SA's NCD crisis: Unravelling the surge in deaths and the urgent need for prevention
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major health challenge globally, affecting millions of people worldwide.
A recent report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), "Non-communicable diseases: Findings from death notifications (2008-2018)", examines the changing trends of NCDs in South Africa over time.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), there has been a notable increase in NCDs like heart diseases, diabetes, lung diseases and cancer.
Factors such as urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use and rising obesity have contributed to this rise.
These types of diseases now make up a significant portion of health issues in the country.
In South Africa, deaths from major non-communicable diseases like heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases increased by 58.7% over 20 years, from 103 428 in 1997 to 164 205 in 2018.
The average age at death was 65 for men and 69 for women. Men had higher mortality rates than women for all these diseases.
Specifically, deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have steadily increased, making up 12.9% of deaths in 2008 and rising to 17.6% in 2018.
Black Africans had the highest mortality rates for these diseases, followed by Indian/Asian and coloured population groups. The white population group had the lowest mortality rates overall.
These findings highlight the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in South Africa and the need for targeted interventions to address the underlying risk factors and improve healthcare outcomes.
Don't ignore the ‘silent killer’
Dr Zelda Brits, a general practitioner at Netcare Medicross Roodepoort, warns that hypertension, or high blood pressure, can go unnoticed for years, causing serious harm to the body.
In some cases, this can eventually lead to a severe health crisis, forcing the patient to seek medical care.
"Many people don't realise they have hypertension, which is why it's often called the 'silent killer'," explains Brits. "The long-term effects of high blood pressure are just too serious to be ignored."
Symptoms of hypertension
While some people may not feel any different when their blood pressure is too high, Brits says others do experience symptoms associated with hypertension.
"Patients may have headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, dizziness, chest pain, blurred vision, or swollen feet. These signs are often dismissed as simply feeling unwell or due to a busy lifestyle.
"Unfortunately, this can mean the first sign of dangerously high blood pressure is something as serious as a stroke, heart attack or heart failure.
“For those with long-term hypertension that has already damaged organs, the results can be even more devastating, like kidney failure or vision loss."
What to do if your blood pressure is high
If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect your blood pressure may be high, Brits recommends seeing a healthcare provider right away. They can measure your blood pressure and provide the necessary treatment.
"Hypertension is a very manageable condition, but it's important to catch it early. Your doctor can prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure and make lifestyle recommendations, like exercising more, eating healthier and reducing stress.
"Don't wait until it's too late. Taking care of your blood pressure now can prevent major health problems down the line. Your heart, kidneys, and quality of life depend on it."
How do I know if I’m at risk?
“A diet high in salt and saturated fats can lead to elevated blood pressure, and people who are mostly sedentary with little physical activity may also be at risk.
“If their weight is not under control, this can cause higher blood pressure, and in addition, smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can also increase one’s risk,” she says.
Existing medical conditions like diabetes, sleep apnoea, kidney disease and high cholesterol are also associated with hypertension, and as one gets older, the likelihood of increased blood pressure increases. Pregnancy and certain medications can also affect one’s blood pressure.
Can hypertension be prevented?
There are proactive steps people can take to assist with preventing hypertension.
“Start with a balanced diet that is low in salt and saturated fats. Ensure you exercise regularly and do your best to maintain a healthy weight. Take pragmatic steps, guided by your GP, to manage your stress.
“A really big favour people can do for themselves is to avoid drinking too much alcohol and to quit smoking.
“Don’t forget to go for your medical check-ups where blood pressure monitoring is integrated into care when you visit your local Netcare Medicross GP.”
Brits recommends that all adults get their blood pressure checked at least every year.