“Raising Awareness: Taming the Silent Killer – Hypertension Day Symposium”

Annually observed on May 17, World Hypertension Day is a worldwide healthcare event that aims to educate people about the importance of high blood pressure, as well as the role that hypertension plays in the emergence of major medical problems and to impart information about prevention, detection, and treatment.

Together, volunteer groups, media, healthcare experts, and local and international healthcare organisations provide resources for raising awareness in order to accomplish the aforementioned objectives.

Currently, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) defines hypertension as systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher and/or diastolic blood pressure of more than 80 mmHg.

Background of World Hypertension Day (WHD)

Due to its slow rise in the body and subsequent development of several cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure, hypertension is referred to as the silent killer. It offers no symptoms at all or warning indications.

At about 100 crore persons worldwide, hypertension affects up to 45% of the adult population. All socioeconomic and income levels are affected by hypertension, which becomes more common as one ages.

A global health survey study states that, since 1990, hypertension has been the top cause of death and disability-adjusted life years worldwide. By 2025, the number of hypertension patients is expected to rise by 15–20% to around 150 crores.

Just like it is better to treat hypertension rather than its usual problems, it is best to cut the problem even before it starts. This is why World Hypertension Day was created with the intention of raising awareness about hypertension.

Theme of World Hypertension Day 2024

The topic of World Hypertension Day 2024 is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer,” emphasizing the need of raising knowledge and providing all residents of the Region with access to high-quality hypertension services.

It has been this theme ever since 2021. The length of the theme is sufficient to highlight the need of a correct diagnosis of hypertension. Pan American Health Organisation began offering a free online course in 16 languages on precise automated blood pressure (BP) measurement to raise awareness of hypertension.

Obstacles to the Blood Pressure Measurement Process 

The assessment of blood pressure may present difficulties because of patients’ intrinsic qualities and actions. The clinical staff observed that patients exhibited a variety of unintentional behaviors that had the potential to interfere with blood pressure measurement.

The following are just a few of the patient-related barriers that prevent the acquisition of high-quality, accurate blood pressure measurements:

• Both feet are not consistently in contact with the ground, neither crossed nor suspended.
• Throughout the assessment, we positioned the patient’s arm at a lowered angle with the palm not facing upwards.
• As soon as the patient entered the medical facility, immediate blood pressure measurements were taken.
• While seated erect, the patient did not have back support.
• During the blood pressure reading, talking was evident.
• Despite the initial reading surpassing 140/90 mm Hg, the cuff was not immediately on the skin during blood pressure measurement, resulting in only a single reading.
• Throughout the assessment, we detected patient motion.
• Using an incorrect cuff size to obtain a measurement.

Outside of clinics and hospitals, at least 10–50% of hypertensive patients reported normal blood pressure, according to one study. While it is possible that the aforementioned barriers are to blame for erroneously elevated blood pressure readings, “white coat hypertension” (an abrupt increase in blood pressure during a doctor’s visit, likely due to anxiety) is another possible explanation.

Inaccurate blood pressure readings may lead to the unwarranted initiation or escalation of hypertensive medications, which are associated with higher costs and adverse effects. The aforementioned obstacles are readily surmountable, thereby facilitating the healthcare team’s precise assessment and diagnosis of hypertension.

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