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Southern Cross Health Research Institute, 15 Rivonia Road, Sandton (2026)

25/10/2024

13 risk factors of high blood pressure
One in three South Africans suffer from condition.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition that can lead to cardiac arrest or heart attack, stroke, heart, kidney failure, blindness and more.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of hypertension worldwide, with an estimated 6.3 million people diagnosed as currently living with the condition – that’s one in three South African adults suffering from high blood pressure right now.

Increasing the severity of the situation is the fact that many more people remain undiagnosed, hence it can be assumed that the true number may be significantly higher. It is important that one checks their blood pressure regularly, especially if there is a positive family history.

Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms.

Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues and can be detected. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Although high blood pressure is most common in adults, children may be at risk, too.

For some children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. But for a grow- ing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of exercise contribute to high blood pressure. Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels.

A few people with high blood pressure may have headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms aren’t specific and usually don’t occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

If you have persistent unexplained headaches it might be worth it to get your blood pressure checked, since none of the symptoms are specific to the condition.

Risk factors
The following factors increase the risk of one developing hypertension:

Age. The risk increases with age. At around age 45, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.
Race. High blood pressure is particularly common among blacks, often developing at an earlier age than it does in whites. Serious complications, such as stroke, heart attack and kidney failure, also are more common in blacks.
Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in families. Therefore it is important that if a family member has it, you check it regularly with your local clinic.
Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs
Illegal drugs, such as co***ne and amphetamines.
Being overweight or obese. The more you weigh, the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. As the volume of blood circulated through your blood vessels increases, so does the pressure on your artery walls.
Not being physically active. People who are inactive tend to have higher heart rates. The higher your heart rate, the harder your heart must work with each contraction and the stronger the force on your arteries. Lack of physical activity also increases the risk of being overweight.
Using to***co. To***co can damage the lining of your artery walls. This can cause your arteries to narrow, increasing your blood pressure. Even second-hand smoke can increase your blood pressure.
Too much salt (sodium) in your diet. Too much sodium in your diet can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.
Too little potassium in your diet. Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in your cells. If you don’t get enough potassium in your diet or retain enough potassium, you may accumulate too much sodium in your blood.
Drinking too much alcohol. Over time, heavy drinking can damage your heart. Having more than two drinks a day for men and more than one drink a day for women may affect your blood pressure.
Stress. High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. If you try to relax by eating more, using to***co or drinking alcohol, you may only increase problems with high blood pressure.
Certain chronic conditions also may increase your risk of high blood pressure, such as kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnoea.
Pregnancy can contribute to high blood pressure, as well. Some women will develop what is called gestational hypertension during pregnancy, which will go away once the baby is born. In some women, hypertension can first be detected in pregnancy and stay on as a chronic condition.
Lifestyle and hypertension
As much as hypertension is hereditary but it is largely a disease of poor lifestyle choices and one that can be better managed using simple diet and behaviour changes.

A normal blood pressure number is below 120/80, prehypertension is diagnosed between 120/80 – 139/89, Stage 1 hypertension is between 140/90 – 159/99, and Stage 2 hypertension is blood pressure above 160/100. Much like high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure (even in the prehypertension stage) is a sure sign of other problems going on in the body and should be managed.

By addressing underlying issues with diet and lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce your blood pressure without resorting to drug treatment. One of the most important contributors to high blood pressure is high blood sugar and insulin resistance. There is evidence to show that pathological changes in glucose and insulin metabolism significantly affect the development and clinical course of hypertension, and thus should be primary targets for dietary intervention.

25/10/2024

Get checked for silent killers ‘diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension’
Expert says it is critical to be aware of blood sugar levels.

Many people are unaware that chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or hypertension can cause damage to the body, often without the person experiencing noticeable symptoms.

Although they can occur individually, these three conditions are often interlinked and can significantly increase the chances of stroke, heart attack and premature death. Joy Steenkamp, a pharmacist at Medipost Pharmacy, said: “At
the beginning of a new year, many of us think about improving our health through taking up a fitness regimen or eating more healthily.

