Latest news with #CVD
Medscape
4 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
The Head and the Heart: Managing a ‘Silent Epidemic'
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause for premature mortality in patients with mental illness, particularly those with severe psychiatric disorders. The numbers bear out the link: The life expectancy of a person with severe mental illness is 15-20 years shorter than that of unaffected individuals, largely thanks to the effects of cardiac conditions. Patients with depression have a two to fourfold increased risk for developing CVD and a two to fourfold higher risk for mortality after experiencing a cardiac event compared to individuals without depression. A panel discussion at the 2025 annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology held in Madrid, Spain, in conjunction with the Inter-American Society of Cardiology explored the intersection of the heart and the mind. Panelist Donata Kurpas MD, PhD, of Wroclaw Medical University, in Wrocław, Poland, called the burden of CVD in people with mental illness a 'silent epidemic' and encouraged attendees to 'rethink cardiovascular prevention' in the psychiatric conditions of their patients. Historically, cardiologists 'haven't paid too much attention to psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety or depressive mood, and psychiatrists haven't spent much time looking for cardiovascular risk factors in their patients,' Panelist Maria Manuela Neves Abreu, MD, of the University of Lisbon, in Lisbon, Portugal, told Medscape Medical News . But this fragmentation has done a disservice to patients who were psychiatrically ill with CVD. Abreu said she encourages 'collaborative approach, which should be a team effort between cardiologists and psychiatrists.' 'It's important for all of us, as cardiologists and as doctors, to remind ourselves to try not to treat only the disease but rather, as much as realistically possible, to treat the patient as a whole,' said Glenn Levine, a professor of medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine and chief of the Cardiology Section at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, in Houston. Complex Biological Mechanisms Roger McIntyre, MD, professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who was not a participant in the panel, said the intersection of CVD and psychiatric illness can be 'considered across different levels.' Biological and 'social and economic determinants that play a role' in both conditions, McIntyre, who was not a member of the panel, told Medscape Medical News . Both have biological, behavioral, psychological, and genetic etiologies. Abreu, a cardiologist and a psychiatrist, said the intersection of mental illness and CVD likely involves a 'complex biological mechanism that integrates the inflammatory and immune systems, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the sympathetic nervous system, reduced heart rate variability, and platelet dysfunction' as well as 'several shared genetic features common to both.' Kurpas noted sleep disorders, stress, and autonomic dysfunction 'amplify cardiovascular risk.' Given the biological commonalities, it appears that addressing each condition can benefit the other and particularly improve cardiovascular health in people with psychiatric illness, McIntyre said. Cardiac Effects of Psychotropic Drugs, Psychiatric Effects of Cardiac Drugs Psychotropic drugs used to treat psychiatric conditions can have cardiovascular effects. These may induce arrhythmias and cardiometabolic disturbances such as weight gain, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Abreu noted that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors typically are used as first-line treatment for depression in patients with cardiac disorders 'because they're well-tolerated and safe, in terms of cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, and interaction with cardiologic medication.' On the other hand, she said, they can have disrupt platelet aggregation — an effect that is enhanced when they're taken with antiplatelet aggregation or anticoagulant drugs. And fluoxetine and fluvoxamine can interact with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants. And escitalopram and citalopram 'require greater caution, when it comes to QT interval prolongation and bradyarrhythmias.' A review by Pina and colleagues summarized the cardiac effects of commonly-prescribed antidepressants. Certain second-generation antipsychotics can have adverse cardiac effects, — myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, tachycardia, and arrhythmias, notably, prolongation of the QT interval, which can increase mortality risk. Many of these drugs also have cardiometabolic effects. A 2020 review comparing 18 second-generation antipsychotics found olanzapine and clozapine to have the most metabolic side effects, while aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, cariprazine, lurasidone, and ziprasidone have the most benign metabolic profiles. Abreu recommended following the protocols outline in a consensus statement created jointly by four organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, which delineates a schedule of screening and monitoring for patients taking these agents. Second-generation antipsychotics are not the only psychotropic drugs with potential cardiometabolic effects, Abreu added. Some mood stabilizers also can affect heart health. In particular, valproic acid and lithium are associated with weight gain. 