Awareness of hypertension this May
Locals are encouraged to go and get tested for blood pressure twice a year.
World Hypertension Day is globally celebrated every year on May 17, and this year is under the theme, ‘Measure your blood pressure accurately and control it for a longer life.’
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure and a major cause of concern for many South Africans.
To raise awareness of the day and the importance of measuring periodic blood pressure and knowing its normal levels, the Chronicle spoke with Sr Hannelie Lutzkè, an occupational health practitioner for Incon Health Solutions.
Having to deal with many patients with high blood pressure daily led Lutzkè to share more insight about hypertension.
“Blood pressure is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, and it usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Health conditions such as diabetes and obesity can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.”
According to Lutzkè, the normal pressure levels are systolic (upper reading) 120 or less and diastolic (lower reading) 80 or less in mmHg.
“Our blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg or less. The well-publicised Framingham Heart Study showed that a systolic blood pressure of between 130 and 139 or a diastolic of between 85 and 89 mmHg more than doubles the risk for heart disease. Previously, this slightly elevated measurement was considered normal.”
She points out that Ideal blood pressure categories are:
- Systolic (upper reading) 120 or less and Diastolic (lower reading) 80 or less in mmHg.
- Pre-hypertensive is when blood pressure is measured at a Systolic of 120-139 mmHg OR diastolic of 80-89mmHg.
- Stage 1 hypertension is when blood pressure is measured at a Systolic of 140-159 mmHg OR diastolic of 90-99 mmHg.
- Stage 2 hypertension is when blood pressure is measured at a Systolic of 160 or higher OR diastolic of more than 100mmHg.
She added that people in the pre-hypertensive range should normalise their blood pressure through lifestyle techniques, and people in Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension will generally need medication; however, they should also follow a healthy lifestyle as blood pressure is very often difficult to control with medication alone.
“Factors like diabetes, a family history of high blood pressure, being overweight, stress, smoking, as well as age due to the arteries becoming more rigid and thicker with age put individuals at risk of developing raised blood pressure.”
Lutzkè emphasises that untreated high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems.
“It is important to have your blood pressure checked at least every two years. Some people need more frequent checks, and having healthy lifestyle habits helps,” she concluded.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/327385/10-healthy-foods-to-help-children-gain-weight/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/328692/age-by-age-guide-to-healthy-sleep-habits-in-babies/
