Hypertension remains a 'silent' killer in SA
PHILADELPHIA - On 17 May 2025 is World Hypertension Day.
Often known as a silent killer, Hypertension affects countless individuals without their awareness.
Health experts are urging everyone to prioritise regular blood pressure screenings for better health management.
Dr. Mosima Mabunda, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Vitality, says lifestyle factors play a significant role in hypertension.
She says those who have been diagnosed with hypertension should exercise and eat properly.
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The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
Know your numbers: Hypertension poses a silent threat to millions
Know your numbers: Hypertension poses a silent threat to millions World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17, is a global reminder of the silent but deadly condition affecting millions. Marking its 20th anniversary this year under the theme Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!, the day encourages awareness, prevention and the control of high blood pressure. Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. 'Unmanaged hypertension is very dangerous,' warns Dr Deepak Patel, a clinical specialist at Discovery Vitality, 'because it leads to aneurysms, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and cognitive impairment.' This is because, over time, the increased pressure damages blood vessels and forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, potentially resulting in life-threatening conditions like heart disease and heart attacks. One serious concern with hypertension is that it often presents without noticeable symptoms. When they do occur, they might include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations and nose bleeds. These are warning signs that the heart and blood vessels are under severe strain. Patel explains that hypertension contributes to atherosclerosis, a thickening and hardening of the arteries that narrows blood flow. 'Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of coronary artery disease (heart attack), strokes and kidney failure,' he says. SA is in the danger zone The World Health Organisation reports that 10 million people die prematurely annually due to hypertension. This year, an estimated 1.56 billion adults globally will live with the condition. In SA, the figures are staggering. A 2016 Demographic and Health Survey found that 46% of women and 44% of men aged 15 and over suffered from hypertension. Even more concerning is that nearly half of South Africans with high blood pressure have never been tested and are unaware of their condition. What causes hypertension? There are two main types of hypertension. • Primary hypertension develops gradually over time and has no identifiable cause but is influenced by genetics and lifestyle; • Secondary hypertension stems from underlying conditions like kidney disease, vascular disease or tumours. Risk factors you can control Many risk factors linked to high blood pressure are lifestyle-related and preventable. The Mayo Clinic identifies the following as major contributors: • Age: Risk increases as you get older, particularly after age 64; • Race: People of African heritage are more likely to develop hypertension earlier and suffer complications such as stroke and kidney failure; • Obesity: More body weight means more blood is needed to supply tissues, raising blood pressure; • Family history: Genetics play a significant role in risk; • Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise leads to higher heart rates and increased arterial pressure; • High stress levels: Chronic stress and unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, smoking, or drinking can raise blood pressure; • Smoking: Tobacco damages the arteries and elevates blood pressure; • Excessive alcohol: Drinking too much, especially regularly, strains the heart; • Poor diet: A high sodium intake causes the body to retain fluid, increasing pressure; • Chronic illnesses: Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnoea also elevate risk. The bottom line Hypertension might be silent, but it's far from harmless. Regular screening, healthy living and awareness are crucial to combat this condition. As World Hypertension Day reminds us: Accurately measure your blood pressure, control it and live longer. Knowing your numbers could save your life. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- The Citizen
Gauteng health warns of ‘silent killer' as many unaware they have hypertension
'People under the age of 40 are increasingly being diagnosed, often due to lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and obesity.' The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) on Sunday called on residents to get screened for hypertension. It warned that many South Africans are living with high blood pressure without knowing it, putting them at risk of serious health complications. The appeal coincides with World Hypertension Day, commemorated globally on 17 May. 'Silent killer' According to the department, hypertension is often dubbed the 'silent killer' and is frequently undiagnosed until severe medical events such as strokes, heart attacks or kidney failure occur. Gauteng MEC for health and wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said in a statement that high blood pressure remains a major public health challenge both globally and locally. 'Worryingly, people under the age of 40 are increasingly being diagnosed, often due to lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and obesity,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO READ: Municipal water disruption affects services at Carletonville Hospital According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.28 billion adults worldwide are living with hypertension, but more than 700 million remain undiagnosed. In South Africa, more than one in three adults has high blood pressure, and of those, more than half are unaware of their condition. Low treatment, low control The department expressed particular concern over poor treatment and control rates. 'Of the people living with hypertension, only a third are on treatment, and among those on treatment, only a third have their blood pressure under control,' said the MEC. This lack of awareness and management significantly increases the risk of complications. WHO reports that hypertension contributes to 13% of all deaths globally and is responsible for one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks in South Africa. ALSO READ: DA blames Charlotte Maxeke hospital CEO for food and hot water issues Free screenings available To address this growing burden, GDoH is ramping up its hypertension awareness and screening campaigns. Free blood pressure screenings are available at all public health clinics and during mobile outreach events. 'Members of the public have been urged to visit their nearest healthcare facilities for free regular screenings for hypertension or high blood pressure, ensuring that they know their numbers (blood pressure) and control it to live longer,' Nkomo-Ralehoko said. ALSO READ: Gauteng underspends budget but says R1.8bn not lost Promoting healthy living The department is also working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), medical professionals, and community leaders to promote healthier lifestyles. Public education campaigns are being rolled out to inform people about prevention, early detection, and treatment adherence. Hypertension can be managed with the right lifestyle changes and medical intervention. These include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, reduced salt intake, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption. 'Stopping treatment or ignoring symptoms can have devastating consequences. Hypertension is manageable, but it must first be detected,' added the MEC. The GDoH reiterated its commitment to improving access to care and preventing premature deaths through increased awareness, early diagnosis, and consistent treatment of high blood pressure. NOW READ: Court grants Gauteng Health's appeal in the cancer treatment backlog case
eNCA
17-05-2025
- eNCA
Hypertension remains a 'silent' killer in SA
PHILADELPHIA - On 17 May 2025 is World Hypertension Day. Often known as a silent killer, Hypertension affects countless individuals without their awareness. Health experts are urging everyone to prioritise regular blood pressure screenings for better health management. Dr. Mosima Mabunda, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Vitality, says lifestyle factors play a significant role in hypertension. She says those who have been diagnosed with hypertension should exercise and eat properly.
