Event Series:
World Hypertension Day
World Hypertension Day
May 17, 2026
World Hypertension Day
On May 17, celebrate World Hypertension Day. World Hypertension Day highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure. It’s also about bringing global awareness to the 1 billion people living with high blood pressure worldwide. High blood pressure is also known as hypertension.
Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure consistently above 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure consistently above 90 mm Hg. In addition, hypertension is the number one risk factor for heart disease, stroke, renal complications, and premature death. Usually, high blood pressure alone does not cause any symptoms. That is why it is known as the silent killer. Fortunately, hypertension can be prevented and managed by checking your blood pressure regularly. It can also be managed and controlled through treatment.
Since 2016, CDC and global partners have worked together to create innovative strategies to prevent and control hypertension. In addition, they’ve worked to improve people’s overall heart health in countries across the world. Get tested, know your numbers, and live longer.
The League
The World Hypertension League is an umbrella organization of national hypertension societies and leagues with 85 countries as its members. World Hypertension League created World Hypertension Day in 2005. The objective of World Hypertension Day is to communicate to the public the importance of hypertension. It also calls attention to its serious medical complications. And, further, it provides information on prevention, detection and treatment.
The WHL launched its first WHD on May 14, 2005. Since 2006, WHL has been observing May 17 of every year as WHD. Many of the member countries have embraced the idea and also carried out a number of activities in their respective countries. These activities promote awareness of hypertension. Such activities include newspaper articles, media coverage, rallies, public forums and mass public physical activities. They also include involvement of politicians, policy makers and popular public figures.
Wear a red pin, ribbon or wristband to call attention to World Hypertension Day.
A Silent Killer
WHD provides an opportunity for health managers to advocate for increased availability and use of digital blood pressure measurement devices. This is true across healthcare facilities to scale up screening and monitoring. Hypertension is a major risk factor for premature mortality among adults across the globe.
High Blood Pressure Can Be Prevented and Controlled
Hypertension can be prevented and controlled. Countries must invest in strong public health measures and create an enabling environment to reduce modifiable risk factors and promote a healthy lifestyle. Scaling up hypertension prevention and treatment services at the primary health care level requires political will and investment in health systems.
