The Silent Killer: Hypertension Taking Over the City

1 min read
hypertension city

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a dangerous condition that has been labeled as the “silent killer” due to its absence of visible symptoms. It is becoming an alarming trend in the City, with nearly half of the diagnosed patients being under the age of 45. This emerging pattern challenges the conventional belief that hypertension mostly affects older individuals. However, with appropriate measures, this condition is entirely manageable.

The Prevalence of Hypertension in the City

Between April 2022 to March 2023, 190,295 clients were screened for hypertension in City clinics, with 3,942 new cases detected. Surprisingly, 49% (1,932) of these cases were people aged between 18 to 44 years. The occurrence of risk factors such as smoking and obesity has contributed to the consistent high number of young adults diagnosed with hypertension. These statistics underscore the importance of health ownership and awareness for all age groups.

City Health Prioritizes the Younger Population

City Health has recognized the growing issue of hypertension and prioritized individuals under the age of 40 who are at risk. Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, emphasized the importance of regular blood pressure checks, stating, “It takes two minutes to check someone’s blood pressure – two minutes that could mean the difference between life and death.”

The Consequences of Hypertension

Hypertension is characterized by a consistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher. If untreated for extended periods, it can cause significant harm to blood vessels, the heart, brain, and kidneys. It is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 28,000 fatalities daily. The potential consequences of hypertension could lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It could also negatively impact a person’s quality of life by increasing the need for regular medical care and medication, while also putting additional strain on healthcare systems.

Taking Control of Hypertension

Chairperson of the City’s Portfolio Committee on Community Services and Health, Councillor Ronel Viljoen, urged individuals at risk to undergo screening and adopt a healthier lifestyle. “A healthy lifestyle, together with appropriate medication, can prevent complications and put you in control,” she said.

To reduce the risk of hypertension or manage the condition effectively, individuals should:

  • Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Limit salt intake to less than 5g daily
  • Abstain from smoking or using tobacco
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • Consume a balanced diet low in unhealthy fats

Community-Wide Efforts in Raising Awareness

Apart from personal lifestyle changes, community-wide efforts are required to raise awareness about hypertension and its possible complications. Public health campaigns, screenings, and educational programs can be effective means to increase awareness of the condition and encourage individuals to take appropriate actions to protect their health.

The rising prevalence of hypertension among the City’s younger population demands attention, proactive measures, and a call for action. By increasing awareness, emphasizing the importance of regular screening, and promoting healthier lifestyles, we can work together to reduce the impact of this silent killer and improve overall public health.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Progress and Opportunity for Cape Town with the River Club Development

Next Story

Critical Maintenance Work on Cape Town’s Water Supply

Latest from Blog

Empowering Migrant Children in South Africa through the ChommY Initiative

South Africa is home to the largest population of child migrants on the continent, with an estimated 642,000 migrant children residing within its borders. The Department of Social Development, in partnership with USAID, seeks to address the challenges faced by this vulnerable population through the ChommY program.

Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Budget: Promoting Growth and Progress

Cape Town is currently undergoing an exciting transformation in its urban mobility landscape, with the Urban Mobility Budget serving as a driving force for a more connected and thriving metropolis. Spearheaded by the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Budget has been tabled for 2023/2024 to 2025/2026. This budget aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure by focusing on essential elements such as maintenance, congestion relief, public transport, and smart mobility.

Accelerating Sanitation Delivery in the Western Cape: The Role of the Provincial Sanitation Task Team

The Western Cape Provincial Sanitation Task Team (PSTT) is a Department of Water and Sanitationled initiative that aims to provide adequate and equitable sanitation to the citizens of the Western Cape. In this article, we will take a closer look at the PSTT’s role in accelerating sanitation delivery in the region, including its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 target and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 vision.