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. 2007 May 15;23(7):517-9.
doi: 10.1016/s0828-282x(07)70795-x.

Impact of World Hypertension Day

Arun Chockalingam  1
Affiliations

Impact of World Hypertension Day

Arun Chockalingam. Can J Cardiol. .

Abstract
in English, French

It is estimated that nearly one billion people are affected by hypertension worldwide, and this figure is predicted to increase to 1.5 billion by 2025. Nearly one-half of this population are unaware of their condition. Hypertension is the primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke. World Hypertension Day (WHD) has been an initiative of the World Hypertension League to raise hypertension awareness. In the past two years, many countries have taken an active part in promoting awareness through a number of initiatives in their respective countries. In Canada, WHD was a resounding success in 2005 and 2006, and major plans are underway for WHD 2007. The success of the Canadian WHD depends mainly on the partnership and shared values of all stakeholders, including professional societies, nongovernment organizations, government agencies and industry. Although it is too early to assess the impact of hypertension, it is evident that the countries involved are taking hypertension in the population seriously and are moving in the right direction. If the momentum continues, a drastic reduction in the prevalence of worldwide hypertension can be anticipated.

On évalue presque à un milliard le nombre de personnes atteintes d’hypertension artérielle (HTA) dans le monde, et ce chiffre devrait monter à un milliard et demi d’ici à 2025. Presque la moitié de la population touchée ignore son état; pourtant, l’HTA est le principal facteur de risque de maladies cardiaques et d’accidents vasculaires cérébraux. La Journée mondiale de l’hypertension artérielle est une initiative de la Ligue mondiale contre l’hypertension afin de sensibiliser la population à la maladie. Au cours des deux dernières années, de nombreux pays ont participé à la campagne de sensibilisation par différentes activités. La Journée a connu un succès retentissant au Canada, en 2005 et en 2006, et un programme étoffé est en voie d’élaboration pour 2007. Le succès de cette Journée, au Canada, est tributaire de l’établissement de partenariats et de valeurs communes à toutes les parties intéressées, notamment aux sociétés professionnelles, aux organisations non gouvernementales, aux organismes gouvernementaux et à l’industrie. Bien qu’il soit encore trop tôt pour évaluer l’incidence de l’hypertension, il ne fait aucun doute que les pays participants prennent la maladie au sérieux au sein de la population et qu’ils font un pas dans la bonne direction. Si l’effort de sensibilisation continue sur sa lancée, on assistera à une très forte diminution de la prévalence de l’hypertension dans le monde.

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