A crucial but often overlooked aspect of taking care of our wellbeing is having routine health screenings.”

“Even if you feel healthy and well, be aware that you could be living with one or more of these underlying conditions.

“With noncommunicable diseases on the rise in South Africa, it really is advisable for adults to screen for these common health threats each year so that any risks can be detected and managed early to ward off more serious complications from developing.”

Diabetes is a chronic long-term condition that affects how your body breaks down sugar from the food that you eat. While type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood, type 2 diabetes develops over time and is more often
diagnosed in adulthood.

“Insulin is a hormone that helps control your body’s blood sugar levels. If your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or cells stop responding to insulin, too much sugar remains in your bloodstream and this can lead to serious health problems over time, including potentially irreversible damage to the eyes, kidneys and other organ systems. It is therefore critical to be aware of your blood sugar levels and get tested regularly to know if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” Steenkamp said.

“With the medicines available these days, along with regular exercise and a healthy diet as advised by your treating doctor, diabetes can be very well controlled with many new oral or injectable medicines to help keep blood sugar levels stable.”

“High cholesterol, or elevated levels of fat in the bloodstream, is another common noncommunicable disease that is all too common in SA. Although people with high cholesterol usually do not have any symptoms, if it remains undiagnosed and therefore untreated, it significantly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke,” Steenkamp added.

“A simple blood test reveals cholesterol levels and if these are outside of the healthy, range your treating doctor will prescribe the right kind of chronic medicine to help maintain cholesterol.

24/10/2024

High blood pressure? How to get it under control once and for all
Better lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition that can lead to cardiac arrest or heart attack, stroke, heart, kidney failure, blindness and more. South Africa has one of the highest rates of hypertension worldwide, with an estimated 6.3 million people known to be currently living with the condition – that’s one in three SA adults.

Increasing the severity of the situation is the fact that many more people remain undiagnosed, hence it can be assumed that the true number may be significantly higher. It is important to check your blood pressure regularly, especially if there is a positive family history, Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries.

The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. Even without symptoms, damage to blood vessels and your heart continues, and can be detected.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.
Although high blood pressure is most common in adults, children may be at risk, too. For some children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. But for a growing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits – an unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of exercise – contribute.

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. A few may have headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs aren’t specific and usually don’t occur until blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening stage. If you have persistent unexplained headache, it might be worth getting your blood pressure checked, since none of the symptoms are specific to the condition.

Risk factors
The following factors increase the risk of one developing hypertension:

Age. At around age 45, high blood pressure is more common in men. Women are more likely to develop it after 65.
Race. It is particularly common among blacks, often developing at an earlier age than in whites.
Family history. If a family member has it, you check it regularly with your local clinic.
Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs.
Illegal drugs, such as co***ne and amphetamines.
Being overweight or obese. The more you weigh the moreblood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. As the volume of blood circulated increases, so does the pressure on artery walls.
Not being physically active. People who are inactive tend tohave higher heart rates. The higher your heart rate, the harder your heart must work and the stronger the force on arteries.
Using to***co. To***co can damage the lining of artery walls, causing them to narrow and increasing blood pressure. Even second-hand smoke can increase blood pressure.
Too much salt (sodium) in your diet can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.
Too little potassium in your diet. Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in your cells.
Drinking too much alcohol. Over time, heavy drinking can damage your heart. Having more than two drinks a day for men and one for women may affect blood pressure.
Stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure.
Certain chronic conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnoea.
Pregnancy. Some women develop gestational hypertension,which will go away once the baby is born, though it might stay on as a chronic condition.
Lifestyle and hypertension
It is largely a disease of poor lifestyle choices that can be better managed using diet and changes. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80, pre-hypertension is 120/80 to 139/89, stage 1 hypertension is 140/90 to 159/99, and stage 2 hypertension is above 160/100. By addressing underlying issues with diet, and lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce your blood pressure without resorting to drug treatment.

