Concord Hospital Health System Commemorates World Hypertension Day
CONCORD, NH – Concord Hospital Health System (CHHS) is proud to recognize World Hypertension Day on May 17, 2026. This global initiative by the World Hypertension League is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of blood pressure control by educating the public on the risks associated with hypertension and providing resources for prevention, early detection, and effective management.
“High blood pressure is an often-overlooked condition that affects millions of adults in the U.S. and more than one billion adults worldwide,” said Meredith Milligan, MD, MPH, a family medicine and preventative medicine physician at Concord Hospital. “Knowing your numbers and monitoring your blood pressure regularly is critical to maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. Treating high blood pressure remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
Meredith Milligan, MD, MPH, takes a blood pressure reading of a fellow staff member. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects nearly one in three adults in New Hampshire and is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It affects nearly one in three adults in New Hampshire and is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease and stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 664,470 deaths in the United States in 2023, underscoring its significant impact on public health.
“Hypertension is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it typically has no noticeable symptoms,” warned Dr. Milligan. “Over time, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart attack, stroke, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, and dementia.”
When detected early, high blood pressure can often be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication, helping patients reduce their risk of serious health complications. Dr. Milligan and her CHHS colleagues encourage community members who are monitoring at home to use a validated cuff and to bring both the device and a log of readings to their next office visit, which can help ensure accurate tracking and effective care.
Each of CHHS’s 17 primary care practices is accepting new patients. Find the practice nearest you at www.concordhospital.org/locations.
