World Hypertension Day: History And significance

Discover the intertwining relationship between hypertension and diabetes, and uncover the crucial role of precise blood pressure measurement in achieving effective control and management

- DR M BALASUBRAMANYAM

In 2005, the World Hypertension League (WHL) proposed the global observance of World Hypertension Day (WHD) theme: Know Your Number! The primary purpose of WHD is to communicate to the lay public the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications and to provide authentic information on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The expected awareness and education are to be accomplished through the cooperation of a holistic team of healthcare professionals, media, volunteer organizations, and the government in each country.

The 2023 theme of World Hypertension Day is "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer". Hypertension is generally considered a disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure (BP) levels. Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 290 mmHg. The guidelines for BP control recommend achievable targets of 130/80 mmHg in individuals under 60 years and 130-140/80-90 mmHg in those older than 60.

It is common among the general public to say, I have mild hypertension; I have slight BP; I have borderline BP. But everyone should realize that the accurate and precise measurement of blood pressure and its proper control is the need of the day. Precise measurement of BP using the standardized BP measurement technique without any errors patient-related, procedure-related, physician-related, or equipment-related) is essential to control the rising prevalence of hypertension.

The good news is that physical activity and fitness levels can beneficially impact blood pressure. While physical activity decreases the risk of hypertension, physical fitness helps to slow the increase in blood pressure with age, reducing the risk of developing hypertension.

DASH eating plan

DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a flexible and balanced. eating plan, and it recommends the following: