World Hypertension Day is marked on May 17 every year and was initiated by the World Hypertension League,
It was first Inaugurated in May 2005 and seeks to promote public awareness of hypertension and to encourage people to prevent and control this“silent killer”.
With the 2021 theme: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live longer”, the league focuses on combating low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle-income areas and accurate blood pressure measurement methods.
Hypertension is also known as a silent killer, the modern epidemic and has been identified as the main risk factor to develop cardiovascular disease.
Awareness on hypertension is necessary especially in the ongoing covid-19 pandemic era where one is expected not to neglect high BP or an headache, as such could lead to a serious health crises Experts say hypertension is preventable, poor dieting habits, excessive consumption of salt, diet high in saturated fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity or lack of exercise and consumption of and tobacco others include family history and age.
If you are hypertensive, it is advisable that you avoid salty, fatty, fried and packaged foods but exercise and eat fresh fruits and vegetables as well as low-fat diary products.
While hypertension is described as a condition in which there is a sustain elevation of blood pressure above a threshold of 140 mm of mercy, sustain and 90mm of mercy diastolic in adults, it is advisable to check only blood pressure regularly.
High blood pressure occurs when the blood levels and low to heart attack and kidney damage.
Experts have warned that no fever than 76.2 million Nigerian are hypertensive representing about 381% out of average 200million Nigerians with the theme of this year’s hypertension Day, “ Measure your blood pressure accurately control it and live longer” one may wonder how to do that.
The American Heat Association recommends that BP should be check twice a day in the morning before food and in the evening sit with your back straight, relax for 5min before taking BP readings, using automated, cuff style monitor, Aneroid sphygmomanometer or digital monitors.
