THE South African Medical Association (SAMA) has encouraged residents to get their blood pressure checked this World Hypertension Day, 17 May.
This should be done regularly according to SAMA.
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects about 40 per cent of adults over the age of 25 worldwide.
“Two-thirds of those with hypertension live in developing countries and only half are aware they have it. If untreated, hypertension can lead to severe health consequences such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure, to name a few.
“As we prepare to commemorate World Hypertension Day today, we urge all South Africans to have their blood pressure checked regularly,” said SAMA chairman, Dr Mzukisi Grootboom.
“The World Health Organisation recommends adults should reduce their dietary salt intake as a measure to combat high blood pressure. Not smoking, exercising regularly and keeping your weight down are important complementary health measures as well.”
Reduce your risk of hypertension by checking your blood pressure regularly; reducing salt consumption, eating more fruit and vegetables; limiting alcohol intake; not smoking; being physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight.
“SAMA stresses the importance of ‘knowing your number’ in the prevention and combating of hypertension and related heart diseases. We urge every South African to have their BPs checked in order to save their lives and prevent potentially devastating complications of untreated hypertension. Prevention is key.”
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