The rate of hypertension screenings in Cape Town increased three-fold between April 2023 and March 2024 and City Health notes a concerning trend in the uptick in diagnoses.
Also read: HSFSA’s call to action: Reduce salt intake to combat hypertension
Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 600 000 people were screened for hypertension, compared to the previous total of 190 295.
Over the past few years, City Health has noted that more people in the 18 to 44 age group are being diagnosed with hypertension.
As per the latest statistics, the 3 294 new diagnoses were a ‘near perfect 50/50 split’ between this age group. Persons younger than 44 account for 1 607 new cases, while those aged 45 and over account for 1 687 of diagnoses.
Of these, nearly 80% are women.
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‘While one expects screening numbers to favour women, given the greater willingness to confront their health, I am still very concerned that so few men are taking up the challenge,’ says Mayco member for community services and health, Patricia van der Ross.
‘Hypertension, like many other lifestyle diseases, can be fatal if not managed properly. What’s worse is the lack of obvious symptoms, which is why it is called the silent killer.’
‘I do want to applaud everyone who is taking responsibility for their health by screening, and starting treatment where need be.’
‘My message to everyone else on this World Hypertension Day is to do the right thing, and get screened, for your own health, but also for your peace of mind. And even if you are diagnosed, treatment is available, so it really isn’t the end of the world.’
This year, the theme for World Hypertension Day is ‘Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer’.
These are the possible triggers and causes of high blood pressure:
- Family history of hypertension
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Poor diet, especially high in salt, sugar, and alcohol
- Smoking and tobacco use
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Associated illnesses if untreated
If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease, visual impairment and blindness.
This is how you can manage or prevent it:
- If diagnosed, take your anti-hypertensive treatment as prescribed and return for follow-up consultations
- Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce salt intake to less than 5g per day
- Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption
- Eat more vegetables and fruit
- Limit the intake of foods high in saturated fats and eliminate trans fat
All City clinics offer routine blood pressure screenings at every visit, and the public can have their screenings done at any of the 77 health facilities closest to where they live.
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Also read:
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa to commemorate World Health Day 2024
Picture: City of Cape Town