KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE FOR YOUR HEART'S SAKE Published on 16th May, 2011

KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE FOR YOUR HEART'S SAKE

Tuesday, 17 May, is World Hypertension Day.

Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, is a silent killer. It affects 1 in every 5 adults, and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and death in adults over the age of 50/55. *

Globally, 7 million people die every year and there are 1.5 billion sufferers because of hypertension.* Shocking statistics presented in a recent South Africa Demographic and Health Survey, indicate that a staggering 6.1 million South Africans have a blood pressure (BP) of greater than 140/90mmHg or are taking medication for hypertension.*
 
The Southern African Hypertension Society, a professional body committed to alleviating the burden of hypertension in South Africa, has embarked on the Know your Blood Pressure For Your Heart's Sake campaign. Through awareness of the dangers of this condition, this campaign will place the spotlight on the importance of having regular BP checks and taking the necessary action to combat hypertension.

High risk individuals - especially those with uncontrolled or undiagnosed hypertension – need to know their blood pressure and take appropriate action if diagnosed with the condition. Few people realise that high blood pressure increases your chances of having a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death.

Findings reported by the Medicines Control Council,* stress the dilemma of young people with hypertension who have poor hypertension control. This is particularly concerning as they could be exposed to high BP for many years, resulting in serious end-organ damage.

Professor Gavin Norton, President of the Hypertension Society of Southern Africa, provides a blueprint for reducing the alarming numbers of hypertension sufferers we have in South Africa.

“It is critical that we strive to reduce the risk factors for hypertension in our society. In order to do this, we need to reduce our high rates of obesity, reduce salt intake, increase the intake of potassium by means of higher vegetable, fruit and lean meat intake as well as reduce high alcohol consumption.”

“In addition, we need to motivate people, particularly those at high risk, to have their BP checked regularly,” Norton says. “The need for screening and early diagnosis must be stressed, and persons on medication must be supported and encouraged to achieve maximum compliance levels. We need to create an environment that supports healthy eating and active living.”

Every adult over 18 years of age should have routine BP check-ups. In addition, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle could reduce high blood pressure. Medications may be prescribed by a health care provider in order to control blood pressure.

Healthy eating and active living habits can assist in controlling your blood pressure:

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet, including potassium and fiber, and drink plenty of water.
  • Exercise regularly -- at least 30 minutes a day.
  • If you smoke, quit -- find a program that will help you stop.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink -- 1 drink a day for women, 2 a day for men.
  • Limit the amount of sodium (salt) you eat -- aim for less than 2400 mg per day.
  • Reduce stress -- try to avoid things that cause stress for you. You can also try meditation or yoga.
  • Stay at a healthy body weight -- find a weight-loss program to help you, if you need it.*
  • Hypertension is relatively easy to prevent, diagnose and treat.*  So act now and get your BP tested.


Know Your Blood Pressure For your Heart's Sake. It could save your life.

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