ISLAMABAD – Pakistan joined the global community in observing World Hypertension Day today, May 17, 2025, as the health experts are urging citizens to monitor their blood pressure accurately, manage it effectively and adopt healthier lifestyles to ensure longer lives.
This year’s theme — “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, and live longer!” — emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and effective control of high blood pressure, a condition often dubbed the “silent killer.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that more than 1.13 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension.
A large number of them remain unaware of their condition, making the disease particularly dangerous due to its lack of visible symptoms while silently damaging vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
In Pakistan, hypertension has emerged as a growing health concern, with millions affected across all age groups. Alarmingly, health professionals report a noticeable rise in hypertension cases among the youth, attributing it to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and increasing mental stress.
Several key measures to manage and prevent high blood pressure:
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce cardiovascular strain.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, while limiting salt intake.
Engaging in daily physical activity — at least 30 minutes — to improve heart health.
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol, both of which are known to raise blood pressure.
Managing stress through practices such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
Doctors have urged the public to prioritize regular blood pressure checks and seek medical advice promptly if high readings are detected. Public health campaigns are also being launched nationwide to raise awareness about hypertension, its risks, and prevention strategies.
