WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY

The theme for this year is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer", which aims at combating low levels of knowledge worldwide, particularly in low- to middle-income communities, and accurate procedures for taking blood pressure.

World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, emphasizes the value of blood pressure monitoring and raises awareness of the 1 billion people who suffer from high blood pressure worldwide.

The first World Hypertension Day was initiated by World Hypertension League on 14th May 2005, which later was changed to 17th May. The major purpose of World Hypertension Day is to increase public awareness of hypertension and to motivate people to make healthy lifestyle changes in order to avoid developing hypertension.

When your blood pressure is continuously too high, or when your blood is pushing against your blood vessels with too much power, you have hypertension.

Some people with hypertension may have headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. When hypertension becomes severe, symptoms may include flushing, blood spots in the eyes, and dizziness.

Usually, high blood pressure comes on gradually. Unhealthy lifestyle decisions, such as not engaging in adequate regular physical activity, can contribute to it. Obesity and certain medical problems like diabetes might raise one's risk of acquiring high blood pressure (Hypertension).