May Measurement Month: Get your blood pressure checked

HEALTH experts are raising concerns about hypertension - a condition that affects billions globally and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. A recent study found that 74% of patients are unaware of their hypertension status or risk. In South Africa, hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is among the top 10 causes of death globally.

Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and heart failure. It's also linked to a higher risk of developing dementia and can significantly reduce quality of life.

To address this health crisis, the International Society of Hypertension, in collaboration with the Southern African Hypertension Society and Servier, has launched a global blood pressure screening initiative, May Measurement Month. The campaign encourages everyone to get their blood pressure checked during May.

The statistics are alarming: 4.06 billion adults worldwide have high systolic blood pressure, and 110.8 million deaths are associated with raised blood pressure. In South Africa, the prevalence of hypertension is exceptionally high, with 46.0% of females and 44.0% of males above 18 years affected.

Experts emphasise the need for a multi-faceted approach to prevent and detect hypertension, including robust screening policies, lifestyle interventions, and population-wide initiatives. However, many barriers stand in the way of success, including limited resources, equipment shortages, and patient adherence.

South Africans are urged to take advantage of free blood pressure checks at participating pharmacies, clinics, or doctors during May Measurement Month. Find a participating pharmacy near you and get tested today: https://bit.ly/FreeBPCheck