World Hypertension Day 2023: This Year’s Theme And Significance, Plus Diet Dos And Don’ts

Hypertension affects more than a billion people worldwide. In India too, it is one of the leading lifestyle diseases, leading to serious cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks and strokes. It is a condition when blood pressure levels are persistently elevated. World High Blood Pressure Day, observed on May 17 every year, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about high blood pressure and its impact on public health. Organized by the World Hypertension League (WHL), the day serves as a reminder to individuals, healthcare professionals and policy makers to prioritize prevention, early detection and management of hypertension.

World High Blood Pressure Day 2023: Theme World High Blood Pressure Day is celebrated annually with different themes but focuses on making people aware of various aspects of the health problem. This year’s theme is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, highlighting the problem of inaccurate and late blood pressure measurement that needs to be addressed.

World Hypertension Day: History and Significance World Hypertension Day was launched in May 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL), which was incorporated under the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) in 1987. The primary objective of World High Blood Pressure Day is to promote public awareness and encourage people to control their blood pressure through regular monitoring, lifestyle changes and appropriate medical care, as high blood pressure does not show any symptoms until it reaches a critical stage.
Although a preventable and manageable condition, hypertension continues to be a global health burden. Apart from regular exercise, a healthy diet can significantly help control high blood pressure. Health experts around the world recommend some important dos and don’ts in your high blood pressure diet.

Symptoms of high blood pressure: For most people, high blood pressure goes unnoticed, silently destroying their health. However, when blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels, symptoms begin to emerge, serving as warning signs of an impending crisis.
The importance of checking your blood pressure regularly cannot be overstated. It is the most reliable way to detect and monitor high blood pressure. Failure to address high blood pressure can lead to a cascade of other serious health conditions, including kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.

Violent headache as if pressing on a subcranium.

Pain in the chest that grips the chest with unbearable pressure.

Dizziness distracts one.

Difficulty of breathing causing a feeling of suffocation.

Nausea and vomiting may also occur, adding to the miserable mix.

Vision changes, such as blurred vision, may worsen the condition.

Feeling anxious and confused. Some individuals experience constant ringing in their ears, while others may suffer from nosebleeds and abnormal heart rhythms.

If you experience any of these symptoms along with high blood pressure, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Timing is key in reducing the risks associated with high blood pressure.