WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY

International Hypertension Day (IHD), also known as World Hypertension Day (WHD), is celebrated on May 17th every year. The day was initiated to increase awareness of hypertension. Hypertension was at the time referred to as the ‘silent killer’ since patients didn’t show signs at the initial stages. Therefore by the time the disease was diagnosed, there was a higher probability that it would have advanced. Also, the lack of information about hypertension was among the main factors for initiating WHD. Hypertension is also referred to as high blood pressure. A healthy person has his blood pressure at around (120/80mmHG). When the blood pressure levels rise higher than this, then the condition is referred to as hypertension.

Types of Hypertension

There is primary and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is the most common even though its causes are unknown. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is caused by many factors including kidney damage, tumors, and thyroid gland dysfunctional.

History of International Hypertension Day

International hypertension day was initiated on 14th May 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL). WHL is a health organization consisting of 85 national hypertension leagues and societies. The WHD aimed to bridge the gap of lack of access or less access to information concerning hypertension by citizens all over the world and patients suffering from hypertension. WHL launched the first WHD day on May 14, 2005. Since 2006 the day has been celebrated on 17th May annually.

How to Celebrate International Hypertension Day

The main aim of WHD celebrations is to help spread the message about high blood pressure to the public and raising awareness about hypertension. Various events and activities are organized to make this possible. International Hypertension Day activities often include free hypertension check-up camps, going for organized runs to help donate money to help hypertensive patients, conducting public debates and forums about the topic of hypertension, and also setting up banners to show support for hypertensive patients.

At the national level, free nationwide screenings are held to help find out the number of people suffering from hypertension. During these events, the public is also cautioned against unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, which contributes to hypertension. Get your blood pressure checked since high blood pressure can potentially cause hypertension. Remember to tag family and friends and get monitored together. You can as well spread the message about this cardiovascular condition on social media via the hashtag #InternationalHypertensionDay.

What are the International Hypertension Day Themes?

World hypertension day celebrations revolve a unique theme recommended by the World Hypertension League every year. The themes in every year make the celebration more memorable and also make the hypertension campaign more effective at all levels. Every year a particular theme is chosen that fits the campaign message. For example, in 2005 the campaign theme was ‘awareness of high blood pressure’ which dealt with raising awareness among the general population of hypertension, its causes, prevention, and control. In 2008, the theme was ‘Know your numbers with a goal of increasing blood pressure(BP) awareness in all populations around the world’ which seeks to raise awareness on hypertension and number of patients with hypertension all over the world.

What is the Future of International Hypertension Day?

The world hypertension day has been celebrated in all corners of the world over the past years. This campaign has proved effective in raising awareness among citizens all over the globe about hypertension. However, the campaign has faced some challenges, including financial constraints, and it’s also unable to reach citizens, especially in upcountry due to mobility challenges, but in the future, the WHD hopes to reach and help raise awareness to everyone.