'When prescribing psychotropic medications, the approach is to 'start low and titrate slowly,' and to monitor patients for adverse side effects and interactions with cardiac medications,' Abreu advised. 'Choose medications with lower potential for adverse metabolic effects as initial therapy and make adjustments and dose reductions of medications to the lowest therapeutic doses when feasible.' She also recommended adjunctive strategies for patients taking second-generation antipsychotics, including starting metformin upon initiation of treatment initiation. Just as psychotropic drugs can affect the heart, cardiac drugs can have adverse psychiatric effects. For example, alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, anti-arrhythmics, and statins can cause sedation, sleep disturbances, depression, and sometimes anxiety, and cardiovascular and psychotropic drugs can interact with one another. Far-Reaching Effects Psychosocial and lifestyle factors significantly affect cardiovascular risk in people with psychiatric illness. 'People with poor psychological health — be it depression, anxiety, or stress — are less likely to take their medications consistently and may be less likely and more averse to seeking evaluation of their symptoms,' Levine said. They 'may tend to exercise less, eat poorly, have less-controlled diabetes, and thus be more prone to developing metabolic syndrome.' McIntyre, board chair of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, a US-based national organization focusing on mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, highlighted poverty, inadequate access to care, malnutrition, the need for food stamps and childhood adversity, particularly, physical or sexual abuse, as risk factors associated with the combination of mental illness and CVD. The healthcare system, too, can aggravate the problem. 'This includes stigma, negative attitudes, discrimination toward patients [with mental illness] and disparities in cardiovascular care, often resulting in fewer diagnostic procedures and delayed treatment initiation,' Abreu said. Karl-Heinz Ladwig, PhD, MD, senior research professor at the Medical Faculty of the Technische Universität Muenchen, in Munich, Germany, and a member of the panel, elaborated on some of the lifestyle and behavioral patterns of patients with CVD and depressive comorbidity. These include tobacco use, greater likelihood of not returning to work following an myocardial infarction, and co-occurring sleep disturbances and insomnia. In addition, decreased ability to maintain intimate relationships may occur, with a 'mutually reinforcing triad of depressive symptoms, CVD, and erectile dysfunction.' Levine pointed to a 2021 scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), which concluded that psychological health 'may be causally linked to biological processes and behaviors that contribute to and cause' CVD. Contributors to negative psychological health, include chronic stress and social stressors, such as social isolation and loneliness, work-related challenges, financial hardships, and discrimination; posttraumatic stress disorder; anger and hostility, anxiety, depression, and pessimism. The AHA statement, on which Levin was the first author, did not focus only on the deleterious impact of negative psychological states. It stressed that positive psychological health, including a sense of optimism and purpose, happiness and positive affect, mindfulness, and higher emotional vitality can improve psychological well-being and, in turn, cardiovascular health. Multidisciplinary Collaboration Multidisciplinary collaboration is a critical component of addressing cardiovascular health in people with mental illness. 'No single provider can address psychiatric, behavioral, and somatic needs alone,' Kurpas said. 'A collaborative model has been shown to improve detection, continuity, and accountability and significantly improve patient outcomes.' Cardiologists should keep mental health factors in mind, and psychiatrists should keep cardiac concerns on their radar. 'Collaborative care should be a team effort between cardiologists and psychiatrists,' Abreu said. McIntyre agreed. 'All persons with mental illness should be screened for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, and all persons with heart disease should be screened for depression, as depression is the most robust prognosticator of cardiovascular death in people' after a myocardial infarction. The AHA statement recommended the Patient Health Questionaire-2 depression screen tool as well as the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-2, which can be administered by staff such as nurses or medical assistants. Positive screens can open a discussion about additional symptoms and can be used for making appropriate referrals to mental health providers. The statement offers specific talking points that cardiologists can use when addressing these issues with their patients. Even in the absence of a formally filled-out measurement tool, it 'may become apparent during the patient interaction that the patient is depressed or unduly stressed,' Levine said. Many cardiologists 'don't feel comfortable formally diagnosing or treating patients for depression, but it's fair game and appropriate to gently mention to the patient that it seems like they may be depressed or stressed and gently inquire if they have interest in seeing a mental health professional, which we can help arrange a referral to,' he said. 