Last Wednesday, the 17th, was World Hypertension Day. It passed away quietly in May of 2022! Perhaps you’re already aware. Or you might not be. Sometimes we just surf the web or watch the news and realise that another day has passed.
We don’t pay attention as much as we used to. Because there are so many unique global days! So, what is it about World Hypertension Day that we should pay particular attention to? We should, of course, be more conscious of it.
Hypertension is a leading cause of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney illness, as well as dementia. Many people with hypertension aren’t aware that they have it because there aren’t always symptoms; in fact, many people don’t realise they have it until they’ve been diagnosed. Hypertension affects over a billion people globally and is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality.
While hypertension was once thought to be a disease that only affected the elderly, it has now spread to the younger population. World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, is a day dedicated to raising awareness of hypertension and its symptoms.
Could anyone, in today’s information-overload period of fast living, escape high stress levels and a sedentary lifestyle, which leads to obesity and poor food habits, which leads to hypertension? Even in children and teenagers.
Hypertension is a silent killer in today’s epidemic. Don’t you find it surprising that more than 10 million people die each year as a result of hypertension complications? Early detection and adequate treatment, including lifestyle changes that can be obtained with serious awareness, can readily avert many deaths.
The notion of World Hypertension Day is arrived! Every May, volunteers from all over the world take part in events organised by the May Measurement Month (MMM), which was founded in 2017. MMM helps measure the blood pressure of people living in villages and towns, counsel them on how to prevent hypertension, and advise people who have high blood pressure on how to keep it under control.
Every year on May 17th, World Hypertension Day (WHD) is commemorated to increase public awareness about this global pandemic and to educate on ways to control and prevent its problems. WHD was founded by the World Hypertension League, an associate of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), which is made up of top scientists, clinicians, and other health care professionals who are all interested in hypertension research, prevention, and treatment.
The WHD was founded in May 2005 and has since grown into an annual event dedicated to raising blood pressure awareness and preventing deaths caused by it. Ask yourself how well you know about World Hypertension Day, which was celebrated globally just two days ago on May 17th, 2022. Your sincere response will explain the entire story.
We will get concerned only if we experience a stroke or some serious cardiac problem; otherwise, we will dismiss it. Isn’t that correct? ‘Nearly half of those with high blood pressure (hypertension) are unaware of it, and many lives are lost as a result of significant complications that may be avoided with regular blood pressure monitoring.
Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, occurs when blood pressure reaches an unhealthy level of 140/90. When the blood pressure measurement exceeds 180/120, it is regarded to have reached a dangerous level.
Why not try these Hypertension Prevention Tips:
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Eat less salt
- Consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Limit your intake of greasy and salty foods, particularly fast foods high in trans and saturated fats.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight through regular activity
- Monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol levels on a regular basis and maintain them under control.
- Take your blood pressure medications as directed by your doctor on a regular basis.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and deep breathing to avoid tension.
- Visit the doctor on a frequent basis to ensure that issues are detected early. So, let’s raise awareness about this silent killer on World Hypertension Day (WHD).
- Sharing hypertension educational posters on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter is one way to improve hypertension awareness.
- Hospitals and clinics should hold free blood pressure screening clinics to encourage more people to get their blood pressure checked.
- Make a personal donation to the World Heart Day campaign.
- Raise funds for the campaign by selling T-shirts, wristbands, or mugs online, or by arranging marathons, walks, or a fun gala event and donating the earnings to the cause.
- Print and visual media should run prominent advertisements and host programmes in which professionals discuss strategies to prevent and combat global pandemic.
- Local governments must ensure that inexpensive and accessible hypertension treatment is provided to all, regardless of gender or socioeconomic position, in every nook and cranny of the community
The major goal of the day is to raise public awareness and educate the public about hypertension, often known as high blood pressure. “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer” is the theme for World Hypertension Day 2022.
The goal of this theme is to raise awareness about the need of precise blood pressure measurement. Bottom line: The day focuses on effective communication on the need of early detection of high blood pressure and preventing difficulties associated with advanced stages of the disease.
According to the 2016 GBD (Global Burden of Disease) report, hypertension was responsible for 1.63 million deaths in India. Blood pressures of fewer than 140/90 mmHg are advised for the general population and hypertension patients with no significant issues, and less than 130/80 mmHg for people with diabetes or chronic renal disease.
While there is no cure, taking drugs as prescribed and implementing lifestyle changes can improve your quality of life while also lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other conditions. Make meaningful changes:
Eat a well-balanced, low-salt diet, limit alcohol, engage in regular physical activity, manage stress, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, take your medications as prescribed, and collaborate with your doctor to raise your awareness of World Hypertension Day to enhance your life quality.
