Speakers raise awareness about hypertension
PARKTOWN – Between 44 and 46 per cent of people over the age of 15 in South Africa have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is the world’s greatest risk factor for death and disability according to the World Health Organisation.
With 10 million people dying each year from the consequences of hypertension (high blood pressure), it is essential for all community members to get their blood pressure checked.
Representatives from the South African Hypertension Society (SAHS), Department of Health and International Society of Hypertension (ISH) gathered in Parktown on 14 May to launch May Measurement Month – a global campaign to see an increase in blood pressure screening worldwide.
President of SAHS Martin Mpe explained that blood pressure screening is the only way to check for hypertension. “It is known as the silent killer because there is nothing that you can feel in order to diagnose yourself with high blood pressure,” he said.
According to the South African Demographic and Health Survey, between 44 and 46 per cent of South Africans over the age of 15 have high blood pressure.
President of ISH Alta Schutte said, “In South Africa almost one in every two adults has hypertension. What’s more alarming is that about 70 per cent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa with hypertension are not aware of it.”
Hypertension is most commonly caused by a combination of hereditary factors and poor lifestyle choices. While no one can control their genes, reduced salt intake, regular exercise, not smoking, following a good diet high in fruit and vegetables can reduce the likelihood of hypertension.
Deputy director of non-communicable diseases at the Department of Health Itumeleng Setlhare said that the most important things that people can do to minimise risk are modified behaviour and know their blood pressure. “We, as South Africans, need to graduate from campaigns and get into a culture of screening ourselves frequently. It is the responsibility of all of us to monitor our health,” said Setlhare.
A number of sites across South Africa are offering free blood pressure checks for the month of May.
Visit www.hypertension.org.za to find the location and time most convenient for you.
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