Locals urged to check their blood pressure this May

The Citizen

13-05-2025

Locals urged to check their blood pressure this May
This May Measurement Month, health experts are sounding the alarm on hypertension (HTN), a condition that affects billions worldwide yet remains dangerously underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Alarmingly, a recent study found that 74% of patients are unaware that they are at risk of hypertension or are unaware of their hypertension status.
World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17.
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HTN is the most significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (in SA.
With cardiovascular disease ranking among the top 10 causes of death worldwide, detecting and controlling blood pressure has never been more critical.
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health complications, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and heart failure.
It's also linked to a higher likelihood of developing dementia and can drastically reduce overall quality of life.
These consequences contribute to increased mortality and morbidity, underscoring the importance of early detection, treatment and management of high blood pressure.
May Measurement Month
A public health campaign, Because I Say So is part of a global blood pressure screening initiative, May Measurement Month.
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Now in its ninth year, this collaborative campaign was initiated in response to the hypertension health crisis.
It is led by the International Society of Hypertension, in collaboration with the Southern African Hypertension Society and Servier, among other scientific societies.
It is a public call for everyone to get their blood pressure (BP) checked.
This non-invasive test takes five minutes, is free during May Measurement Month, and can help save lives.
Professor Erika Jones, the president of the Southern African Hypertension Society, said, 'Hypertension is often called the 'silent killer' because it typically has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
'It is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, accounting for nearly half of related deaths worldwide. Despite this, awareness, treatment and control remain alarmingly low.'
The scale of the problem
The statistics, as recorded in 2019, paint a concerning picture:
• 4.06 billion adults were affected by high systolic blood pressure;
• 1.3 billion adults (30-79 years) were affected by hypertension;
• 10.8 million deaths were associated with raised blood pressure;
• Approximately 60% of adults develop hypertension by 60 years of age;
• Up to 90% of adults living to 80 are likely to develop hypertension;
• Hypertension causes over 50% of heart disease, stroke and heart failure cases.
SA faces an exceptionally high burden, with the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) reporting a hypertension prevalence of 46.0% in females and 44.0% in males above 18 years of age.
Even more concerning, over 80% of people living with hypertension have uncontrolled blood pressure. This prevalence significantly exceeds the global average of 31.1%.
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The treatment gap
A 'treatment cascade' exists for patients with hypertension.
A report by the World Heart Federation (WHF), Roadmap for Hypertension, starts with those with high blood pressure, although many don't even know their status.
Of those diagnosed, only a portion receive treatment, and fewer still achieve blood pressure control. Finally, patient adherence remains the biggest challenge.
Effective prevention and detection of hypertension require a multi-faceted approach.
This includes robust screening policies that include initial blood pressure screenings from the age of 18 and regular follow-ups and opportunistic screenings in various settings like workplaces, schools and community spaces.
Population-wide interventions play a crucial role in prevention by promoting weight control through healthier diets (like the DASH diet), improving access to nutritious foods and implementing salt reduction strategies.
'Additionally, lifestyle interventions, such as adopting a balanced diet and increasing physical activity, are also essential in managing and reducing the risk of hypertension,' explained Jones.
A WHF member survey across 46 countries showed 65% of the polled healthcare respondents reporting that their patients do not adhere to treatment plans, showing that even once the obstacles of detection and diagnosis are overcome, patients still struggle with maintaining their prescribed regimens.
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Obstacles to prevention
Despite knowing how to prevent and treat high blood pressure, many barriers stand in the way of success.
These challenges affect patients and healthcare systems alike.
For those diagnosed with hypertension, treatment brings its challenges – medication can be expensive, many people struggle to stay motivated for a condition with no obvious symptoms, there are cultural attitudes that sometimes discourage medical intervention, and daily pill routines can be complicated to maintain.
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The healthcare systems face obstacles, too, including limited resources for widespread blood pressure screening; equipment shortages and inaccurate measurements; healthcare workers might have poor awareness or a misunderstanding of guidelines; and follow-up systems to monitor patient progress are often inadequate.
With proper awareness of these challenges, patients and healthcare providers can work together to find practical solutions that make hypertension prevention and treatment more accessible for everyone.
'For more than 50 years, Servier has been committed to fighting high blood pressure – the 'silent killer' – that affects millions without warning.
'According to the World Health Organisation, this chronic illness claims over 11 million lives annually, making it humanity's largest epidemic.
'As non-communicable diseases like hypertension continue to rise, it solidifies the importance of collaborative public information campaigns like Because I Say So and May Measurement Month.
'We compel South Africans to take action and check their blood pressure. It has never been more crucial for public health,' says Virosha Deonarain, the medical manager at Servier.
South Africans should go to their local pharmacies, clinics, or doctors to get tested for free in May.
Find a participating pharmacy in your area and get the test today: https://bit.ly/FreeBPCheck
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