Managing Hypertension

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension — commonly called high blood pressure — occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. It is measured using two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the pressure between beats). A reading consistently above 130/80 mmHg is considered high.

• Normal: below 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: 120–129 / below 80 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139 / 80–89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+ / 90+ mmHg
• Hypertensive Crisis: above 180/120 mmHg — seek emergency care immediately

Why It Matters

Hypertension is known as the "silent killer" because it rarely causes symptoms until serious damage has already occurred. Left unmanaged, high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. In South Africa, hypertension is one of the leading causes of preventable death — yet it is highly manageable with the right care and lifestyle adjustments.

Lifestyle Changes That Make a Real Difference

Before medication is considered, lifestyle modification is the first line of treatment. The following evidence-based changes can lower blood pressure by 5–20 mmHg:

• Reduce sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day (about 1 teaspoon of salt)
• Follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy (the DASH diet)
• Exercise at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week — brisk walking counts
• Limit alcohol to no more than 1 standard drink per day for women, 2 for men
• Quit smoking — each cigarette temporarily raises blood pressure and damages vessel walls
• Manage stress through breathing exercises, prayer, adequate sleep, and social connection
• Maintain a healthy weight — even a 5 kg loss can have a meaningful impact

Medication and Long-Term Management

When lifestyle changes are insufficient, Dr. Mabasa may prescribe antihypertensive medication. Common classes include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. It is important to take these consistently — stopping medication without medical advice is dangerous. Regular blood pressure monitoring at home (using a validated device) between clinic visits helps track progress and allows your doctor to make timely adjustments.

Living Well With Hypertension

Hypertension is a lifelong condition, but it does not have to define your quality of life. Patients who actively partner with their doctor, stick to their treatment plan, and make sustainable lifestyle changes live full, healthy lives. Regular check-ups — typically every 3–6 months once stable — are essential to ensure your blood pressure remains controlled and any complications are caught early.