Check your blood pressure to dodge a silent killer
From left, are the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa’s mascot, carer Cecilia Forchee, Belthorn Estate resident Abraham Paaltjies and nurse Shirley Grootboom.
Hypertension is a silent killer and one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but it’s also easily treatable. Knowing you have it is the first step in doing something about it, and that’s why people had their blood pressure checked at a Hazendal church last week.
The health checks at Bethel Memorial AME Church, on Tuesday March 17, World Hypertension Day, took place in a mobile clinic and included blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA), hypertension is the high persistent force of the blood flowing through the blood vessels. Fluctuations in blood pressure are normal, which is why it is only diagnosed when it remains high on several occasions or when it is dangerously high on one occasion.
HSFSA nurse Shirley Grootboom said people should get their blood pressure checked regularly, especially if they had a history of heart disease in their family.
“We are also sharing information about healthy eating, being active, the dangers of being overweight and excessive drinking, as well as the symptoms that they should be aware of when their blood pressure is high. Taking medication as prescribed is just as important. Do not stop it without consent from your doctor,” she said.
Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in Africa, and it’s responsible for 13% of all deaths globally, according to HSFSA spokesman Themba Mzondi.
More than 1 in 3 adults in South Africa live with high blood pressure, and it is responsible for one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks.
High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer“ because there are rarely any symptoms or visible signs, so half of those with the condition don’t know they have it, Mr Mzondi said.
Your chances of having high blood pressure increase with age and nearly 8 out of 10 South Africans over 55 have it.
“The HSFSA therefore urges the public and especially those over the age of 45 years to get screened and know their numbers,” he said.
