World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day aims to raise awareness and promote the prevention, detection and control of hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure is the main risk factor to develop cardiovascular disease. More than one billion people around the world live with high blood pressure but about half of them are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk of avoidable medical complications and death. The burden of high blood pressure is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, where two-thirds of cases are found, largely due to increased risk factors in those populations in recent decades.
The cause of high blood pressure is not always known, but most people develop high blood pressure because of their diet, lifestyle or medical condition. Sometimes high blood pressure runs in families and can also worsen with age.
Risk Factors of getting high blood pressure:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Not doing enough exercise
- Eating too much salt
It is also important to constantly check your blood pressure to see if you believe you might be at risk. To learn more about preventing and controlling hypertension as well as its impact globally visit, https://www.paho.org/en/world-hypertension-day
