World Hypertension Day
World hypertension day is observed every year on 17 May. It aims to raise awareness about high blood pressure, promote prevention, detection, and control. Hypertension remains the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. An estimated 1.4 billion people live with hypertension globally. Hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death. Early detection, regular monitoring, and sustained treatment can prevent most hypertension-related complications. Part of the Core20PLUS5 focus is on strengthening hypertension case finding and reducing preventable cardiovascular events.
A call to action:
- Check your blood pressure regularly and take up screening opportunities. Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks.
- Understand your blood pressure reading. Use the NHS check your blood pressure tool to understand what the numbers mean and what to do next.
- Consider lifestyle changes to support you and help to tackle any hypertension. MyHealth Devon can offer links to local options for support with getting active, keeping to a healthy weight and stopping smoking.
- Check how healthy your heart is. Check your heart age using the NHS heart age calculator.
Read more about world hypertension day, find resources and information to help you lower your blood pressure on the Blood Pressure UK website, and check out the know your numbers campaign.