The expanded theme for World Hypertension Day is “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer,” to increase high blood pressure awareness in all populations worldwide. The day’s primary goal is to educate the public and raise awareness of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a major cause of a range of health problems such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease, and it can also contribute to dementia. Many people who suffer from hypertension are not aware that they have it as there can be no symptoms; they often only find out after suffering a heart attack or stroke.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States, where hypertension is also prevalent. Tens of millions of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many do not have it under control.
Hypertension usually has no symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to measure your blood pressure regularly. Talk with your health care provider about how you can manage your blood pressure and lower your risk. Practice the following six healthy living habits to reduce your chances of high blood pressure:
- Keep Yourself at a Healthy Weight
- Be Physically Active
- Eat a Healthy Diet
- Limit How Much Alcohol You Drink
- Do Not Smoke
- Get Enough Sleep
Specifically, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is a healthy diet plan with a proven record of helping people lower their blood pressure.
As part of our commitment to finding a better way and making healthcare awesome for everyone, Abarca goes all in to educate the public and increase hypertension awareness.
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This blog was written by Lillian Colón-López, MPH, Pharm. D., Clinical Client Advisor at Abarca Health.
Note: The World Hypertension League announced earlier this year that it postponed the celebration of the World Hypertension Day to October 17, 2020, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease and Control.