THE World Hypertension Day, being observed globally tomorrow (May 17) has its focus this year on encouraging people to check their blood pressure regularly and manage it because early detection saves lives and reduces healthcare ex-penses. Hypertension, a hidden risk to heart and vascular health, is a condition in which the pressure of blood in human arteries gets a bit too high, measured at 140/90mmHg or above. It cannot be seen or sometimes even felt. Undiagnosed high blood pressure is the main cause of serious health issues later in life.

According to The Lancet report for 2025, 1.4 billion people globally are living with hypertension, while only one in five seeks medical help to control blood pressure. About two-thirds of the adult population experiencing elevated blood pressure resides in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Findings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) South East Asia region 2025 suggest 294 million people are affected by hypertension, while nine out of 10 are not treated for or diagnosed with uncontrolled blood pressure.

Hypertension can be preventable by early diagnosis and life-saving if taken control of through antihypertensive medicines and necessary lifestyle changes. Modifiable lifestyle changes include physical exercise, stress management, a good bodyweight, low sodium intake, a healthy diet, and tobacco avoidance. Obesity is also counted as a risk factor for the onset of high blood pressure. However, age and family history of hypertension are not modifiable risk factors.

High sodium in the diet retains fluid, and to dilute the excess sodium in the bloodstream, the heart has to work harder, damaging blood vessels and affecting kidney functions. The American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended less than 1,500mg of salt per day (approximately less than 1/3 teaspoon per day) to reduce blood pressure and heart disease. Care should be taken to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, not the processed and canned ones which are mostly preserved in brine.

The WHO has emphasised the need to raise public awareness about the severity of hypertension and its effects on cardio-vascular diseases. It has also called for establishing affordable diagnostic facilities, blood pressure monitors and medicines. Effective policies need to be formulated for the entire population. Government-supported pharmacies can provide antihypertensive medicines urgently and at fair prices. Patient assistance prog-rammes should be present in every community to educate the masses and spread awareness about the harmful effects of high blood pressure. To promote and encourage physical activity, green areas should be available in every locality so that children, women and the elderly may walk and exercise routinely for a healthy life.

Tabinda Ashraf Shahid
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2026