Silent killer of hypertension can be tamed

ONE in three South Africans suffers from hypertension, something that medical practitioners call the silent killer.

Hypertension is known as the ‘silent killer’ because, despite there being no signs or symptoms, it can lead to serious cardiovascular disease.

East London medical practitioner Dr Mzu Nodikida said as serious as hypertension in the general population is, it is worse in pregnant women.

“It is a non-communicable disease but chances of hypertension can be reduced by being active. It is considered to be idiopathic because it arises spontaneously and the cause is unknown,” Nodikida said.

A blood pressure test is the only way to find out if your blood pressure is too high.

Professor Bryan Rayner, nephrologist and director of the Hypertension Institute at the University of Cape Town, said South Africa has seen an exponential growth in hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) over the last 20 years.

“In a sense we are facing a national health emergency, but because the links between high BP and death, heart disease and stroke are indirect, public awareness is poor.

“Risk factors for hypertension are a family history of hypertension, diabetes or stroke; obesity; African ethnicity; a sedentary lifestyle; a history of high BP in pregnancy; and a poor diet with excess alcohol, sugar and salt,” said Rayner.

“If your BP is greater than 140/90, further evaluation is required by a health professional. If your BP is between 130-140/80-90, implement lifestyle changes as you are at risk for hypertension.”

May Measurement Month (MMM) and the Southern African Hypertension Society (SAHS) is promoting awareness and blood pressure screenings in several parts of the province. In the Eastern Cape they will be at B T Ngebs Shopping Centre in Mthatha between May 19 and 31. —