LIFESTYLE NEWS - Every year during May, a screening campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) is run globally.
Called May Measure Month (MMM), it encourages people to prioritise regular blood pressure checks, an essential step towards a healthier future.
Discovery Health Medical Scheme's data highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive management of hypertension, especially among younger populations.
May Measure Month is endorsed by the World Hypertension League (WHL). It grew out of World Hypertension Day (17 May), which was launched by the WHL in 2005 to raise awareness of the issues surrounding raised blood pressure with the theme, "Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer."
In a recent revelation by Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS), a significant increase in the number of young people diagnosed with chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) has been noted.
Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, chief clinical officer at Discovery Health, emphasises the importance of regular blood pressure checks. "Blood pressure checks are a very quick and easy way to know one's risk of chronic high blood pressure - also called hypertension," says Nematswerani.
Alarming statistics and trends
According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 1,28bn adults between the ages of 30 and 79 suffer from hypertension, with nearly half unaware of their condition. DHMS data mirrors this global trend, showing a 22% increase in hypertension prevalence among its members over the past five years (2019-2023).
Equally alarming is the 23% rise in new diagnoses among members aged 25 to 39 during the same period.
"More than one third of DHMS members over the age of 60 have hypertension. But what's very concerning is the increase in incidence among younger members," says Nematswerani. In 2023 alone, over 800 members aged 25 to 29 were newly diagnosed with hypertension.
Financial and health impacts
The financial implications of hypertension are significant, as highlighted by Discovery Life's 2023 claims data.
Dr Maritha van der Walt, chief medical officer at Discovery Life, notes, "Heart and artery-related illnesses are the leading causes of death among males and the second highest among females. This underscores the importance of regular blood pressure checks to mitigate the risks of heart and artery diseases."
The silent threat
Hypertension is often referred to as a 'silent' condition because many people do not exhibit symptoms. Those who do, may experience headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations and nosebleeds - symptoms that are not always linked to high blood pressure. This makes regular monitoring crucial.
A simple squeeze of the upper arm can give you life-saving information," says Nematswerani. Blood pressure is measured using a gauge that records two numbers: systolic pressure (when the heart pumps blood) and diastolic pressure (when the heart rests between beats). A normal reading is below 120/80 mm Hg, while hypertension is diagnosed at readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
Complications of uncontrolled hypertension
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to severe health complications, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, sexual dysfunction, heart disease, atherosclerosis, pregnancy-related complications, peripheral artery disease and cognitive decline.
Risk factors and prevention
Major risk factors for hypertension include obesity, family history, physical inactivity, age, sex, race, high stress levels, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, unhealthy diet and certain chronic conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea.
"If hypertension is picked up early enough, it is relatively easy to manage," says Nematswerani. Routine health screenings, including annual blood pressure measurements, are crucial for early detection and prevention of serious complications.
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