High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – The Silent KillerEstimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes

High Blood Pressure – The Silent Killer

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Most people with this chronic condition have no symptoms, even if the readings reach dangerously elevated levels. You can have hypertension for years without any symptoms.

As people get older, your blood vessels stiffen, and plaque (a fatty particle) can accumulate in them, raising the  blood flow pressure. If this becomes too high, you are more likely to get heart disease, stroke, and other complications.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.28 billion persons aged 30-79 years have hypertension globally. The majority (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income nations.

Silent South African Killer

In South Africa, more than one-third of adults have high blood pressure. Hypertension is responsible for one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks. This condition is often described as a ‘silent killer’ since more than half of South African people are unaware of their condition.
Spotlight – South Africa’s Silent Killer

Hypertension – Symptoms

Certain people with high blood pressure may have headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath. However, these symptoms are not specific. They usually do not occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

6 Hypertension Risk Factors

1. 1. Age: The risk of high blood pressure increases with age. Until about age 64, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop hypertension after age 65.
   2. Family history: You are more likely to develop blood pressure problems if you have a parent or sibling with the condition.Family
   3. Obesity: Excess weight causes changes in the blood vessels, the kidneys, and other parts of the body. These changes often increase blood pressure. Being obease also raises the risk of heart disease and its risk factors, such as high cholesterol.
   4. Lack of exercise: Not exercising can cause weight gain. Increased weight raises the risk. People who are inactive also tend to have higher heart rates.
   5. Tobacco or Vaping: Smoking, chewing tobacco or vaping immediately raises blood pressure for a short while. Tobacco smoking injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. If you smoke, ask your care provider for strategies to help you quit.
   6. Too much salt: Too much salt in the body can cause the body to retain fluid. This increases blood pressure.

7 Tips To Reduce Your Blood Pressure

• Reduce your weight.
• Increase exercise.
• Cut back on refined sugars, carbohydrates and salt.
• Don’t smoke.
• Cut back on alcohol and caffeine.
• Reduce excessive stress.
• Get a good night’s sleep.

6 Complications From High Blood Pressure

1. 1. Heart attack or stroke.
   2. Aneurysm.
   3. Heart failure.
   4. Kidney problems.
   5. Eye problems.
   6. Changes with memory and dementia.

World Hypertension Day, May 17th 2024

World Hypertension Day 2024 is initiated by The World Hypertension League, which represents 85 national hypertension societies and leagues. The 17th of May was established to raise awareness about hypertension. In conclusion, it is critical to raise public awareness of hypertension, as well as provide access to early detection and care.
SAHS – May Measurement Month (MMM)