World Hypertension day is celebrated annually on the 17th May. The main aim of the day is to educate the public and increase awareness of hypertension, which is also commonly known as high blood pressure.
What is hypertension?
Hight Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is a widespread vascular disease. Persistent high blood pressure can damage organs such as the heart, brain or kidneys, and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.What’s is the big deal about raised blood pressure?
- It’s the no. 1 contributing risk for global death
- Around 10 million people die each year needlessy
- Only 1/2 of people with high blood pressure are aware of it
- Hight pressure usually has no symptoms so you may not know you have it
- Often treatable, the simplest way of learning if you have high blood pressure is to get tested
Check your blood pressure regularly - whether at home, at a clinic, a pharmacy or elsewhere If you are being treated for hypertension, take your medicine even when you feel good - follow treatment advice of healthcare professional
Reducing the risk
What can I do to reduce the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure)?Prevention is key and individuals can reduce their risk by following these 10 guidelines:- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Exercise for an average of 30 minutes a day
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – daily
- Cut down on salt consumption
- Reduce fat and sugar intake
- Don’t smoke tobacco
- Reduce caffeine
- Don’t drink too much alcohol – stick to daily recommendations
- Add beetroot and beetroot juice to your diet
- Avoid stress where possible and allow time for relaxation
Know your numbers!
Check your blood pressure
Check your blood pressure regularly - whether at home, at a clinic, a pharmacy or elsewhere
Take your medicine
If you are being treated for hypertension, take your medicine even when you feel good - follow treatment advice of healthcare professional