MUSCAT : As part of World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17, the Ministry drew attention to the findings from the 2025 National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases, highlighting growing concerns over non-communicable diseases.

The Ministry pointed out that high blood pressure — commonly known as hypertension — often develops silently without noticeable symptoms but can gradually damage vital organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys, if left untreated.

“Make checking your blood pressure a habit… don’t wait for symptoms,” the Ministry said in its awareness message, encouraging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles by reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and monitoring their health regularly.

The Ministry’s figures align with global concerns raised by the World Health Organisation, which describes hypertension as the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide.

Marking World Hypertension Day 2026, the WHO adopted the theme: “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly, Defeat the Silent Killer.”

The international health body estimates that nearly 1.4 billion people worldwide are living with hypertension. However, despite the availability of effective and affordable treatment, many individuals remain unaware they have the condition, while only around one in four patients successfully control their blood pressure.

The WHO has repeatedly warned that hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and early death, earning it the label of the “silent killer.”

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