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World Hypertension Day

Show your support for World Hypertension Day by taking steps to reduce your risk of high blood pressure and live a healthier life!

Monday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 17

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to raise awareness about hypertension and its effects on our health with World Hypertension Day on May 17! This day was created in 2005 by the World Hypertension League, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about hypertension and its effects on human health. It is a day to promote healthy lifestyle choices, as well as provide support for those with high blood pressure. With proper education and knowledge, we can work together to prevent this often silent killer from affecting more people. So join us on May 17th in celebrating World Hypertension Day!

TIMELINE

World Hypertension Day Timeline

Hypertension Emerges as a Health Issue

Early healthcare professionals start to recognize hypertension as a serious health condition and initiate related medical research and education.

WHO Recognizes Hypertension

The World Health Organization (WHO) includes hypertension in their list of non-communicable diseases requiring global attention.

Establishment of World Hypertension League

The World Hypertension League, an umbrella organization of hypertension societies and leagues, is founded to coordinate efforts to prevent and control hypertension globally.

Creation of World Hypertension Day

The World Hypertension League declares May 17 as World Hypertension Day for the first time, aiming to increase awareness about the condition.

Continued Advocacy during Pandemic

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the push for global awareness and action against hypertension remains strong, with World Hypertension Day events going virtual.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Hypertension Day

Monitor your blood pressure

Take a few minutes to check your blood pressure. If you do not have a machine at home, head to the local pharmacy and use one of the machines they have available.

EAT

Eat healthy

Start with small changes such as cutting back on salt, eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water.

EXERCISE

Exercise regularly

Try to get in at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, whether it is walking, jogging, cycling or swimming. Exercise helps to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

REDUCE

Reduce stress levels

Find ways to relax and unwind such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation or listening to soothing music.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Read up on Hypertension Day, learn about its causes and how to prevent or manage it.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Hypertension Day is Important

It encourages healthy lifestyle habits

Living a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to prevent or manage hypertension. Activities like regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and reducing stress can help keep your blood pressure in check. World Hypertension Day helps to spread this message and promote overall well being.

Hypertension poses a serious health risk

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can put you at risk for heart attack, stroke and other serious health issues. By raising awareness about the risks of hypertension and encouraging people to get checked regularly, World Hypertension Day is helping to reduce the number of avoidable deaths caused by this condition.

It raises awareness

World Hypertension Day is an important opportunity to educate the public on the dangers of uncontrolled high blood pressure. All too often, the signs and symptoms of hypertension are overlooked or ignored, so raising awareness is incredibly vital.