'That's a time-efficient and nonthreatening way to talk to patients, acknowledge their symptoms, and offer a pathway forward if they're interested.' Patients might 'recoil' at the suggestion of a psychiatrist, due to cultural values or fear of stigma, Levine added. 'They're more likely to be amenable if you recommend a 'mental health professional.'' Specific approaches to behavioral counseling are laid out in the 2016 joint recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology, Ladwig said. They include cognitive-behavioral strategies to facilitate lifestyle changes; utilizing multimodal interventions integrating medical resources with education, enhancing physical activity, stress management, and counseling regarding psychosocial risk factors; and referral for psychotherapy, medication, or collaborative care. The AHA statement includes similar recommendation regarding interventions for psychiatric disorders or symptoms, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy —particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy — care management, stress management programs, meditation training, and mindfulness-based interventions. The bidirectional relationship between psychiatric disease and CVD, which can become a vicious cycle, each exacerbating the other. Cardiologists should be cognizant of the role that addressing psychiatric illness can have in improving cardiovascular outcomes. In the words of Ladwig, 'the brain heals the heart.' The opposite side of the coin is also true, according to McIntyre. Healing the heart can also benefit the brain. Addressing both together is optimal to improving both mental and cardiovascular health. Kurpas, Abreu, Ladwig, and Levine declared no relevant financial relationships. McIntyre had received research grant support from CIHR/GACD/National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Milken Institute; speaker/consultation fees from Lundbeck, Janssen, Alkermes, Neumora Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Sage, Biogen, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Purdue, Pfizer, Otsuka, Takeda, Neurocrine, Neurawell, Sunovion, Bausch Health, Axsome, Novo Nordisk, Kris, Sanofi, Eisai, Intra-Cellular, NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, Viatris, Abbvie and Atai Life Sciences.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NewAmsterdam Pharma to Host R&D Day on June 11, 2025
NAARDEN, The Netherlands and MIAMI, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NewAmsterdam Pharma Company N.V. (Nasdaq: NAMS or 'NewAmsterdam' or the 'Company'), a late-stage, clinical biopharmaceutical company developing oral, non-statin medicines for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease ('CVD') with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('LDL-C'), for whom existing therapies are not sufficiently effective or well-tolerated, today announced that it will host an R&D Day event for analysts and investors on June 11, 2025 beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET in New York City. Please join members of our management team, including: Michael Davidson, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, John Kastelein, M.D., Ph.D., FESC, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, BJ Jones, Chief Commercial Officer, Ian Somaiya, Chief Financial Officer, and Matthew Philippe, Executive Vice President. A live webcast of the R&D event will be available and those who intend to join virtually can pre-register for the webcast through the link here. The live webcast and supporting presentation materials will be available on the Events section of the Investor Relations page of the NewAmsterdam website at at the time of the live event. An archived replay will be available on the NewAmsterdam website. Please note advanced registration is required for in-person attendance. About ObicetrapibObicetrapib is a novel, oral, low-dose CETP inhibitor that NewAmsterdam is developing to overcome the limitations of current LDL-lowering treatments. In each of the Company's Phase 2 trials, ROSE2, TULIP, ROSE, and OCEAN, as well as the Company's Phase 3 BROOKLYN, BROADWAY and TANDEM trials, evaluating obicetrapib as monotherapy or combination therapy, the Company observed statistically significant LDL-lowering combined with a side effect profile similar to that of placebo. The Company commenced the Phase 3 PREVAIL CVOT in March 2022, which is designed to assess the potential of obicetrapib to reduce occurrences of MACE. The Company completed enrollment of PREVAIL in April 2024 