Introduction from Prof. Isabella Sudano: 

Do you know your blood pressure value?
When was the last time you checked your blood pressure?

Hypertension is the most important risk factor worldwide for cardiovascular events and mortality. 

Untreated high blood pressure and hypertension lead to diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke or vascular dementia, which have a tremendous impact on the quality and length of life. As such, treatment of hypertension in one of the key factors for promoting health, well-being, and self-determination throughout our lives. 

Measuring blood pressure is easy but measuring it for obtaining values to be correctly compared to the standard ones need some skills, therefore respect for basic instructions is important when it comes to medical personnel as well as patients.

The World Hypertension Day, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has the aim of increasing awareness of high blood pressure and accuracy in blood pressure measurements.

The ESC Council on Hypertension, together with the World Hypertension League, contributes to the World Hypertension Day by providing information and dedicated resources (available on this webpage), with the aim of helping you improve the management of hypertensive patients.

So, follow the motto of the World Hypertension Day “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!”

Spread the word, promote awareness activities, and encourage people to think seriously about hypertension!

Prof. Isabella Sudano,

Chair of the Council on Hypertension, 2024-2026

Interview on Hot Topics 

• Gender differences in hypertension
  
  • Prof. Eva Gerdts
  • Prof. Gianfranco Parati
• Blood pressure Therapy for cardiologists
  
  • Prof. Isabella Sudano
  • Prof. Sofie Brouwers

Scientific Resources

Guidelines

• 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension

The current guidelines support healthcare professionals with the diagnosis and management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Developed by a multidisciplinary Task Force, they update the 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Society of Hypertension (ESH) Guidelines on the management of arterial hypertension, using the most robust contemporary evidence. The updated guidelines provide a new simplified classification of blood pressure and outline processes for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of individuals with elevated blood pressure and hypertension.

Scientific papers on gender

• Gender Differences in Cardiac Organ Damage in Arterial Hypertension: Assessing the Role of Drug Nonadherence
• High-normal blood pressure in midlife is a stronger risk factor for incident hypertension 26 years later in women than men: the Hordaland Health Study
• Sex-specific time trends in incident atrial fibrillation and the contribution of risk factors: the Tromsø Study 1994–2016
• Sex-Specific Effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Pharmacotherapy for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: An Individual Participant-Level Data Meta-Analysis
• Sex differences in arterial hypertension

ESC TV Today episodes

• Managing Hypertension in the Elderly

How can we best address the challenges of treating hypertension in the elderly? Prof. Gianfranco Parati explains treatment targets and drug choices based on biological age and overall health. Key challenges include isolated systolic hypertension, blood pressure variability, and adapting strategies with advancing age.

• Hypertension Management 

Hypertension treatment can be challenging, therefore clear advice is needed. Which drugs should be used? And what should you do if they fail? Prof. Gianfranco Parati looks at treatment goals and explains what to expect in the future.

•  Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

Systolic blood pressure above 140 or diastolic above 90 mmHg define hypertension in pregnancy. Data shows that even mildly elevated values should be treated to avoid complications. Risks are not limited to the pregnancy period alone: “Few are aware that preeclampsia can develop even after pregnancy”, explains researcher Martha Gulati, along with giving specific advice for treatment and monitoring.

Working with the World Hypertension League (WHL)

World Hypertension League (WHL)

World Hypertension Day (WHD) promotes increased awareness of high blood pressure and accuracy in blood pressure measurement, especially in low to middle income areas. To help achieve this, WHL members and partners are encouraged to participate in WHD via blood pressure screenings, calls to actions, community events, media releases, and awareness campaigns worldwide. BP screenings and education on lifestyle modification and dietary salt reduction help reduce the risk for stroke, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease in communities worldwide.

Access the World Hypertension Day webpage World Hypertension League

Membership

By joining the ESC Council on Hypertension, you also become part of to the European Society of Cardiology community. 

Become a member

Looking to get more out of your Membership? Become an ESC Professional Member for more learning opportunities and savings on ESC Congress.

The Fellowship of the European Society of Cardiology is an outstanding title of honour recognising distinguished scientific, professional, educational or teaching achievements. More information about ESC fellowship and related privileges.