South Africa: Silent Killer, Simple Fix? How to Save SA From Hypertension
[Daily Maverick] High blood pressure and diabetes are taking a massive toll on health in the South African population. Dr Nasheeta Peer breaks down what it will take to tackle the growing crisis. Hint: part of it is cheaper than we think, and we've already done it with HIV.
High blood pressure and diabetes are major health concerns in South Africa, according to Dr. Nasheeta Peer, a Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) for 22 years. Her expertise lies in diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and tobacco smoking. Peer's research has revealed the connections between hypertension and gender-based violence, as well as the two-way relationship between hypertension and mental health issues.
To tackle the growing crisis, several risk factors can be addressed. While some factors are genetic, others can be modified. The National Strategic Plan on Non-Communicable Diseases (2022-2027) emphasizes the importance of reducing tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, and air pollution to lower hypertension levels.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- WORLD HEART DAY: Silent killer, simple fix? How to save SA from hypertension dailymaverick.co.za
