World Hypertension Day
The World Hypertension Day was established on May 17, 2006 and since then, the World Hypertension League, the International Society of Hypertension and partner organizations are leading campaigns to highlight the date. In the five years between 2013 and 2018, WHD theme have as main topic “Know your numbers”, which aims to raise awareness about hypertension in the world population.
This decision was based on global statistics, indicating that only 50% of hypertensive patients are aware of their condition, and few populations reach awareness levels above 75%. In some populations, the level of knowledge is very low, about 10%. To raise awareness about the diagnosis of hypertension, there are two crucial points:
1. To establish community screening programs to measure blood pressure in populations at risk; and
2. To include the measurement of blood pressure as a routine in all medical appointments.
The World Hypertension League works with associations and partners to implement these strategies globally.
Scientific and Technical Literature
BIREME/PAHO/WHO selected scientific and technical literature of the Virtual Health Library (VHL) on the topics of the World Hypertension Day 2015.
Related links
International Society of Hypertension
PAHO – Enfermedades no transmisibles
PAHO – Documentos Técnicos sobre la hipertensión en las Américas
WHO – Hypertension and related diseases
WHO – Preguntas y respuestas sobre la hipertensión
Hypertension: an urgent need for global control and prevention
