World Hypertension Day 2024: Theme, Significance, and History

Every year, World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 by people all around the world. The main purpose of this day is to draw attention towards high blood pressure, a condition also known as hypertension. The day also highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure and brings focus to the 1 billion people living with high blood pressure worldwide. World Hypertension League (WHL) created the day in 2005 and the world’s first hypertension day was held on May 14, 2005, with the theme Know Your Numbers!. This article presents important details related to World Hypertension Day 2024 such as its history, significance, celebration and much more.

World Hypertension Day 2024 Date

Check out schedule of World Hypertension Day in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027:

World Hypertension Day 2024 Overview

World Hypertension Day Significance

World Hypertension Day is observed to spread awareness about hypertension and its effects on the body by educating people. Hypertension is a condition in which a person suffers from high blood pressure and in a long term can put people at a higher risk of chronic kidney disease, stroke, heart failure, renal complications and premature death. Fortunately, hypertension can be prevented by keeping a regular check of blood pressure. However, many people are unaware of the seriousness of the condition which makes it necessary to raise awareness about hypertension disease, its causes, and prevention. World Hypertension Day offers an opportunity to educate people everything they need to know about hypertension.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure, as the name suggests, is a condition where blood pressure gets higher than normal level. Normally, blood pressure changes throughout the day based on activities one does in a day but remains at levels near to 120/80 mmHg. But if the pressure is consistently higher above normal, the person can suffer high blood pressure or hypertension. Usually, high blood pressure alone does not cause any symptoms and measuring blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure. Also Check World Heart Day Details

High blood pressure can be a result of growing age but its main causes are lifestyle choices, such as unhealthy food, not getting enough sleep or irregular physical activity. Health conditions like diabetes or obesity also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Pregnant women might also develop hypertension.

Hypertension can damage important organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

History

According to World Health Organization, hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and other fatal conditions. To address this problem, the World Hypertension League initiated a global awareness campaign on hypertension in 2005 and decide to observe May 17 of each year as World Hypertension Day (WHD). More than 24 countries participated in the first Hypertension Day making it a global success.

World Hypertension League (WHL)

The World Hypertension League is a non-governmental and non-profit organization that comprises mostly of volunteers dedicated to the prevention and control of hypertension. More than 80 national hypertension societies are members of the league. WHL is currently headquartered in Hong Kong and has regional offices in the Middle East, Eastern Europe China, South Asia, South America, Sub Saharan Africa and the South Pacific.

Celebration

To celebrate World Hypertension Day, countries all over the world organize hypertension awareness programs among the public through several media and public rallies. In addition to this, many local governments, professional societies, nongovernmental organizations and private industries also hold events to spread awareness of hypertension among people. As an individual, you can celebrate this day by educating others about hypertension, its causes, prevention, etc. Take the day as an opportunity to get yourself tested for high blood pressure and encourage others to do the same. Check other Special Days in the month of may

World Hypertension Day 2024 Theme

In 2024, the theme to observe World Hypertension Day is “”Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”. The theme focuses on combating low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle-income areas, and accurate blood pressure measurement methods. The theme was decided in the year 2020 and will remain for 5 years just like all other World Hypertension Day themes.

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