Gauteng Health Warns of ‘Silent Killer’ as Hypertension Cases Rise Among the Young

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has issued a strong warning to residents about the dangers of untreated high blood pressure, calling it a “silent killer” that is increasingly affecting younger people under the age of 40.

Marking World Hypertension Day on 17 May, health officials emphasized the urgent need for early screening, treatment, and lifestyle changes to combat this growing public health threat.

“Worryingly, people under the age of 40 are increasingly being diagnosed, often due to lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and obesity,” said Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The Hidden Danger of High Blood Pressure

According to the department, many South Africans are living with high blood pressure without knowing it — increasing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure.

The statistics are alarming:

• Over 1 in 3 adults in South Africa has hypertension.

• Of those diagnosed, more than half are unaware of their condition.

• Only 1 in 3 people on treatment have their blood pressure under control.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that hypertension is responsible for 13% of all global deaths, and in South Africa, it accounts for 1 in 2 strokes and 2 in every 5 heart attacks.

Free Screenings and Public Health Campaigns

In response to the growing crisis, GDoH is ramping up its awareness and screening campaigns, offering free blood pressure screenings at public health clinics and through mobile outreach events across Gauteng.

“Members of the public are urged to visit their nearest healthcare facilities for free regular screenings, to know their numbers and control their blood pressure,” said the MEC.

The department is also collaborating with NGOs, medical professionals, and community leaders to promote education and lifestyle changes that help prevent and manage hypertension.

What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk

The good news is that hypertension is preventable and manageable — but only if it’s detected early. Gauteng Health recommends the following steps:

• Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet

• Engage in regular physical activity

• Limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking

• Take prescribed medication consistently

• Go for regular screenings, even if you feel healthy

“Stopping treatment or ignoring symptoms can have devastating consequences,” Nkomo-Ralehoko warned. “Hypertension is manageable, but it must first be detected.”

A Public Health Priority

Gauteng Health has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing avoidable deaths through early diagnosis, better treatment access, and public health education.

Whether you’re young or old, healthy or not — knowing your blood pressure status could save your life.

{Source: The Citizen}

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