"South Africans are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and our unhealthy lifestyles are largely to blame," says Dr Vash Mungal-Singh, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA. "Up to 70% of our women are overweight or obese, one in two women and over a quarter of men are physically inactive and 23% of our children 2-14 years are overweight or obese. Although the picture looks bleak, South Africans can reduce their risk by creating heart-healthy environments that encourage a healthy lifestyle."
The HSF recognises that not all individuals have the best opportunities to make heart-healthy choices. For instance, some people often lack access to healthy foods or to safe spaces to be physically active. However, all is not lost, even small changes can give big results and you can start in your home.
Put the spotlight on your home and see what you could change to make it heart-healthy. Making just a few changes can help reduce your own and your family's risk of heart disease and stroke.
"This Heart Awareness Month we made it easier for South Africans to know their CVD risk by offering free blood pressure tests throughout September," says Dr Mungal-Singh. "One in three South African adults, 15 years or older has hypertension and the majority of them are unaware that they have the condition. High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease and strokes, and I urge all South Africans to take this opportunity to get their blood pressure tested."
Once you know your CVD risk, you can make a plan to improve your heart health and your healthcare professional can advise on appropriate treatment options where necessary.
Ensure that your communities become places where people thrive and have opportunities to make heart-healthy choices.
Heart-healthy nations
The HSF urges national policymakers to provide more opportunities for people to make heart-healthy choices.