World Hypertension Day may sound like a really stressful day that could possibly raise blood pressure! But this day is actually a public education campaign to lower the risk of hypertension. It is definitely meant to be positive and not stressful!
The origins of World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day was created by the World Hypertension League (WHL) in 2005 with the goal of raising public awareness of high blood pressure and the myriad problems that might arise because of it.
Because it is linked to a huge number of deaths worldwide each year, notably those due to heart attacks, kidney illness, and stroke, awareness of hypertension is seen to be a crucially important indicator of disease in today's world.
what is Blood pressure ?
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say, “120 over 80,” or write, “120/80 mmHg.”
A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg.
The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults (2017 Guideline).
Normal | systolic: less than 120 mm Hg diastolic: less than 80 mm Hg |
Elevated |
systolic: 120–129 mm Hg |
High blood pressure (hypertension) | systolic: 130 mm Hg or higher diastolic: 80 mm Hg or higher |
Signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.
How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
There’s only one way to know if you have high blood pressure: Have a doctor or other health professional measure it. Measuring your blood pressure is quick and painless.
prevent or manage high blood pressure?
Many people with high blood pressure can lower their blood pressure into a healthy range or keep their numbers in a healthy range by making lifestyle changes. Talk with your health care team about
- Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week (about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
- Not smoking
- Eating a healthy diet, including limiting sodium (salt) and alcohol
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Managing stress
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Hypertension may not have any symptoms, so most people don’t know that they have it.
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Hundreds of thousands of deaths each year are linked to hypertension.
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High blood pressure may be linked to dementia or other mental health issues.
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Only about 1 in 4 adults with hypertension in the US have their condition under control.
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