and randomized over 9,500 patients. Commercialization rights of obicetrapib in Europe, either as a monotherapy or as part of a fixed-dose combination with ezetimibe, have been exclusively granted to the Menarini Group, an Italy-based, leading international pharmaceutical and diagnostics company. About NewAmsterdamNewAmsterdam Pharma (Nasdaq: NAMS) is a late-stage, clinical biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to improve patient care in populations with metabolic diseases where currently approved therapies have not been adequate or well tolerated. We seek to fill a significant unmet need for a safe, well-tolerated and convenient LDL-lowering therapy. In multiple Phase 3 trials, NewAmsterdam is investigating obicetrapib, an oral, low-dose and once-daily CETP inhibitor, alone or as a fixed-dose combination with ezetimibe, as LDL-C lowering therapies to be used as an adjunct to statin therapy for patients at risk of CVD with elevated LDL-C, for whom existing therapies are not sufficiently effective or well tolerated. Company ContactMatthew PhilippeP: Media ContactSpectrum Science on behalf of NewAmsterdamJaryd LeadyP: 1-856-803-7855jleady@ Investor ContactPrecision AQ on behalf of NewAmsterdamAustin MurtaghP:
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Don't let London slip a gear in its electric vehicle uptake
London has, literally, led the charge on conversion to electric vehicles (EVs). There are more EVs per head in the capital than elsewhere in the UK, and indeed most other major cities around the world, and the infrastructure to support them is being rapidly rolled out. This historic shift, currently running at about 3,000 EV registrations a month, is playing a vital role in cleaning up London's once unpleasantly polluted air and will help the capital make progress towards, and hopefully hit, the Mayor's 2030 net zero target. By last year, EVs accounted for more than a third of new cars being registered in the capital, and more than 5.4 per cent of cars on the road. London also hosts 30 per cent of the UK's public charging points, while 61 per cent of its drivers own or are considering an EV for their next car — compared to a UK average of 38 per cent. But despite all these successes, there are reasons to worry. And it is not just that the pace of EV uptake in London has started to slow. There are also signs that many Londoners are being left behind in the EV revolution, with ownership concentrated in the wealthier communities of the capital. A report this month from analysts and policy consultants Stonehaven looks at the reasons why the uptake of EV might be slowing, particularly among less affluent drivers. It also makes three key recommendations — measures it hopes can re-energise London's enthusiasm for private electric transport. Crucially the report, authored by a team led by former Department for Transport official Michael Dnes, urges Transport for London (TfL) to extend what it describes as 'a uniquely powerful incentive for EV adoption in London, the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD)'. The CVD allows drivers of fully electric cars and vans, and the much smaller number of hydrogen cell powered vehicles, to enter the central London congestion charge zone (CCZ) for free, once they have paid a £10 registration fee. All other drivers must pay the daily charge of £15, which is set to rise to £18 in the New Year. But the full CVD concession ends on Christmas Day this year — an unwelcome present for thousands of London drivers. According to a TfL consultation published this week it will replaced by a 50% discount for van drivers and a 25% discount to car drivers. That will still leaving them paying £9 and £13.50 a day respectively to enter the CCZ area. TfL argues that as the numbers of EVs on London's roads grows, ever more drivers are entitled to enter central London for free. That in turn is undermining one of the very purposes of the congestion charge, namely reducing congestion. But as the report puts it: 'In 2025, London faces a choice about its electric future. It needs to keep up the momentum of electrification to secure its position as an EV world leader. 'Decisions made over the coming months — some as soon as this summer — will determine the future of electrification and London's environmental progress, and whether Londoners are included in that transition or not.' Although the CVD has been particularly successful in persuading private hire vehicle drivers to switch to EV options, there is still a long way to go when it comes to the vans that keep the West End and the City supplied with deliveries. Latest TfL data shows that 89 per cent of van miles in the CCZ are still diesel. As well as keeping the CVD going into next year and beyond, the report makes two other major policy recommendations. It says TfL needs to ensure all of London enjoys equal access to affordable EV charging. As things stand the 'haves' — London residents able to charge an EV at home — can access rates as low as 7p/KWh. But the majority of 'have nots' — unable to charge at home and reliant on public charging points — can face rates seven times higher at around 52p/KWh for slow charging and as much