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Blood pressure is a major cause for concern for many South Africans. Wednesday, May 17, is World Hypertension Day and the aim is to create awareness regarding the dangers of leaving one’s blood pressure untested.

Also read: Why you need to have your blood pressure checked

Melanie Stevens from Simonsays communications added the facts about blood pressure and why it is important to have one’s blood pressure tested:

• Worldwide, more than 11 million people die from high blood pressure every year.
• Worldwide 28 000 people die every day from the consequences of hypertension – that’s the equivalent of 70 jumbo jets crashing and killing everyone on board.
• In South Africa the picture is equally concerning: an estimated 53 men and 78 women over 30 die from the impact of hypertension every day.
• Hypertension is known as a ‘silent killer’ because it’s just that. There are no symptoms and you don’t feel ill until you have a cardiac event like a heart attack.
• Hypertension is affecting more and more young adults. In SA, nearly 50% of people over age 15 have high BP.
• Even more alarming is only 50% know they have it.
• A blood pressure test is the fastest way to detect and help diagnose the illness and in so doing, prevent avoidable death.

Due to this, blood pressure testing and creating awareness regarding the dangers surrounding blood pressure is crucial. Any person can get their blood pressure checked at any of the participating pharmacies. Follow the link to find out where you can get your blood pressure checked for free: https://bit.ly/FreeBPCheck

“The May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative was initiated by the International Society of Hypertension in 2017, with the aim of increasing awareness of the issues surrounding raised blood pressure and the importance of having it checked. In 2019, over 1.5 million adults worldwide had their blood pressure measured. Servier is again partnering with the MMM initiative to help raise awareness and motivate those at risk to have their blood pressure checked,” Stevens concluded.

Also read: Check in on your blood pressure