Know your numbers: Hypertension poses a silent threat to millions

World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17, is a global reminder of the silent but deadly condition affecting millions.

Marking its 20th anniversary this year under the theme Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!, the day encourages awareness, prevention and the control of high blood pressure.

Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high.

“Unmanaged hypertension is very dangerous,” warns Dr Deepak Patel, a clinical specialist at Discovery Vitality, “because it leads to aneurysms, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and cognitive impairment.”

This is because, over time, the increased pressure damages blood vessels and forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, potentially resulting in life-threatening conditions like heart disease and heart attacks.

One serious concern with hypertension is that it often presents without noticeable symptoms. When they do occur, they might include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations and nose bleeds. These are warning signs that the heart and blood vessels are under severe strain.

Patel explains that hypertension contributes to atherosclerosis, a thickening and hardening of the arteries that narrows blood flow.

“Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of coronary artery disease (heart attack), strokes and kidney failure,” he says.

SA is in the danger zone

The World Health Organisation reports that 10 million people die prematurely annually due to hypertension.
This year, an estimated 1.56 billion adults globally will live with the condition.

In SA, the figures are staggering. A 2016 Demographic and Health Survey found that 46% of women and 44% of men aged 15 and over suffered from hypertension.

Even more concerning is that nearly half of South Africans with high blood pressure have never been tested and are unaware of their condition.

What causes hypertension?

There are two main types of hypertension.

• Primary hypertension develops gradually over time and has no identifiable cause but is influenced by genetics and lifestyle;

• Secondary hypertension stems from underlying conditions like kidney disease, vascular disease or tumours.

Risk factors you can control

Many risk factors linked to high blood pressure are lifestyle-related and preventable.

The Mayo Clinic identifies the following as major contributors:

• Age: Risk increases as you get older, particularly after age 64;

• Race: People of African heritage are more likely to develop hypertension earlier and suffer complications such as stroke and kidney failure;

• Obesity: More body weight means more blood is needed to supply tissues, raising blood pressure;

• Family history: Genetics play a significant role in risk;

• Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise leads to higher heart rates and increased arterial pressure;

• High stress levels: Chronic stress and unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, smoking, or drinking can raise blood pressure;

• Smoking: Tobacco damages the arteries and elevates blood pressure;

• Excessive alcohol: Drinking too much, especially regularly, strains the heart;

• Poor diet: A high sodium intake causes the body to retain fluid, increasing pressure;

• Chronic illnesses: Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnoea also elevate risk.

The bottom line

Hypertension might be silent, but it’s far from harmless.

Regular screening, healthy living and awareness are crucial to combat this condition.

As World Hypertension Day reminds us: Accurately measure your blood pressure, control it and live longer.
Knowing your numbers could save your life.