Hypertension afflicts 10 million people in India every year. It is characterised by excessive blood pressure on the arterial walls. The blood pressure score for hypertensives is consistently high at 140/90 and above while a blood pressure level of 180/120 is considered to be critical. A lot contributes to an increased likelihood of hypertension: a high sodium diet, excessive consumption of animal fats, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress. World Hypertension Day is a WHO ( World Health Organization) initiative to spread awareness of the disease to improve detection, treatment, and care. It was first observed on the 17th of May, 2005. Hypertension is considered by healthcare practitioners across the world to be a leading cause of heart disease. Therefore, 85 hypertension societies operate under an umbrella organisation called the World Hypertension League, to achieve the goals of awareness, detection, treatment, and care. The WHL partners with both government and non-governmental organisations using mediums such as the internet, mass media, and television to reach the estimated 250 million sufferers. The theme for this year is: “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, and live longer.”
There are many ways to control and manage hypertension. The improvement of the resting heart rate through intensive aerobic exercise is a great preventive measure and countermeasure against hypertension. Reducing sodium consumption has been proven to markedly improve pressure levels. Several different salts types are used to treat hypertension: calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors etc. Kerala Academy of Pharmacy trains future pharmacologists who will play an important role in hypertension research. In the meanwhile, Kerala Academy of Pharmacy wishes to spread adequate awareness of the disease. Heart palpitations, dizziness, sustained high blood pressure, fatigue etc. are some of the myriad symptoms of hypertension. We must not ignore them
