World Hypertension Day is dedicated to raising awareness about high blood pressure, medically known as hypertension.
This day, held on 17 May each year, aims to increase people’s knowledge of high blood pressure, a condition that is said to kill approximately 7.5 million people around the world, annually.
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In a statement made by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, it is estimated that more than one in every three adult citizens suffer from high blood pressure. The statement also said that this condition is responsible for up to 50 per cent of reported strokes and 40 per cent of heart attacks.
“The biggest challenge in overcoming the ailment is the lack of awareness of it, as it rarely presents any symptoms in its early stages until a severe medical crisis takes place, like a heart attack, stroke or chronic kidney disease,” the statement reads. The foundation encourages individuals to be tested regularly for high blood pressure by a doctor or at a pharmacy.
In addition, Douglas Craythorne of Cipla Medpro urges those with cardiovascular ailments to be aware that they are also at risk of high blood pressure.
Some of the common signs of high blood pressure are:
- Blood pressure that exceeds 140 over 90
- Regular headaches, light-headedness or dizziness
- Blurred or altered vision or fainting episodes
- Fatigue or confusion
- Chest pain or an irregular heart-beat
- Pounding in chest, ears and neck
- Blood in urine.
The foundation advises those diagnosed with high blood pressure to track their blood pressure levels regularly, go for annual tests, adhere to their prescribed medication and make the recommended lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet.