as 80p/KWh for rapid charging, costing them hundreds of pounds more a year as a result. The 'EV inequality gap' is particularly pronounced between home owners and renters who are far less likely to have access to a charge point. To counter this, Stonehaven suggests London boroughs should prioritise planning applications for gully charging and charging arms, to make cross-pavement charging accessible to more residents. It also urges City Hall to lead on developing 'social leasing' schemes targeting key workers and low-income families to help them spread costs and switch to cheaper EV models earlier. In France, a similar scheme has made subsidised leases available to households in the bottom half of incomes who drive substantial distances or live more than 15km from their workplace. Stonehaven believes these measures together can cut air pollution in central London by eight per cent for particulates, and 11 per cent for nitrogen oxides; save families without driveways an average of £600 a year, and professional drivers as much as £5,000 annually; and 'make EVs the norm for London's roads, regardless of borough or bank balance'. It warns some EV drivers are even considering switching back to petrol or diesel-fuelled internal combustion engine vehicles because of the extra costs. Private hire vehicle drivers who face the biggest increase in annual congestion charge bills — perhaps up to £5,000 or so — may be particularly prone to 'EV remorse', according to the report. Stonehaven's modelling suggests the EV share of mileage among private hire vehicles in central London could drop by as much as 27 per cent if the CVD is scrapped. One driver who participated in a focus group used to help draw up the report's findings said, 'They waived the congestion charge for EVs before, and now they're saying we'll have to pay. They can change their mind whenever they want.' Another said, 'I saved £32,000 in six years driving an electric vehicle.' A small business owner also participating in one of the focus groups put it even more starkly: 'If you take away all the financial benefits, it's just about ethics — and a lot of people will choose to feed their kids over saving the planet.' The Stonehaven report argues that the stakes for TfL, and for London as a whole, are high — and time is pressing. It is just seven months until the CVD is turned off, still long enough for a U-turn. But perhaps only just. As the report concludes and this paper agrees: 'If London acts now, it won't just meet its climate commitments — it will set the pace for cities across the UK and beyond, showing that the future of driving is electric.' Leading The Charge is supported by commercial partners which share the project's aims but our journalism remains editorially independent
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Department of Commerce to Place Up to 721% Tariffs on Chinese Graphite
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVONIX Limited (NASDAQ: NVX, ASX: NVX) ('NOVONIX' or the 'Company'), a leading battery materials and technology company, applauds the preliminary affirmative determination by the U.S. Department of Commerce ('Commerce') to impose up to 721% of countervailing duty ('CVD') tariffs on synthetic and natural graphite anode material from China. In February, the International Trade Commission ('ITC') announced its preliminary determination asserting that China suppressed the establishment of the graphite industry in the United States (and elsewhere) by exporting artificially cheap graphite which is a key component of lithium-ion batteries.1 Michael O'Kronley, CEO of NOVONIX, stated, "We are encouraged by the decision of the Department of Commerce today. This decision is an important step in supporting the United States' goal of developing critical mineral supply domestically for increased energy independence.' Commerce is also conducting its own antidumping duty ('AD') investigation. Any additional AD tariff imposed by Commerce will stack onto the CVD tariffs announced today. The final determinations for both investigations are expected to be issued around December 5, 2025. This trade case was filed by the American Active Anode Material Producers, which is comprised of four members of the North American Graphite Alliance, ('NAGA'), including NOVONIX, and two additional graphite anode material producers in the United States. NAGA represents American and Canadian producers of battery-grade natural and synthetic graphite, both of which are used to create anode material for lithium-ion batteries. NOVONIX's Riverside facility is poised to become the first large-scale production site dedicated to high-performance synthetic graphite for the battery sector in North America. To meet increasing customer demand, the Company previously announced the execution of a definitive agreement to purchase a 182-acre parcel in the Enterprise South Industrial Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the future location of its second high-performance, synthetic graphite manufacturing plant. With this initial capacity at Enterprise South and its existing Riverside facility, which is scaling up to 20,000 tonnes per annum ('tpa'), NOVONIX will have