Hypertension - the silent driver behind South Africa’s deadliest diseases

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often considered and treated as just another non-communicable disease (NCD).

However, it is a major underlying cause of several of the most serious and life-threatening conditions in South Africa.

Each year in South Africa, hypertension is estimated to contribute to approximately 14,000 cases of ischaemic heart disease, over 13,000 strokes, and over 6,000 cases of chronic kidney disease.[1]

This World Hypertension Day, global healthcare company Viatris is calling for greater awareness and early action, highlighting the critical role hypertension plays not just as a condition, but as a primary driver of disease.

Why Hypertension Is Known As The “Silent Killer”

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension typically presents with no symptoms, yet steadily damages the body over time, frequently going undetected until serious complications arise.[2]

Hypertension is asymptomatic in nature: because people do not "feel" their blood pressure rising, they often perceive it as a non-threatening issue.

Many patients fail to take their medication as prescribed because they do not feel an immediate benefit, or they struggle with the lifestyle changes required to manage the condition.

High blood pressure readings at a clinic or doctor’s office can cause anxiety, which may cause people to wrongly assume their high readings are just due to nervousness, rather than a chronic issue.[iii]

The Importance Of Treatment Adherence

Head of Medical Affairs at Viatris in South Africa, Verushka Hansrajh, emphasises that adherence to treatment is important.

“Taking your medication at the right dose, frequency and time is critical to preventing the progression from hypertension to life-threatening disease” she says.

Hansrajh encourages South Africans to check their blood pressure regularly to build familiarity with their readings, understand their risk factors and seek medical advice early.

Country Head of Viatris in South Africa, Aman Khanna shares “For Viatris, this represents a critical area of focus aligned to its broader commitment to expanding access to medicines and healthcare. As a company operating across both branded and generic medicines, Viatris is well positioned to support the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension through the provision of quality-assured treatments, as well as through partnerships that strengthen healthcare delivery at a community level”.

Expanding Access To Screening And Care

Improving access to screening and ongoing care remains critical.

Through its support of local and nurse-led clinics, such as the clinic in Diepsloot in collaboration with Rhiza Babuyile, Viatris plays a role in supporting blood pressure screening, patient education and ongoing management, particularly in underserved communities.

These frontline settings are essential for early diagnosis and treatment adherence.

Hypertension Among Younger South Africans

Hypertension is highly prevalent in South Africa, with estimates suggesting that between 19% and 56% of the population may be affected.[iv]

Worryingly, younger people are becoming part of the statistics.

While hypertension has traditionally been associated with older populations, there is increasing concern about its prevalence among younger adults.

Recent research among South Africans aged 24 to 40 found a self-reported occurrence of hypertension of around 24% (27.5% in women, 20.4% in men), highlighting a growing and under-recognised risk in younger populations.

This trend is linked to factors such as urbanisation, obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles.[v]

The Economic Burden Of Hypertension

Beyond its health implications, hypertension places a substantial economic burden on South Africa.

Among adults without private health insurance alone, approximately 8.22 million people (30.8%) are living with hypertension, placing significant pressure on both individuals and the public healthcare system.[vi]

Many people remain undiagnosed or untreated, with low rates of awareness, treatment, and control, particularly among lower-income populations.

The condition is estimated to cost the country R39.5 billion annually (equivalent to approximately 0.76% of GDP), due to healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Without improved prevention, diagnosis, and management, this burden is expected to continue rising.[vii]

Early Detection Remains Critical

Because hypertension often has no symptoms, regular blood pressure screening is essential.

Early detection, combined with effective management, can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

As South Africa marks World Hypertension Day, individuals are encouraged to take a simple but potentially life-saving step: get their blood pressure checked.

Whether at a local clinic, pharmacy or healthcare provider, early detection remains one of the most effective tools in preventing the serious complications associated with hypertension.

Ends

[1] Kohli-Lynch CN, Erzse A, Rayner BL, et al Hypertension in the South African public healthcare system: a cost-of-illness and burden of disease study BMJ Open 2022;12:e055621. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055621

References

[2] Kohli-Lynch CN, Erzse A, Rayner BL, et al Hypertension in the South African public healthcare system: a cost-of-illness and burden of disease study BMJ Open 2022;12:e055621. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055621 + National Department of Health. (2021). Hypertension user guide: Prevention and treatment of hypertension in adults at the primary health care level (Foreword). https://knowledgehub.health.gov.za/system/files/elibdownloads/2023-04/HYPERTENSION%20USER%20GUIDE%20FINAL%20COPY.pdf

[iii] Pathak, A., Poulter, N. R., Kavanagh, M., Kreutz, R., & Burnier, M. (2022). Improving the Management of Hypertension by Tackling Awareness, Adherence, and Clinical Inertia: A Symposium Report. American journal of cardiovascular drugs : drugs, devices, and other interventions, 22(3), 251–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40256-021-00505-6

[iv] Kohli-Lynch CN, Erzse A, Rayner BL, et al Hypertension in the South African public healthcare system: a cost-of-illness and burden of disease study BMJ Open 2022;12:e055621. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055621

[v] Kohli-Lynch CN, Erzse A, Rayner BL, et al Hypertension in the South African public healthcare system: a cost-of-illness and burden of disease study BMJ Open 2022;12:e055621. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055621

[vi] Mtintsilana, A., Mapanga, W., Craig, A., Dlamini, S. N., & Norris, S. A. (2025). Self-reported hypertension prevalence, risk factors, and knowledge among South Africans aged 24 to 40 years old. Journal of human hypertension, 39(2), 177–187. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-024-00957-8

[vii] Kohli-Lynch CN, Erzse A, Rayner BL, et al Hypertension in the South African public healthcare system: a cost-of-illness and burden of disease study BMJ Open 2022;12:e055621. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055621