Hypertension Day
OtherWhat Is Hypertension Day?
May 17 is Hypertension Day in Japan. At the 30th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Society of Hypertension in October 2007, the society and the Japan Hypertension Association declared May 17 of every year to be Hypertension Day, and the day was recognized and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. The date is the same as World Hypertension Day, established by the World Hypertension League.
World Hypertension Day and Efforts in Japan
Hypertension Day was established in step with global awareness efforts.
- World Hypertension League: An international organization founded in 1984 to spread public knowledge about the dangers of high blood pressure and the diseases it causes.
- World Hypertension Day: Established by the World Hypertension League in 2005, it now involves societies and leagues from 85 countries and regions.
- Establishment in Japan: The Japanese Society of Hypertension, a member of the World Hypertension League, and the Japan Hypertension Association designated the same date, May 17, as Hypertension Day in Japan.
- Awareness campaigns: Every year around this day, campaigns encourage people to measure their blood pressure regularly.
Fewer Than 60% Are Receiving Treatment
According to the Japanese Society of Hypertension, high blood pressure is the most important cause of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. However, because it has no symptoms, only about 24.5 million of the estimated 43 million people with high blood pressure in Japan, fewer than 60%, are said to be receiving treatment. The society gives healthy (normal) blood pressure as below 115/75 mmHg for home readings and below 120/80 mmHg for readings at a clinic.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Measure your blood pressure with a home blood pressure monitor
- Review your health checkup results and check your blood pressure readings
- If you are concerned about your blood pressure, talk to your doctor
- Start a habit of measuring blood pressure at the same time every day with your family
Because There Are No Symptoms, Start by Measuring
High blood pressure often progresses without symptoms, so knowing your own numbers is the first step. Hypertension Day on May 17 is a chance to pay attention to blood pressure that we usually don't think about. Why not measure your blood pressure today and check on how your body is doing?