Every year, World Hypertension day is celebrated on May 17. 2020 will see this day celebrated on Sunday. The day is dedicated to Hypertension, that is also known as High BP. Hypertension, especially the kind that can go unnoticed is one of the biggest health burdens that affect the millennials. The day aims at educating and spreading awareness about the ailment that is also linked to heart diseases. Commonly known as high blood pressure, hypertension can lead to strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and even dementia. What makes it worse is that often the symptoms of hypertension are hidden and people only find out after suffering a heart attack or stroke.

World Hypertension Day 2020 Date and Significance

Organised by the World Hypertension League (WHL), World Hypertension Day aims at spreading awareness about High BP.  The league consists of 85 hypertension societies and leagues from all over the world. The theme that the organisation abide by is "Know Your Numbers" referring to the BP readings. WHL encourages as many people as possible to get involved in May Measurement Month, an initiative that sees volunteer manning screening sites set up in a range of venues around the world to check the blood pressure of as many people as possible.

Here are some of the facts about Hypertension:

  • High BP affects people of all ages and young people can have high blood pressure, too. Statistics say that one in four men and one in five women age 35 to 44 have high blood pressure.

  • A large number of people having high blood pressure aren’t always aware of it. Which means that they are not receiving treatment.

  • Women and minorities face unique Hypertension risks//

  • Women with high blood pressure can face complications during pregnancy.

  • High blood pressure is also dubbed as a “silent killer” because of often being asymptomatic.

  • High blood pressure can be brought under control with a healthy lifestyle and management.

According to a new study, office workers who spend long hours on the job are more likely to have high blood pressure. This also includes a type that can go undetected during routine medical check-ups. The study was published in the journal Hypertension. High blood pressure affects nearly half of Americans ages 18 and older and is a primary factor in more than 82,000 deaths per year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2020 07:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).