The Gauteng Department of Health has raised concerns about the increasing number of adults under the age of 45 diagnosed with hypertension across the province.

Hypertension, commonly known as the “silent killer”, often develops without noticeable symptoms and remains one of the leading contributors to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and premature death.

According to the department, during the 2025/26 financial year, from April 2025 to March 2026, Gauteng recorded 69 125 new hypertension cases. Of these, 26 088 cases were recorded among adults aged between 18 and 44.

The department stated that the contributing factors include unhealthy eating habits, obesity, lack of physical exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

The department joined the international community in commemorating World Hypertension Day, which is observed annually on May 17. The 2026 theme, ‘Controlling Hypertension Together!’ highlights the importance of collective action in improving awareness, prevention, early detection and effective management of hypertension.

While World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17, the department said that its hypertension awareness, screening and prevention activities will continue beyond this commemoration as part of year-round public health and health promotion programmes across the province.

“As hypertension frequently presents without symptoms, routine screening remains essential. In a bid to strengthen early detection and prevention efforts, the Department screened approximately 8.7 million adults for hypertension across Gauteng during the 2025/26 financial year.

“In addition, public healthcare facilities provide free blood pressure screening and integrated chronic disease management services for individuals diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and related conditions,” explained the department.

The department shared that it remains concerned that many residents are still unaware of their blood pressure status, often resulting in delayed diagnosis and severe complications such as strokes and heart attacks.

“As part of ongoing health promotion and public health outreach activities conducted throughout the year, ward-based outreach teams and community health workers continue to provide health education, promote healthy lifestyles and encourage residents to undergo free blood pressure screening at public healthcare facilities and during community outreach activities across Gauteng,” indicated the department.

To reduce the risk of hypertension, the department encouraged residents to exercise regularly, reduce salt intake, stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

The department also advised individuals diagnosed with hypertension to take their medication as prescribed by healthcare professionals and adhere to treatment plans to effectively manage the condition.

The department said residents can also use the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Programme to collect chronic medication closer to their homes, reducing waiting times at healthcare facilities. Visit your nearest clinic to register on the CCMDD system.