OMRON Healthcare India, one of the leading players in the digital home blood pressure monitoring segment, today announced support towards the #THEBIGSQUEEZE movement to bolster the ongoing ‘May Measurement Month (MMM)’ global campaign in India.

This movement aims to encourage people of all ages to get their blood pressure checked in the world’s largest FREE blood pressure screening campaign. The objective is to heighten awareness about the dangers posed by elevated BP and hypertension and the importance of monitoring blood pressure regularly in India.

The MMM global campaign is led by ‘International Society of Hypertension’. This annual program focuses on educating people about the impact of hypertension on their cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. It also provides insights into diet and lifestyle advice for hypertensives and for facilitating improved follow up for sufferers. Volunteers in more than 85 countries will screen people in cities, towns, and rural villages as part of this largest FREE public blood pressure screening program in the world this year, between 01 May – 31 August 2022.

As conveyed by Indian Medical Association, Hypertension kills 7.5 million people worldwide each year, which is more than AIDS, road accidents, diabetes, and tuberculosis combined. Often referred to as a “silent killer” because it gradually damages the heart, blood vessels, and other organs without any apparent symptoms, hypertension is the most common preventable cause of cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases throughout the world.

Studies also indicate that 20% of young adults in India suffer from hypertension; 50% of those affected are unaware of their condition and only one fourth of the affected population is getting treatment. It is expected that more than 20 million Indians will be affected by hypertension by 2025.

Emphasizing the importance of monitoring the blood pressure regularly, Mr. Kotaro Suzuki, Managing Director, OMRON Healthcare India said, “India stands amongst the countries with one of the lowest rates of awareness and hypertension diagnosis in APAC^. Reports highlight that hypertension is one of the most powerful modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases; lowering blood pressure substantially reduces the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is recognized as a valuable tool to monitor blood pressure and facilitate effective detection & management of hypertension. Combined with right drugs treatment, it can play a significant role in reducing cardiovascular risk and prevent heart attacks and strokes among people with these conditions.”

“We are happy to continue our association with this global awareness campaign. This is in sync with our “Going for Zero” vision where we aim to create a society with ZERO cardiovascular events by strengthening preventive healthcare and early diagnosis via provision of quality digital blood pressure monitors. Our awareness initiatives are reaching out to tier 2 and 3 cities. We are conducting weekly health camps to provide free blood pressure check for consumers and are also enhancing the reach of our initiatives like OMRON Academy to educate consumers as well as healthcare professionals on the right usage of our blood pressure monitors at home.” Mr Suzuki concluded.