Merck Launches Hypertension Risk Checker to Combat the “Silent Killer” on World Hypertension Day
To mark World Hypertension Day, leading science and technology company Merck has launched a vital new awareness campaign centered around a crucial question: “Fast heart rate while resting?” Recognizing that an elevated resting heart rate is a major indicator of broader cardiovascular issues, the initiative aims to educate the public on identifying early warning signs of high blood pressure and taking control of their heart health.
As the centerpiece of this campaign, Merck introduced the Hypertension Risk Checker. This digital educational tool is designed to drive earlier detection and encourage proactive medical consultations. Because hypertension is famously known as a “silent killer” that develops without noticeable symptoms, recognizing a rapid or pounding heartbeat during inactivity can serve as a lifesaving signal for individuals to seek professional medical advice before serious complications arise.
The urgency of this tool is backed by alarming global and regional health data. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.4 billion adults worldwide live with high blood pressure, and a staggering 600 million remain completely unaware of their condition.
This challenge is particularly acute across the Gulf region, where rising rates of cardiovascular disease underscore the critical need for regular blood pressure monitoring and early therapeutic intervention.
“Hypertension continues to be one of the most significant yet underdiagnosed health challenges globally and across our region,” stated Ahmed Abo Al Fadl, General Manager – UAE & Gulf at Merck.
“Through greater awareness, earlier conversations, and accessible educational tools such as the Hypertension Risk Checker, we hope to encourage more people to take proactive steps towards understanding and managing their heart health.”
This launch also coincides with a major corporate milestone, celebrating 40 years of Merck’s legacy in cardiovascular care. Over the past four decades, Merck’s innovative medical portfolio has supported the treatment journeys of more than 535,000 patients across the Gulf region.
By aligning this milestone with World Hypertension Day, Merck reinforces its long-standing commitment to global health, reminding individuals to check their blood pressure regularly, adopt healthier lifestyle habits, and consult doctors routinely
