THANDI XABA
Hypertension, or high blood pressure is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes in the country yet 3 out of 4 people do not know they have it.
This is according to ER24, further highlighting that at least one in 10 children are already diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Spokesperson Chitra Bodasing says parents need to ensure their children eat healthy and by following these three steps to beating hypertension could ensure better health for the patient.
Bodasing says with it being World Hypertension Day (WHD) this month, ER24 is urging people to have their blood pressure measured. It’s an easy and pain-free test, but could potentially save thousands of lives.
A recent international survey found 8 in 10 adults over the age of 50 in the country have high blood pressure, making it the highest of the six countries measured and the highest prevalence ever measured worldwide.
ER24 is also urging people who know they have hypertension to also measure their blood pressure to ensure it is adequately lowered. Many people using blood pressure medication still have very high blood pressures and assume it is controlled.
The World Hypertension League (WHL), in partnership with the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), and other organisations, annually promote WHD.
The theme of WHD for 2013-2018 is “Know Your Numbers” with the goal of increasing high blood pressure awareness in all populations around the world.
According to Professor Alta Schutte, President of the Southern African Hypertension Society and Executive Council Member of ISH, one of the most important aspects of high blood pressure is that in most individuals there are no clear symptoms.
Individuals may feel normal and healthy and as a result, are not aware they are at a very high risk for stroke or heart attack – which is why hypertension is called the silent killer.
“This is why all individuals are strongly encouraged to get their blood pressure tested and know their numbers,” said Prof Schutte.
