HIGH blood pressure (hypertension) rates in Africa have climbed by more than 30% in the last decade with the continent now being the epicentre of the disease.
Hypertension affects an estimated 31% of men and 36% of women in South Africa and is the single biggest cause of premature death globally.
Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure shows no symptoms until it’s (often) too late.
Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, puts the rising prevalence down to urbanisation, an ageing population and an increase in behavioural risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
The latest South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Sanhanes) shows that among those with hypertension 48,7% go unscreened and undiagnosed; 23,1% are screened, but undiagnosed; 5,8% are diagnosed, but untreated; 13,5% are treated, but uncontrolled and 8,9% are controlled.
“That means nine in ten hypertensive adults in South Africa go unscreened, undiagnosed and untreated. Many are lost at the screening stage and even when screened, no diagnosis is made. Similarly where treatment is given, many don’t take their medication as they should even though it’s available for free at public clinics.”
Jennings adds that the study provides valuable insights. “Every day 215 people die from heart disease or stroke, which are primarily as a result of uncontrolled hypertension. Often high blood pressure is detected too late when significant damage has already been done to the heart and arteries.
“We are appealing to the public to have their blood pressure checked. Adults between the ages of 18 and 39 should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years, while those older than 40 should go for a screening annually. This can be done at most pharmacies, clinics or at your GP,” says Jennings.
Hypertension a silent killer
