Get FREE blood pressure checks at selected pharmacies nationwide during May

Did you know... hypertension is known as a "silent killer"?

It's called "the silent killer" because patients feel no symptoms until suffering devastating consequences like strokes or heart attacks.

Even those diagnosed with hypertension often abandon treatment, feeling no immediate benefit - a potentially fatal decision.

South Africa's hypertension crisis continues to worsen despite increased awareness efforts.

This silent killer now affects a staggering percentage of the population, with over 80% of hypertensive South Africans having dangerously uncontrolled blood pressure, significantly exceeding the global average of 31.1%.

This matters because:

• There's an increase in diagnoses among teenagers and young adults.
• Recent global research reveals that 74% of patients are completely unaware of their hypertension status.
• The condition remains symptomless until catastrophic health events occur.
• There's a direct link between hypertension and increased dementia risk, studies say.

Don't miss this free, life-saving opportunity during May Measurement Month: 

May Measurement Month is observed by health experts who are sounding the alarm on hypertension affecting billions worldwide, and its underdiagnosed and undertreated status.

During May 2025, South Africans can receive FREE blood pressure checks at selected pharmacies nationwide.

So, head to a pharmacy during May and ask if they're participating in giving free blood pressure checks to get yours done.

This simple, five-minute, non-invasive test could save thousands of lives.

"Hypertension is often called the 'silent killer' because it typically has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. It's a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, accounting for nearly half of related deaths worldwide. Despite this, awareness, treatment, and control remain alarmingly low.”

- Professor Erika Jones, President - Southern African Hypertension Society