DHAKA: Upholding the theme ‘Know Your Blood Pressure’, the World Hypertension Day was observed across the country on Sunday.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) provided free hypertension identification service for children from 10:00am to 1:00pm in the day.

Moreover, rallies and discussions were organized in districts and upazilas across the country.

The World Hypertension Day was first celebrated on May 17, 2005 by The World Hypertension League (WHL) and since then it has been celebrating every year to create awareness about the hypertension diseases.

This day (World Hypertension Day) was designated and initiated by The World Hypertension League (WHL), a canopy organization of 85 national hypertension societies and leagues.

This organization is working for education and spreading the knowledge among the hypertension patients around the world.

In 2005, the first World Hypertension Day was celebrated with the theme 'Awareness of high blood pressure'.
 
According to the experts, the recommended blood pressure for a healthy person is less than 140/90 mmHg. If there is any change in blood pressure, a person should contact a doctor immediately.

They warn that the risk of hypertension has gradually been increasing across the world. A recent survey showed that five percent of children are affected with high blood pressure resulting the damage of their heart, kidney, brain and eyes.

Another survey said that from 40 to 50 percent people do not know that they are affected with high blood pressure.

Experts suggested the patients to walk at least for half an hour, control the weight and limit the diet to check high blood pressure.

** World Hypertension Day being marked

BDST: 2052 HRS, MAY 17, 2015
BD/RR