total production capacity of over 50,000 tpa in Chattanooga. This announcement has been authorised for release by Admiral Robert J Natter, USN Ret., Chairman. About NOVONIX NOVONIX is a leading battery technology company revolutionizing the global lithium-ion battery industry with innovative, sustainable technologies, high-performance materials, and more efficient production methods. The Company manufactures industry-leading battery cell testing equipment, is growing its high-performance synthetic graphite material manufacturing operations, and has developed a patented all-dry, zero-waste cathode synthesis process. Through advanced R&D capabilities, proprietary technology, and strategic partnerships, NOVONIX has gained a prominent position in the electric vehicle and energy storage systems battery industry and is powering a cleaner energy future. To learn more, visit us at or on LinkedIn and X. For NOVONIX Limited Scott Espenshade, ir@ (investors)Stephanie Reid, media@ (media) Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis communication contains forward-looking statements about the Company and the industry in which we operate. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of words such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'will,' or 'would,' or other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements in this communication include, among others, statements we make regarding our plans to purchase the Enterprise South property and build a new production facility, and our anticipated production capacity at each of our Riverside and planned Enterprise South have based such statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Such forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the timely deployment and scaling of our furnace technology, our ability to meet the technical specifications and demand of our existing and future customers, the accuracy of our estimates regarding market size, expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, needs and access for additional financing, the availability and impact and our compliance with the applicable terms of government funding and other support, our ability to satisfy the conditions precedent to our entering into definitive loan documents and to the U.S. Department of Energy's funding the LPO loan and, if the loan is obtained, our ability to comply with the restrictions and obligations under the loan documents, our ability to obtain patent rights effective to protect our technologies and processes and successfully defend any challenges to such rights and prevent others from commercializing such technologies and processes, and regulatory and economic developments in the United States, Australia and other jurisdictions. These and other factors that could affect our business and results are included in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), including the Company's most recent annual report on Form 20-F. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at or the SEC's website at Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes, and actual performance and outcomes may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement in this communication is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. 1 US Graphite Producers Win Preliminary ITC Trade Case Ruling - NOVONIX
Mail & Guardian
16-05-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Hypertension in Africa: An Escalating Public Health Crisis
As the world marks World Hypertension Day on 17 May and observes May Measurement Month, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is calling on healthcare providers to make blood pressure checks a routine part of every patient visit. The SAMRC is also urging the government to integrate regular screenings into school health programmes, laying the foundation for a healthy generation and reducing the growing burden of hypertension in communities across the country. Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, remains one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and global CVD-related deaths. It causes a series of cardiovascular disorders, including ischemic heart disease, heart failure and stroke with 50–60% of strokes being attributable to elevated blood pressure. Clinically defined as a systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg, hypertension affects an estimated 1.4 billion adults aged 30–79 worldwide, with more men likely to have hypertension than women before the age of 55. Over the past two decades, the burden of hypertension has shifted markedly from high-income countries (HIC) to low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) with nearly two-thirds of affected individuals residing in LMICs. Regions such as South Asia, parts of Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have seen particularly steep increases. In South Africa (SA), hypertension affects 48% of women and 34% of men, according to 2019 data. More worryingly, there is a rising prevalence of childhood hypertension, often linked to early life exposure as well as increased rates of overweight and obesity. This suggests a looming public health crisis, especially given the long-term cardiovascular