NELSPRUIT – Too many people over the age of 50 have high blood pressure in South Africa. This is according to researchers and the government. –
The concern expressed extends to the fact that many sufferers are blissfully unaware of their condition, putting them at increased risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia.-
A study published on Tuesday in the International Journal of Epidemiology (IJE) found that 78% of South Africans over the age of 50 have high blood pressure. This is the highest rate reported for “any country in the world at any time in history”, according to the authors of the study.-
Less than one in 10 of these people were effectively controlling their hypertension with medication. The data was drawn from the 2003 Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health, conducted by the World Health Organisation.-
The study surveyed more than 35,000 people aged 50 and older in S A, China, Ghana, India, Mexico and Russia. The lowest rate of high blood pressure (32%) was recorded in India. Last year a South African National Health and Nutrition Examination survey revealed that the nation is not only physical unhealthy but is worsening the situation by eating the wrong foods.-
Local doctor, Dr Busi Sebola said that the reason a higher number of people suffering from high blood pressure was recorded in the country could be the fact that people are living in the age where affordability of fast foods is no longer an issue.-
“People think that it is fancy to eat out at restaurants but what they are not aware of is that the way fast foods are prepared have dire consequences on their health,” she said.-
Last year, a South African National Health and Nutrition Examination survey revealed that the health and nutrition status of South Africans has found the nation is not only physical unhealthy but is worsening the situation by eating the wrong foods.The survey, based on interviews with 25 532 people of which 12 025 were physically examined as well as 8 078 blood specimens, showed a disturbing trend of the number of people at risk of developing lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes in the next few years. Responding to the survey, Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said the government was trying to fight this scourge by introducing new regulations and legislation relating to control of unhealthy habits including reducing the amount of salt and fatty acids in food and banning alcohol advertising.-
Sebola urged people to cut out on salty and fatty foods and exercise on a regular basis.-
“It is a myth that eating healthy is expensive. Healthy food does not have to be fancy,it can be vegetables you grow in your own backyard. Exercising as well does not have to be costly, a 30 minutes brisk walk everyday can make a huge difference,” she advised.
