This World Hypertension Day, on Tuesday, 17 May 2022, the City of Cape Town’s Health Department is encouraging residents to embrace this year’s theme, Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer. Figures from City facilities show a 70% increase in new hypertension cases in the 18-44 age group and a 35% increase for those older than 45.

In the last 12 months, City facilities have reported 2 241 new cases of hypertension in the 18-44 age group compared to 1 320 in the preceding year. In the 45 plus age group, there are 1 875 new cases compared to 1 385 the previous year.

‘Hypertension is often referred to as a silent killer and global statistics show that worldwide, less than 50% of adults with hypertension are on treatment with antihypertensive medication, or were aware that they had high blood pressure. By highlighting this treatable disease, we want to provide information on prevention, detection and treatment,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

This year’s theme is Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer, focusing on combatting low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle income areas, and accurate blood pressure measurement methods.

Hypertension is defined as a reading of 140/90 or higher.

It generally has no symptoms, but can strike quite unexpectedly.

Apart from the risks of heart attack and stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure can also lead to heart failure, kidney failure, visual impairment and blindness and peripheral vascular disease, which can cause gangrene and lead to amputation of limbs.

‘While it is incredibly frightening, there are ways to reduce your risk of hypertension, and ways to manage the condition if you do have it. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle by being physically active on a regular basis, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing your salt intake (to less than 5g daily), avoiding tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, eating more vegetables and fruit, limiting the intake of foods high in saturated fats and eliminating or reducing trans fats in your diet. In addition to lifestyle modification, you should also have regular blood pressure screening, manage your other medical conditions and most importantly, take your medication as prescribed to prevent complications,’ said Councillor van der Ross.

All City clinics offer routine blood pressure screening at every visit. Over a three month period between October 2021 and January 2022, City Health screened 48 287 clients.

Please ensure that your blood pressure is checked at every consultation by a health care provider, or during a visit to your local GP or hospital.

The City also runs a Live Well Challenge programme across all areas in the metropole, which teaches communities about healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise. Residents are encouraged to join the programmes at their nearest facility.

Check your blood pressure today and start the journey towards a longer, healthier life.

Source: City Of Cape Town