Hypertension concern as new cases increase by 35%
17 May 2025
This World Hypertension Day, today, 17 May, City Health celebrates the 11% increase in persons screened year-on-year, but the 35% in new cases over the same period is cause for concern.
From April 2024 to March 2025, new diagnosed cases stood at 4 426 compared to 3 287 during the same period in the previous year, reflecting a 35% increase.
The rise in new cases is largely attributed to the increase in screening.
City Health screened 667 612 clients, compared to 601 442 the previous year.
The worrying trend of an increasing number of younger people being diagnosed remains, although the biggest group of new cases are those older than 45.
‘Hypertension is a leading risk factor for death and disability across the country, and while it is heartening to see more people taking charge of their health and visiting clinics for screenings, the rise in new cases is disconcerting. I want to encourage the public to consider making lifestyle changes like a balanced and healthy diet, regular exercise and lowering their salt intake, to lower their risk of hypertension. ‘Hypertension is called the silent killer because there is often a lack of noticeable symptoms, making early detection crucial. As we commemorate the 20th World Hypertension Day, get screened, for your own health, but also for your peace of mind. It is a preventative measure and can impact your long-term health,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The theme for World Hypertension Day is ‘Measure your blood pressure accurately; control it; live longer’.
Risk factors for hypertension include a family history; diabetes; obesity; lack of exercise and a diet high in salt, sugar, and alcohol; smoking and tobacco use.If left untreated, hypertension can lead to severe health complications, including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease, visual impairment and blindness.
To manage or prevent hypertension:
- Take your anti-hypertensive treatment as prescribed (if diagnosed) and attend follow-up consultations
- Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce salt intake to less than 5g daily
- Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption
- Eat more vegetables and fruit
- Limit intake of foods high in saturated fats and eliminate trans fat
All City clinics offer routine blood pressure screening at every visit, and the public can have their screenings done at their nearest facility.
For a list of clinics, please go to: Clinics and healthcare
facilities (capetown.gov.za)
Caption 1: Councillor Francine Higham has her blood pressure checked by Nurse Xoliswa Myona.
Caption 2: Councillor Higham joined City Health at an event in Khayelitsha to create awareness around hypertension.
Caption 3: Khayelitsha resident Nomfusi Gwele gets her blood pressure checked.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
