17 May is World Hypertension Day and all South Africans are encouraged to measure their blood pressure and know the risk of heart disease and stroke – because it can happen to you!
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common risk factors for strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease within the South African population. About 25 per cent of adults are hypertensive, which increases their chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Doctor Krisela Steyn, board member of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa said, “The unfortunate consequence of this statistic is that many strokes and heart attacks could be prevented if the undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertensive patients were identified and provided with the necessary blood pressure lowering medication. Such life-long medication, if taken by sufficient numbers of people with hypertension, will reduce the number of us suffering a stroke or a heart attack.”
A staggering one in every three people aged 15 years and older, have hypertension, with the highest rate reported among people aged 50 and over. Almost eight out of 10 people in this age group are being diagnosed with high blood pressure and a shocking one out of 10 children is already suffering from hypertension. Sadly, a large portion of the population is not even aware that they have high blood pressure, because no obvious symptoms are displayed. This is why it is known as ‘the silent killer’.
A simple blood pressure test, taken annually, can confirm whether your blood pressure is normal. This will also ensure you are well-informed about your own health. Blood pressure should be checked every year from the age of 18 years, and more often if it is already high. If you are found to be hypertensive at the time of being tested, you will need to see a medical specialist who will decide whether you will need to be treated.
This condition is not diagnosed by a single measurement, it only points out whether you should seek further medical assessment. If your blood pressure falls in the pre-hypertensive category, it provides an opportunity to improve your condition by making certain lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, losing weight and quitting smoking.
During this May Measurement Month, everyone is urged to know what their blood pressure is by having it measured. Knowing your blood pressure reading and what lifestyle changes you can make to keep it down will give you the upper hand in preventing the development of heart disease and reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Accept the challenge and encourage as many people around you as possible to have their blood pressure checked – it only takes a few minutes. Your blood pressure can be measured at your local clinic, doctor or pharmacy.
#MeasureYourPressure and stay healthy today.
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