risk associated with early-onset hypertension. Despite multiple calls to action strategic roadmaps from regional and international bodies, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension remains suboptimal, both globally and in SA . A recent study by Dr. Lebo Gafene-Matemane reports that fewer than 10% of hypertensive men and only 13% of women in SA are aware of their condition. Among those diagnosed and treated, just 14–21% achieve adequate blood pressure control. Regarding childhood hypertension, there is a lack of African-specific blood pressure nomograms for children, and no adequate data exists to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of pharmacological treatment for high BP in children and adolescents. This is particularly concerning given the evidence that individuals of African descent often experience more severe hypertension phenotypes, requiring more aggressive treatment regimens. Yet regional variability is high, and factors such as rapid urbanisation, lifestyle transitions in rural communities, limited access to health education, and the obesity epidemic continue to fuel the disease burden, especially in SA. South Africa, already grappling with the quadruple burden of disease, infectious illnesses, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), maternal and child health issues, and trauma, faces a growing hypertension epidemic that threatens to overwhelm an already stretched healthcare system. The socio-economic consequences are substantial, including lost productivity and escalating healthcare costs. In response to this global crisis, initiatives like May Measure Month, a public health campaign spearheaded by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), aim to raise awareness and increase screening. This effort underscores the importance of 'knowing your numbers,' as hypertension is often asymptomatic yet profoundly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death. Once identified, lifestyle modification remains a cornerstone of management. Some evidence-based recommendations include: Physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (e.g., 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week). Sleep: Prioritising 7–8 hours of quality sleep nightly. Stress reduction: Incorporating deep breathing, mindfulness, or social connection strategies. Dietary changes: Limiting salt and sugar intake, increasing hydration, replacing alcohol with herbal teas or sparkling water, and swapping sugary beverages for fruit-infused water. These accessible interventions can improve both blood pressure control and overall well-being. The 2024 European Society of Hypertension (ESH) guidelines present significant advancements in pharmacological management aimed at simplifying treatment regimens and adherence. In addition, according to the new guidelines, an aggressive blood pressure target of <130/80 mmHg is now advocated for most patients, to reduce CV events. Nevertheless, despite these interventions, a significant portion of hypertensive individuals struggle with uncontrolled blood pressure due to inadequate drug response, rendering them vulnerable to CVD events. As such, 'therapeutic trial and error' becomes a challenge as medications are based on a 'one drug fits all approach', but adjustments are needed as the individuals' comorbidities, diet, body mass index, and genetic makeup affect how one respond to antihypertensive medications. African populations, though genetically diverse, have historically been underrepresented in genetic studies, resulting in significant gaps in understanding the genetic basis of diseases within these communities. This lack of empirical data limits insights into how African individuals respond to various antihypertensive medications, leading to the widespread use of a 'one drug fits all approach'. Prof Rabia Johnson said that 'while standard hypertension therapies may be effective for the majority, a more personalised approach is critical for individuals with distinct hypertension subtypes that do not respond as expected. Addressing this gap through pharmacogenetic research can optimise treatment strategies, improve patient outcomes, and advance precision medicine for African populations. Although promising strides are being made, we remain a long way from achieving truly personalised medicine, making sustained research efforts in this area more important than ever.' We call on healthcare providers across South Africa to make blood pressure measurement a routine part of every patient visit. A simple check could save a life. Early detection and management are key to preventing long-term damage. We urge the South African government and Department of Health to integrate regular blood pressure screenings into school health programs. Early screening and education can build a generation of heart-healthy citizens and reduce the burden of hypertension in our communities. And to every South African, take charge of your health, get your blood pressure measured. Whether at a clinic, pharmacy, or community health event, knowing your numbers is the first step to controlling them. Together, we can beat hypertension, one blood pressure check at a time.