One of the most important contributors is high blood sugar and insulin resistance, which should be primary targets for dietary intervention. Cutting out beverages with high sugar content should be the first step in any hypertension treatment, and can also help with shedding excess weight and reducing high blood sugar.

A reduction in carbohydrate consumption has been more effective in lowering blood pressure than eating a low-fat diet. Reducing your carbohydrate intake to less than 100 grams per day will reduce your blood pressure by a variety of mechanisms. It will reduce insulin resistance, thus activation of the sympathetic nervous system, cause blood vessel relaxation and dilation by increasing the production of nitric oxide and reverse the abnormal sodium retention. Additionally, it will reduce the amount of fat you have deposited within your abdominal cavity.

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Dr Dulcy holds a MBBCH degree from Wits University, a diploma in occupational health, a diploma in HIV management, travel medicine diploma, a masters of science in sports medicine, and a masters in business administration degree from GIBS.

As the 2016 Social Entrepreneurship Regional Business Achiever award winner for Business Women’s Association, she started Accessible Quality Healthservices (AQH) in 2013 after being a general practitioner in Vryburg then Carletonville for 11 years.

Dr Dulcy said her life’s purpose was to make an impact on how healthcare was delivered in this country, especially to the poor.

*Always consult your health-care provider for all health matters relating to you and your children.

24/10/2024

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24/10/2024

Guys, you could feel perfectly healthy and still have high blood pressure (upping your stroke or heart disease risk). Here’s why!
When a Vitality Health Check done in early 2021 showed blood pressure readings that were higher than they should have been, 38-year-old Nikash Bagirathi got proactive and went to see his GP.

After more investigation, Nikash was shocked to be diagnosed with hypertension (persistent, elevated blood pressure). “I took comfort in knowing I was with the right doctor and on the right medicine. Many people have chronic conditions that are well-managed, and they are fine. I hope the guys out there will make time to book a simple blood pressure check with a nurse or GP. The test is cheap, simple, non-invasive, takes less than a minute and can literally save your life.”

“Most people who have hypertension don’t have any symptoms”

Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Head of the Centre for Clinical Excellence at Discovery Health adds, “Hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart diseases, strokes, kidney disease and even eye diseases. Most people don’t have any symptoms. That’s why hypertension is called a ‘silent killer’.”

Those who do have symptoms may experience headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, heart palpitations and nose bleeds.
“Regular health checks are the only way to know if we are really healthy. High blood pressure develops over years with constant damage to the blood vessels which eventually results in a stroke or heart attack or being diagnosed with a serious illness like kidney disease.”

June is Men’s Health month. “It’s the right time for the men out there to really focus on their health. “Regular health screenings are the only way to make sure we catch the onset of life-threatening chronic illnesses as early as possible,” says Dr Nematswerani.

Billions of people have hypertension

World Health Organization data show that around 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries. Half (46%) are unaware that they have the condition.”

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa says more than a third of adults in South Africa live with high blood pressure – responsible for half of all strokes and 40% of heart attacks.

Discovery Life’s 2021 claims data show outside COVID-19 (54% of claims), male clients are most likely to die from heart and artery conditions (13% of claims) and cancer (11% of claims). When it comes to severe illness claims, cancer (33% of claims) and heart and artery conditions (30%) mostly affect men.

“Every year, the number of Discovery Health Medical Scheme members diagnosed with hypertension increases,” adds Dr Nematswerani. In 2019, when 377 784 members were registered for this condition. By 2021 there were 405,000 registered members, an increase of 27 216 people over two years. Last year, Discovery Health Medical Scheme claims related to cardiovascular (heart disease) and circulatory condition treatment amounted to R6.1 billion, a 7% increase on claims paid out in 2020.

