 the World Hypertension League (WHL) was established on January 4
• World Hypertension Day was initiated by WHL on May 14, 2005
• 2006 onwards, May 17 has been observed as World Hypertension Day

How to observe World Hypertension Day?

To observe the World Hypertension Day, you can carry on some World Hypertension Day activities, such as:

• Spread information about hypertension as much as possible with people through social media and other possible ways to make people aware and to help them keep their blood pressure under control
• Along with sharing information with others, you can also check and maintain your own blood pressure levels to keep in normal and controlled
• It is seen that hypertension normally doesn’t show any symptoms. So, it is important to keep a check on the BP level to maintain it

So, What is Hypertension?

Though high blood pressure is quite a common term that people generally refer to while talking about hypertension. But what do you exactly mean by hypertension and why is it so important for people to be aware of the disease.

Hypertension is a condition which is caused because of the steadily raised pressure of blood vessels. The level of blood pressure in the body is determined by two things, the blood that is pumped by the heart and the resistance that the arteries show to the blood flow. If the heart pumps more blood and your arteries are narrow, it enhances the risk of high blood pressure.

As you know, that the blood that is pumped by the heart is carried to all the parts of the body via blood vessels. So, whenever the heart beats, blood is pumped to the vessel. And when the blood gets pushed against the walls of the arteries or blood vessels while getting pumped, it creates blood pressure by the force of blood. Thus, if the amount of blood pressure is high, it makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood. So, the condition of hypertension is created if the blood pressure is too high.

There are two types of hypertension, namely:

1. Primary hypertension
2. Secondary hypertension

What are the Risk Factors of Hypertension? 

Unhealthy diets such as consuming too much salt,  eating food high in trans and saturated fat, as well as consuming less veggies and fruits can enhance the risk of hypertension. Also, consuming tobacco and alcohol, being overweight, and doing no physical activity are other factors that add to the risk.

Sometimes, family history or prevalence of the disease in the family might also lead to hypertension among people aged 65 and above. Further, if you are suffering from diabetes or kidney issues, then you have more chances of getting hypertension.

Important Facts about World Hypertension Day 2023

• Hypertension is a condition that happen to anyone including young people within 20 to 44 years of age
• Hypertension is one of the causes of death of millions of people globally
• Hypertension has no cure. But it can be managed and prevented
• Hypertension affects both men and women
• It is important to note that many people with high blood pressure do not show any symptoms even if the levels are extremely high.
• Headaches, nosebleeds or breathing issues might be seen as symptoms in some cases, however, they normally occur when the high blood pressure level reaches a stage that is life-threatening.
• It is important to measure blood pressure every two years for people who are 18 and above. Those who are 40 years and above should check blood pressure every year.
• Some common reasons for high blood pressure include:

• • Age of a person
  • Family history (if a near relative has high BP)
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Following sedentary lifestyle
  • Consuming too much tobacco or alcohol
  • Consuming too much salt in your food
  • Taking too much stress etc.

Why is World Hypertension Day Important?

• World Hypertension Day is important because it can lead to many severe health conditions such as strokes, dementia, heart condition and so on
• This day can be regarded as the starting point towards a healthy life by eating healthy and staying active and prevent hypertension
• Hypertension is a condition that cannot be cured completely. However, the only Hypertension treatment is to keep it under control by eating healthy, staying active and using medicines if required. Hence, adopting to healthy lifestyle is a better alternative to prevent the illness

To Conclude

You now know the importance of hypertension day and how you can keep hypertension at bay by following certain measures and being aware of the disease. So, this World High Blood Pressure Day, spread some awareness among peers and near and dear ones to let more and more people know about Hypertension and how to avoid it.

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