When is World Hypertension Day?
World Hypertension Day 2027 is on Monday
Monday, May 17, 2027
May 17 every year. That's in 212 days.
until World Hypertension Day begins, in your time zone
World Hypertension Day is a global awareness day, led by the World Hypertension League, that encourages people to get their blood pressure measured and highlights how to prevent, detect and control high blood pressure.
About World Hypertension Day
High blood pressure, or hypertension, usually causes no symptoms, which is why it is often called a silent condition. Left untreated, it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other serious problems. WHO estimates that about 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 had hypertension in 2024, and that around 600 million of them did not know it. Far fewer have it under control. A simple blood pressure reading is the first step, and lifestyle changes and medicines can bring it down.
The World Hypertension League, an umbrella group of national hypertension societies that is in official relations with WHO, started the day as a global awareness campaign. According to an article by Arun Chockalingam in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, the first World Hypertension Day was held on May 14, 2005, and the league has used May 17 every year since 2006.
The league's executive and council choose a theme each year. Early themes ranged from basic awareness of hypertension in 2005 to measuring blood pressure at home in 2008, and many recent campaigns have repeated the call to know your numbers. National heart and hypertension societies, health ministries, clinics and pharmacies mark the day with free blood pressure checks, public talks, media campaigns and community walks.
Sources: World Hypertension League (archived home page), Chockalingam A., World Hypertension Day and global awareness, Canadian Journal of Cardiology (PubMed Central), World Health Organization: Hypertension fact sheet. How we check dates.
How to mark World Hypertension Day
- Get your blood pressure checked at a clinic, pharmacy or community screening event, and write down the numbers.
- If you measure at home, ask a health professional to show you how to use a validated cuff correctly.
- Ask your doctor what your readings mean and how often you should check them.
- Cut back on salty processed foods for a week by cooking more meals at home and reading food labels.
- Take a daily walk or add another activity you enjoy, and invite a friend or family member to join you.
World Hypertension Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Saturday, May 17, 2025 |
| 2026 | Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday, May 17, 2027 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, May 17, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, May 17, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, May 17, 2030 |
| 2031 | Saturday, May 17, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Hypertension Day 2027?
World Hypertension Day 2027 is on Monday, May 17, 2027. It falls on May 17 every year. In 2028, it is on Wednesday, May 17, 2028.
Who started World Hypertension Day?
The World Hypertension League, a federation of national hypertension societies, launched the day in 2005. It has been held on May 17 each year since 2006.
What blood pressure counts as hypertension?
WHO defines hypertension as a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, though some national guidelines use lower thresholds. Your doctor can explain what your own numbers mean.
Is World Hypertension Day a public holiday?
No. World Hypertension Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.