Introduction – World Hypertension Day is celebrated every year on May 17 across the world to spread awareness about high pressure and its symptoms. The main aim of this international day is to increase public awareness about the negative effects of high blood pressure which affects over a billion individuals across the world and is also the main cause of death. This international day is dedicated to encouraging the detection, control, and prevention of high blood pressure by effective management strategies and concentrating on accurate blood pressure measurement.

High blood pressure is one of the common conditions which affects the arteries of the body and is also called as hypertension. It may occur when the blood pressure increases to an unhealthy level of 140/90 and is considered touch to be a dangerous level when the blood pressure rises over or more than 180/120. High blood pressure or hypertension enhances the risk of heart stroke or attack and many other serious health issues. Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and poor lifestyle choices are the main causes of high blood pressure or hypertension.

History – Earlier, the World Hypertension League (WHL) observed the first World Hypertension Day on May 14, 2015. The main purpose of this organization is to raise awareness about the main causes of hypertension or high blood pressure and its symptoms with the preventive methods to decrease or maintain blood pressure worldwide. Later, World Hypertension Day was celebrated every year on May 17 since 2006

Theme – The theme for World Hypertension Day in the year 2024 is ‘’Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer’’ which talks about encouraging accurate blood pressure measurements, maintaining or controlling the blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart attack and live longer.

Significance – High blood pressure or hypertension is the common cause of heart attack or stroke and many more complications all around the world. High stress, obesity, and poor diet habits are the main causes of hypertension or high blood pressure in young individuals across the world. When high blood occurs for a long time then it may enhance the risk of severe diseases including heart stroke or attack, chronic kidney diseases, and many more health issues.

This global day focuses on how to decrease or maintain blood pressure and lower the risk of heart problems, chronic kidney diseases, and many more. The main aim of this international day is to raise awareness about the main causes and symptoms of high blood pressure and how to reduce or maintain blood pressure to prevent or reduce the risk of heart disease.