Raising awareness around hypertension
MORE than a billion people around the world live with hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide.
In South Africa, high blood pressure is responsible for 50% of all strokes, and two in five heart attacks.
In raising awareness around World Hypertension Day on May 17, the City said its health department had screened more than 400 000 clients for hypertension over a 12-month period until the end of March.
The World Health Organization notes that the burden of hypertension is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, where two thirds of cases are found, largely due to increased risk factors in those populations in recent decades.
They added that around half of people living with hypertension are unaware of their condition, putting them at risk of avoidable medical complications and death.
Health Mayco member Zahid Badroodien said apart from the risks of heart attacks and strokes, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, visual impairment and blindness, and peripheral vascular disease, which can cause gangrene and amputation of limbs.
“It’s a scary scenario, but one that can be managed, even if there is a diagnosis.
“We ask that the public ascertain their status, know the risk factors and implement lifestyle changes to mitigate those factors, and take their medication regularly.
“Like many health concerns, self-management is critical and can be the difference between life and death,” Badroodien said.
Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher.
“All City clinics offer routine blood pressure screening at every visit. Please ensure that your blood pressure is checked at every consultation by one of our health care providers, or during a visit to your local GP or hospital.
“The City also runs a Live Well Challenge programme across all areas in the metropole, which teaches communities about healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise as well as how to take care of mental health.
“Residents are encouraged to join the programmes at their nearest facility,” he said.
Heart and Stroke Foundation SA chief executive Professor Pamela Naidoo said people over the age of 45 should measure their blood pressure at least once every year.
“As one gets older there is a higher risk of raised blood pressure, which may lead to cardiovascular disease.
“The negative health impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is very clear, and in particular individuals with hypertension and Covid-19 are at severe risk for hospitalisation,” she said.
According to the foundation, around four in 10 adults older than 25 have hypertension, meaning 75% of the world’s hypertension population are at risk.
“In South Africa, the heightened rate of high blood pressure or hypertension is a great concern as less than 50% of South African adults living with hypertension are aware of their condition.
“Of those who are aware of their blood pressure status, half do not take any action to control their blood pressure, either through lifestyle modification or medication. Hypertension is responsible for 13% of all deaths, globally.
“In South Africa, more than one in three adults live with high blood pressure, and it is responsible for one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks,” the foundation noted.