The World Health Organisation (WHO) has cautioned that high blood pressure can silently harm major organs without obvious symptoms, urging people to monitor their blood pressure regularly and maintain readings below 140/90 mmHg.
The warning was contained in a health advisory published on the organisation’s verified X account on Tuesday.
According to the WHO, routine blood pressure checks and early detection are essential to lowering the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke and kidney damage linked to hypertension.
The organisation’s advisory partly read, “High blood pressure often has no warning signs, but it can quietly damage your heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.
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Check your blood pressure regularly, keep track of your readings over time, and aim for a healthy blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg.
“The sooner you know your numbers, the sooner you can take steps to protect your health. Know your numbers. Take control. Stay healthy. Taking action today can help prevent serious health problems tomorrow.”
Hypertension, widely known as high blood pressure, remains one of the leading contributors to cardiovascular diseases across the world.
Health professionals describe it as a “silent killer” because it can develop unnoticed for years while gradually damaging the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels.
Medical experts recommend regular blood pressure screening, reducing salt intake, engaging in routine physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption and taking prescribed medications when required as effective measures for preventing and managing the condition.
The WHO has repeatedly encouraged governments and health authorities to expand public awareness campaigns and improve access to blood pressure screening services, stressing that early diagnosis and proper management are key to reducing deaths and disabilities caused by cardiovascular diseases.