Recognized globally on May 17th, World Hypertension Day aims to raise awareness of high blood pressure. This initiative targets prevention, detection, and control.
The key to this initiative celebrated today is in educating us, patients, about managing our condition effectively. The Day serves as a crucial platform for health campaigns. In this way, it reinforces the message that hypertension is both preventable and treatable.
The World Hypertension League (WHL) has themed the 2024 World Hypertension Day as “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”. The World Hypertension League is an umbrella organization of 85 national hypertension societies and leagues.
History of the World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day was initiated by the World Hypertension League (WHL), which itself was founded by notable leaders in cardiovascular health.
The WHL was established by individuals deeply concerned with the impact of hypertension on global health. The founders included figures such as Dr. Norman M. Kaplan, a prominent American physician recognized for his extensive work in hypertension, and Dr. Aram Chobanian, who played crucial roles in promoting awareness and treatment guidelines for hypertension.
2005
World Hypertension Day is inaugurated by WHL to increase public awareness of hypertension.
2006
The date is set to May 17 annually to facilitate wider participation and awareness. Its slogan that year was ‘Prevent hypertension – ‘treat to goal’
2007
Already in 2007 (slogan “Healthy diet – healthy blood pressure”), there was record participation from 47 member countries of the WHL. During the week of WHD, all these countries promoted hypertension awareness through several media and public rallies. They cooperated with local governments, professional societies, nongovernmental organizations and private industries. Using mass media and the internet, the message reached more than 250 million people.
2008
The slogan was ‘Measure your blood pressure…at home’. Country slogans were introduced. In Japan, the slogan was ‘Roll up your sleeves, Japan!’
…
2023
The World Hypertension Day, 2023 established the slogan ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer’ as the current ongoing slogan.
2024 Global and Regional Contributions
On World Hypertension Day, major health organizations launch specific initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and controlling hypertension. These activities are tailored to educate the public, engage healthcare providers, and promote healthy lifestyle changes across various populations.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO often spearheads global media campaigns on World Hypertension Day, providing educational materials in multiple languages and hosting digital events that discuss the dangers of untreated hypertension and the effectiveness of available treatments.
International Society of Hypertension (ISH)
ISH is focusing on the “May Measurement Month,” which starts on May 1st and runs until July 31st. This initiative encourages health facilities worldwide to offer free blood pressure screenings. ISH also supports the use of validated blood pressure measurement devices and provides online resources for education and training in hypertension management.
European Society of Hypertension (ESH)
The ESH promotes a Europe-wide blood pressure monitoring campaign, encouraging individuals to visit healthcare providers for a free blood pressure check. They also distribute informational pamphlets in public areas like malls and community centers.
American Heart Association (AHA)
The AHA is hosting an online web show called “Check In & Check Up” on World Hypertension Day. This event will feature discussions on community-based approaches to hypertension management and will include notable guests. The AHA continues to promote the National Hypertension Control Initiative, aiming to improve blood pressure control among under-resourced populations through community engagement and education
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
PAHO is addressing the high prevalence and poor control rates of hypertension in the South and Central Americas. They are promoting the HEARTS Initiative, which aims to improve cardiovascular risk management in primary care settings. This includes using validated devices for accurate blood pressure measurement and providing access to online training resources for healthcare providers.
