KATHMANDU: World Hypertension Day is being observed today in Nepal, too by organizing various programs from the government and non-government levels.

The Day is observed on May 17 each year since 2005, highlighting the need to monitor the level of blood pressure and promoting global awareness about it.

As doctors say, changing lifestyles, stressful days and an increasing culture of consuming packet and processed food are among the major factors for rising cases of hypertension which is largely preventable.

The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016 suggests the hypertension is a matter of concern for Nepali.

“In Nepal, 17% of women and 23% of men are hypertensive,” the Survey said. Doctors advise eating a healthy diet, doing regular physical exercise, reducing stress, avoiding alcohol and smoking and having proper sleep to control high blood pressure.

The issue is more prevalent in urban areas.