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High blood pressure a big hazard - blacks are most at risk

ONE in every four South Africans between the ages of 15 and 64 suffers from salt-sensitive high blood pressure - and this number is rising rapidly.

Black South Africans appear to be more at risk than others.

A 2005 survey of nearly 10000 South Africans over the age of 30 found that high blood pressure had the highest prevalence in the black community, with 59percent of black Africans, 55percent of Asians and coloureds, and50percent of whites diagnosed with the condition.

"High blood pressure is a serious issue for South Africans," said Dr Mike Ramaboea of the Louis Pasteur Hospital in Pretoria.

"Sadly, we don't have enough recent data and studies on prevalence, but my own experience mirrors the results of the US study. I see a lot of adult black patients with the condition. The average age is about 32 years, but some are as young as 21 or 22."

While there were several potential causes, most experts agreed that diet is a prime culprit. Numerous studies had linked excessive salt consumption to high blood pressure, and some commentators believed this was likely to be a significant contributing factor in South Africa.

"Based on my own experience, I would argue that black people appear to have a lower tolerance for salt," Ramaboea said.

While the good news was that high blood pressure could usually be managed by making dietary and lifestyle changes and taking medicines, the condition's lack of symptoms meant people were often not aware that they had it until it is too late and major complications had arisen.

Ramaboea advises that the best approach was to be checked regularly by a medical professional.

"Every adult South African should get tested regularly, especially black patients over the age of 30. They should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year," he said.

Earlier last month, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that he was planning to introduce legislation to lower the salt content of food.

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