Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? More than one billion people around the world live with hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. The burden of hypertension is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, where two thirds of cases are found, largely due to increased risk factors in those populations in recent decades. World Hypertension Day , marked annually on 17 May, raises awareness and promotes hypertension prevention, detection and control. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this observance, under the compelling theme, "Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer! " Hypertension, often referred to as a silent killer, remains a leading public health challenge due to high prevalence among adults. Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood uses to get through your arteries. When your heart pumps, it uses force to push oxygen-...