On May 17th, we celebrate World Hypertension Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of monitoring blood pressure and raising global awareness for the 1 billion people living with high blood pressure worldwide.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is defined as having a systolic blood pressure consistently above 140 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure consistently above 90 mm Hg. Hypertension is the leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney complications, and premature death.
Often, high blood pressure does not cause any symptoms. However, hypertension can be prevented and managed by regularly checking your blood pressure and seeking appropriate treatment. Book an appointment today to stay proactive about this condition.
Hypertension is a major contributor to various health issues such as strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and even dementia. Many people with hypertension are unaware of their condition, often discovering it only after a heart attack or stroke.
World Hypertension Day is organized by the World Hypertension League (WHL), an umbrella organization comprising 85 hypertension societies and leagues from around the globe.
This year’s theme is “Know Your Numbers,” and the WHL encourages everyone to participate in May Measurement Month. This initiative, which began in 2017, sets up volunteer-manned screening sites at various locations worldwide to check as many people’s blood pressure as possible.
