- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessDiseasesEducational
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every May
- Holiday emoji:
- ❤️
May Measurement Month takes place throughout May, encouraging people worldwide to check their blood pressure. This global campaign by the International Society of Hypertension (I.S.H) aims to raise awareness about hypertension, a condition affecting 1.28 billion adults. Take action this month: get screened, learn the risks, and support awareness efforts.
Want to sponsor May Measurement Month? Learn how
Expected May Measurement Month Deals
Throughout May Measurement Month, expect to see various health organizations and corporate partners offering free or low-cost blood pressure screenings at pharmacies, community centers, and workplaces. Pharmaceutical companies like Novartis and Pfizer may support educational campaigns, while health tech brands such as Omron and Withings could offer discounts on home blood pressure monitors. Grocery chains like Kroger and Walmart often feature heart-healthy food promotions and in-store clinics. Look for donation-matching programs from companies like CVS Health and Walgreens when you contribute to organizations like the American Heart Association. We will update this page with confirmed live events and promotions as May approaches.
Platform Guide for May Measurement Month
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MayMeasurementMonth. Share educational infographics about blood pressure and healthy living.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #MayMeasurementMonth. Join conversations about hypertension awareness and share links to screening locations.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MayMeasurementMonth. Post visuals of healthy lifestyle choices and encourage followers to get their blood pressure checked.
May Measurement Month Hero
Dr. Irvine H. Page
History of May Measurement Month
Hypertension is a condition that is as old as humans. The condition is more prevalent in adults, and an estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition. Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated, and approximately 21% of adults have it under control. The work of a Physician, William Harvey, in understanding the cardiovascular system is where the modern history of hypertension begins. Harvey described the circulation of blood in his book “De Motu Cordis” in 1628. In 1733, English Clergyman Stephen Hales made the first published measurement of blood pressure to add further strides in the world of cardiovascular treatment. Over the years, several people gave descriptions of what would come to be called hypertension. Amongst them are Thomas Young in 1808 and Richard Bright in 1836.
Bright noted a link between kidney disease and cardiac hypertrophy (increase and growth of muscle cells), and subsequently, kidney disease was often termed Bright’s disease in that period. In 1850, George Johnson made the suggestion that the thickened blood vessels seen in the kidney in Bright’s disease might be due to the kidney trying to adapt to elevated blood pressure levels. In 1855 and 1856, respectively, William Senhouse and Ludwig Traube suggested that based on pathological findings, elevated blood pressure levels could account for the association between left ventricular hypertrophy to kidney damage in Bright’s disease.
Then, physician Samuel Wilks believed that left ventricular hypertrophy and diseased arteries were not necessarily associated with diseased kidneys, implying that high blood pressure might occur in people with healthy kidneys. Frederick Akbar Mahomed, in 1874, used a sphygmograph to give the first report of elevated blood pressure in a person without evidence of kidney disease.
May Measurement Month timeline
Harvey describes the circulation of blood in his book “De Motu Cordis.”
Hales makes the first published measurement of blood pressure.
Bright links kidney disease and cardiac hypertrophy.
Mahomed uses a sphygmograph to report elevated blood pressure in a person without evidence of kidney disease.
How Businesses Can Celebrate May Measurement Month
Local businesses can support May Measurement Month by hosting free blood pressure screening events for their employees and customers, partnering with local clinics or pharmacies. Restaurants can feature heart-healthy menu options and clearly label nutritional information. Fitness centers might offer special rates on programs focused on cardiovascular health. Retailers, especially those selling health-related products, can create displays with educational materials about hypertension and donate a portion of sales to relevant health organizations. Using #MayMeasurementMonth in their promotions can help amplify the message.
May Measurement Month FAQs
When is May Measurement Month?
In 2027, May Measurement Month will again span the whole month of May, from Saturday, May 1, to Monday, May 31. This annual campaign emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers.
How many people are affected by hypertension globally?
The prevalence of hypertension remains a critical global health challenge, affecting approximately 1.28 billion adults. This staggering figure underscores the ongoing need for widespread awareness and regular screening efforts.
What are the risks associated with high blood pressure?
Sustained high blood pressure can lead to severe complications over time, impacting vital organs. Risks range from cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes to chronic kidney disease and peripheral artery disease, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management.
How can I check my blood pressure at home?
To accurately measure your blood pressure at home, use an approved automatic monitor, ideally one that measures on the upper arm. Sit quietly for a few minutes before taking a reading, keep your arm supported, and avoid talking during the measurement.
How to Observe May Measurement Month
Check your blood pressure
Observe the day by checking your blood pressure. This helps you stay on top when it comes to your health.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness to observe the day. As many adults are living with hypertension and don’t know about it, it presents a good avenue to spread awareness and drive education on hypertension.
Donate to a hospital
Donate to a hospital to observe the day. It helps in the fight against the menace called hypertension.
5 Important Facts About Hypertension
High blood pressure is linked to dementia
Evidence shows that not controlling high blood pressure during midlife creates a higher risk for dementia later in life.
Young people can have high blood pressure
You might want to start checking your blood pressure because about four out of 10 adults aged 20 to 44 live with high blood pressure.
High blood pressure rarely shows symptoms
It is usually called “the silent killer” as it shows no symptoms.
Not many know their blood pressure status
About one in three adults with high blood pressure in the U.S aren’t aware they have it and are not being treated to control their blood pressure.
High blood pressure can affect pregnancy
Pregnant women with high blood pressure are more likely to have complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure.
Why May Measurement Month is Important
It raises awareness
May Measurement Month helps to raise awareness about hypertension. It encourages people to go check their blood pressure, which could later be a life-saving decision.
It drives education
As a lot of people do not know how to prevent or manage high blood pressure, May Measurement Month helps to drive education on its prevention and management. Make a point to go get tested for hypertension. The sooner, the better.
It encourages healthy living
With the activities that take place during May Measurement Month, healthy living is encouraged. Watching salt intake, having regular physical activity, and eating healthy food help to fight hypertension.
Social Media Tips for May Measurement Month
Individuals
Creators
Brands