In a global effort, every year, we celebrate World Hypertension Day, to promote public awareness of the causes and consequences of raised blood pressure (BP), and to mobilize national and local authorities to create enabling environments conducive to healthy behaviours.
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Hypertension League (WHL) is celebrating World Hypertension Day on October 17th, and the dedicated theme is Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer.
Hypertension is the leading cause of mortality and disability all over the world and is at the top of the list among single risk factors accounting for cardiovascular disease deaths and second after smoking as a preventable cause of death.
Furthermore, emerging reports have demonstrated a high prevalence of hypertension among patients with COVID-19.
Hypertension is an important avoidable risk factor and one of the goals of the United Nations 2025 agenda is the achievement of a 25% reduction in uncontrolled hypertension. Enhanced community Blood Pressure (BP) screening programs and routine measurement of BP by health‐care professionals at all clinical encounters will contribute to achieving this goal.
SEE Health Network supports the global efforts and the promotion of awareness about the risks of hypertension in the South Eastern Europe Region.
The 39th SEEHN plenary meeting included joint work on hypertension and deaths from cardiovascular diseases in an effort to reduce the burden of NCDs within the region.
A dedicated RHDC (Regional Health Development Center) on NCDs (Non Communicable Disease), hosted by Montenegro, is mandated to coordinate regional initiatives highlighting that cost-effective interventions can have a significant impact on prevention and reduction of high blood pressure and the diseases it causes.
The SEEHN joins the WHL challenge and encourages its Member States to participate in the WHD celebration. Rigorous BP measurement and NCD awareness endeavors in the community and clinical settings, and the acquired results of the screening activities will contribute to the efforts in the reduction of uncontrolled hypertension.
