World Hypertension Day: Taking your blood pressure treatment could save your life

As the world marked World Hypertension Day on 17 May, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is encouraging residents to take simple, consistent steps to protect their health: know your blood pressure numbers, take prescribed treatment as directed, attend follow-up appointments, and speak to a healthcare worker if you are struggling to manage your medication. 

This year’s global theme, “Controlling hypertension together,” highlights that high blood pressure can be managed when people, families, communities, and healthcare workers work together. 

Hypertension is often called a “silent killer” because many people do not feel sick, even when their blood pressure is dangerously high. If left untreated or poorly managed, high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, and other serious health complications. 

In South Africa, it is estimated that about one in three adults is living with high blood pressure. Many people may not know they have it, while others may stop taking treatment when they start feeling better. However, high blood pressure still needs to be managed even when there are no obvious symptoms.

For Charmaine Makeba, a staff member at Groote Schuur Hospital, this became a life-changing lesson. She was diagnosed with hypertension during pregnancy in 2008, but found it difficult to accept that she would need long-term treatment. Over the years, she stopped and restarted her medication, not always realising the risk. 

In 2025, Charmaine arrived at work with a severe headache and felt unwell. Her colleagues encouraged her to seek urgent medical attention. Her blood pressure was dangerously high, and she was admitted to hospital for five days. Doctors later confirmed that uncontrolled hypertension had started affecting her heart. 

Today, Charmaine shares her story to encourage others to take action earlier. 

“High blood pressure is a silent killer. You may think you are fine when you are not. I’ve learnt that taking my treatment is choosing life. I would rather be on medication than risk losing my health. If treated early and managed properly, many complications can be prevented or even reversed.”

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness recognises that taking daily medication can be difficult. People may forget doses, experience side effects, feel discouraged, or stop treatment because they feel well. Residents are encouraged not to stop medication on their own, but to speak to a healthcare worker if they are worried about side effects, costs, access, or how treatment fits into their daily routine.

Professor Yazied Chothia, Head of the Nephrology Department at Tygerberg Hospital, said prevention begins with small, practical steps: “Preventative care starts with simple actions. Knowing your blood pressure numbers and checking them regularly is one of the most important steps individuals can take to protect their health.” 

Regular blood pressure checks are also important during pregnancy. High blood pressure in pregnancy can develop into serious conditions such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, which can place both mother and baby at risk. Attending antenatal care helps healthcare workers identify warning signs early, monitor the baby’s growth, and provide the right care at the right time. 

Families also play an important role in prevention. Healthy habits built from childhood, such as balanced meals, less salt, regular physical activity, and routine health checks, can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure later in life. Children with a family history of hypertension should be screened and supported to build healthy routines early.

Professor Mignon McCulloch, Head of the Clinical Unit of Paediatric Nephrology and Solid Organ Transplantation at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, said early awareness matters. 

“Early screening is especially important for children with a family history of hypertension. By promoting balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and routine health checks from a young age, we can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications such as kidney disease. Building these healthy habits early lays the foundation for better lifelong health outcomes.”

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness encourages residents to take the following steps:

• Know your numbers: Ask for a blood pressure check at your clinic, pharmacy, workplace wellness event, or next healthcare visit.
• Take your treatment as prescribed: Do not stop medication because you feel better. Speak to a healthcare worker first.
• Keep your appointments: Routine check-ups help healthcare workers monitor your progress and adjust care when needed.
• Ask for help early: If you forget doses, experience side effects, or struggle to collect medication, speak to your clinic team.
• Make small daily changes: Reduce salt, choose healthier meals where possible, stay active, manage stress, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol use.
• Support your family: Encourage loved ones to check their blood pressure, especially if there is a family history of hypertension.

This World Hypertension Day, the message is clear: high blood pressure can be managed, and small, consistent actions can save lives. By knowing your numbers, taking treatment, attending check-ups, and making healthier choices, residents can protect their health and support healthier families and communities.