How to deal with the lifestyle habits putting you at risk of high blood pressure

Age: Risk increases as you age. Keep up regular health screening checks.
Race: Risk is higher in people of African heritage, often developing at an earlier age than it does in Caucasian people. Keep up regular health screening checks.
Being overweight or obese: So, stay at a healthy weight.
Physical inactivity: Exercise regularly, aiming for a minimum average of 20 to 30 minutes a day.
High stress levels: Find healthy ways to relax and consciously deal with stress.
Smoking: Not only does smoking or chewing to***co immediately raise your blood pressure, but also the chemicals in to***co can damage the lining of your artery walls.
Excessive alcohol intake: Having more than two drinks a day ups risk. Avoid excessive alcohol.
Making unhealthy food choices: Eat plenty of low glycaemic index (GI) fruits and vegetables. Reduce caffeine, salt, fat and sugar intake.
Certain chronic conditions (like kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnoea) up your risk. So, live healthily and screen regularly. Follow your doctor’s advice and take your medicine as prescribed.
Understand your blood pressure numbers

“Blood pressure can be checked quickly and easily by a GP or nurse, at a pharmacy or clinic. A sphygmomanometer (device with a cuff) is placed around the upper arm. The cuff gets tighter as it is inflated to give the blood pressure reading,” says Dr Nematswerani.

The measurement is recorded as two numbers, one “over” another – for example 120/80 mm Hg or – millimetres of mercury (mm Hg)- ‘120 over 80’. The top number, systolic pressure, is the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts. The bottom, diastolic pressure, is the pressure when your heart is resting between beats (this is when pressure is at its lowest).

“A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg and below,” explains Dr Nematswerani. “Hypertension is usually defined as when either number (or both numbers) are equal to or above 140/90 mm Hg, when measured on two different days. You need emergency medical care if your blood pressure measurement is 180/120 mm Hg or higher.”

The message is simple: Regular screening and healthy living – lifesaving!

“If hypertension is picked up early enough, it is relatively easy to manage,” says Dr Nematswerani. “This is why we encourage everyone to go for general health screenings at least once a year, where blood pressure measurements and other important, simple, and quick tests will be done. Check your blood pressure anytime you see a doctor or nurse. Don’t miss those opportunities for a quick check.”

This article is sponsored, written and provided by Discovery Health (Pty) Ltd, registration number 1997/013480/07, an authorised financial services provider and administrator of medical schemes. Discovery Health Medical Scheme is administered by Discovery Health

24/10/2024

World Hypertension Day: South Africans urged to get screened

As the world acknowledges World Hypertension Day, the Department of Health has urged South Africans to go for regular health screening which including for hypertension or high blood pressure.

The department, supported by its stakeholders in the sector, has joined hands to commemorate World Hypertension Day (17 May) and Salt Awareness Week (15-21 May) to raise awareness about the causes and risks associated with high blood pressure and the harmful practice of excessive salt consumption.

Theme
The 2023 World Hypertension Day is commemorated under the theme: “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, whereas the Salt Awareness Week is commemorated under “Ditch the salt for the sake of our heart”.

According to the Health Department, hypertension is one of the most serious risk factors for death and is responsible for almost 13% of all deaths globally.

“In South Africa, almost 1 in 3 adults live with high blood pressure and it is responsible for 1 in every 2 strokes, and 2 in every 5 heart attacks.”

Awareness
Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said South Africa is creating awareness about reducing salt consumption.

“South Africa is the first country globally to develop comprehensive, mandatory legislation to reduce sodium levels across a wide range of processed food categories, which involved the co-operation of many food industry members.

Mohale said while the country’s salt reduction approach has inspired the world, much more needs to be done to reduce salt intake and to encourage the food industry to reduce levels of salt in food.

“The Department of Health urges South Africans to go for regular health screening which including for hypertension or high blood pressure, otherwise referred to as the “silent killer” because in most cases people may show no symptoms.”

Hypertension
Hypertension mainly affects adults, however, increased rates of obesity and related risk factors (including obesity, diabetes, and to***co use) are resulting in younger persons presenting with hypertension.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death and disability.

The relationship between salt and high blood pressure has been well documented since high levels of salt intake are linked to hypertension, which in turn is one of the causes of stroke, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease amongst others.

High salt intake has also been linked to osteoporosis, kidney stones and stomach cancer.

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