World Hypertension Day 2022: Significance, Aim, Indian Perspective

World Hypertension Day was first observed on May 14, 2004, and from 2006, May 17 has been designated as World Hypertension Day to spread awareness about Hypertension and its consequences. The theme for World Hypertension Day 2022 is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.

Hypertension Or High Blood Pressure Is A Silent Killer

Hypertension or High Blood Pressure is a silent killer and affects almost every organ of the body. For example, hypertension affects the kidneys, can precipitate strokes and ensuing paralysis, can lead to enlargement of the ventricles, and even affects the retina. In India, Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, and hypertension accounts for more than half of the CVD.

Hypertension Patients Are Increasing In India

As per a report published in the Journal of Hypertension, 33% of the urban Indian population and 25% of the rural Indian population suffer from HypertensionHypertension. Of these hypertensive patients, only 25% of rural and 38% of urban Indians are on medicines to treat high blood pressure. Only One-tenth of rural and one-fifth of urban Indian hypertensive persons have their high BP under control.

One of the most significant challenges for the medical community is making people aware of high blood pressure consequences. In South Asia, hypertension-induced cardiovascular diseases put a severe strain on the healthcare systems in India. Data has revealed that 57% of all stroke deaths and 24% of all coronary heart disease (CHD) mortalities in India is caused by high blood pressure.

There has been a steady rise in the number of persons suffering from HypertensionHypertension among the Indian population. In 2005 it was estimated that 20.6% of Indian men and 20.9% of Indian women were suffering from HTN. This figure is expected to rise to 22.9 and 23.6 for Indian men and women by 2025. The most significant cause of worry is that only 25.6% of treated patients had their BP under control.

Unawareness is the most significant risk, and hence this year, the theme of World Hypertension Day is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer. Keeping Blood Pressure under control by titrating different drugs is possible only by constant monitoring. This will preempt any future incidence of serious diseases caused due to HypertensionHypertension.