If you have any questions or need more information, please call POLMED on 0860 765 633 (select the option for the Disease Management Programme), or send an email to polmeddiseaseman@medscheme.co.za with your membership number and contact details.

YOUR CARE

May 2020POLMED

References:• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension• https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/research-news/2017/2017-06/sa-has-highest-blood-pressure-in-southern-africa.html• http://www.heartfoundation.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CVD-Stats-Reference-Document-2016-FOR-MEDIA-1.pdf• https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/risk_factors.htm• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/resistant-hypertension• http://www.heartfoundation.co.za/blood-pressure/• https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/6-simple-tips-to-reduce-your-blood-pressure• https://www.medicinenet.com/high_blood_pressure_symptoms/views.htm• https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-presure/why-high-blood-pressure-is-a-silent-killer/know-your-risk- factors-for-high-blood-pressure• https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/know-your-risks/blood-pressure/is-my-blood-pressure-normal

Up to 50%

SexualDysfunction

.........................

.........................

.........................

.........................

Stroke HeartAttack

HeartFailure

KidneyDamage

high levels of stress and poor stress management

unhealthy diet; particularly high in sugar, salt and fat

a family history of hypertension

lack of exercise

obesity

diabetes kidney disease

high cholesterol

drinking too much alcohol

smoking and tobacco use

The most common symptoms of hypertension include: • Headaches• Chest pain• Vision problems• Breathing difficulties

12080

mmHg

13989

mmHg

Optimal: Normal:

Up to

is considered normal.

According to WHO:

±1.13 billion people have high blood pressure / hypertension.

= South Africa has the highest prevalence of hypertension in Southern Africa.

Unfortunately, despite these alarming statistics, a lot of people do not know enough about hypertension, nor do they believe that they are at risk.

Up to 50% of South Africans are unaware that they have hypertension.Late identification of elevated blood pressure can lead to more damage, therefore it is vitally important that you go for your screening test.

DANGERS OF UNIDENTIFIED HYPERTENSION

For those who that are unaware that they have elevated blood pressure, undetected and poorly managed hypertension can increase the risk of:

AM I AT RISK OF DEVELOPING HYPERTENSION?

In protecting yourself against hypertension, it’s important to learn and understand the risks associated with the disease.

The following risk factors can increase your chances of developing hypertension:

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION?

In the beginning, hypertension is often asymptomatic, with little or no symptoms being shown. This is why the disease is referred to as the “silent killer”.

However, it’s still important to take note of any changes you may be experiencing. Doing so may lead to early detection, which will help to reduce the impact of the disease on your health.

TESTING FOR HYPERTENSION

It is important to have your blood pressure tested regularly by your doctor or at your nearest pharmacy.

The test measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. For the test, your healthcare provider will wrap a cuff around your arm, which inflates to take a reading of your blood pressure.

Anything higher means that you are at a risk of hypertension.

MANAGING YOUR HYPERTENSION

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, it’s important to remember that the diagnosis is not a death sentence. In fact, if identified early, simple lifestyle changes can be enough to help manage the condition – all without the use of medication.

When it comes to hypertension, early detection is important, especially if you want to better manage the disease. Not knowing your blood pressure levels can increase your risk of complications. However, by getting regularly screened, you can better protect your health.

± 27.4% ± 26.1% have hypertension.Male Female&In SA:

Do you have high Blood pressure?