BP-related illnesses kill one every three seconds
ALEXANDRA – BP highest killer of over 50 year olds.
South Africa will commemorate world Hypertension Day on 17 May with shocking news weighing down on it.
Hypertension is high blood pressure (BP) and is said to be hereditary or due to poor lifestyles. The event will include free BP testing at a time when the country has the unenviable record of the highest rate of citizens over 50 years of age with the ailment. In a report, organisation All4Women said one in two South Africans has high blood pressure. “Some of the highest BP levels have been recorded in Sub-Saharan Africa where 70 per cent of the affected adults don’t even know they have it,” said the report.
The report further revealed that someone died every three seconds from the consequences of the ailment among them strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and dementia. “Clearly, the country is facing a national emergency with the ailment causing too many preventable deaths.” Accordingly, citizens are advised to be tested regularly.
“Now more than ever we need media, government, pharmaceuticals, and the citizens to work together to beat this silent killer.”
Collaborative public health campaigns and free testing at clinics and other designated points will be conducted on the day and an appeal is for citizens to get the word out. This as they also take care of their health by reducing the intake of salt in food, eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing excessive alcohol intake and smoking, maintaining ideal body weight and managing stress.
Related article:
