For years, Grace Achola, a 48-year-old businesswoman in Omiya-Anyima village, Kitgum District, did not think about her blood pressure. At 43, she was focused on her career and raising her children. However, during a routine business trip to Lira City, she was rushed to the hospital, where tests revealed she had consistently high blood pressure. It was then that she learned she was living with “the silent killer”—hypertension.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects over 1.2 billion people worldwide, often without showing symptoms. It occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high, straining the heart and blood vessels. Over time, untreated hypertension can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
“I had no idea,” Achola says. “I felt fine, but the doctor told me my blood pressure was dangerously high. I had to make changes immediately.”
For many, hypertension is linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and stress. “I wasn’t paying attention to what I ate,” Achola admits. “My diet was high in salt, and I didn’t exercise regularly. I was also under a lot of stress.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming no more than 5 grams of salt daily, but many people exceed this amount. Reducing salt intake, engaging in regular physical activity like walking or swimming, and managing stress can significantly lower blood pressure.
Like many others with hypertension, Achola was prescribed medication to help control her blood pressure. She was also advised to monitor her blood pressure at home. “At first, the idea of being on medication for the rest of my life was daunting,” she says. “But the doctor explained it’s about keeping me healthy and preventing complications.”
At-home blood pressure monitors have become essential for patients like Achola, providing real-time insights into how lifestyle choices, medications, and stress affect their health. “I check my blood pressure every morning,” Achola explains. “It’s part of my routine now and gives me peace of mind.”
Stress, closely linked to hypertension, also contributed to Achola’s condition. Juggling responsibilities as a mother and her business journeys increased her stress levels. “I realized I needed to find ways to relax,” she says. “I started meditating and taking short breaks during the day. It’s made a huge difference.”
Research shows that stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and exercise can help lower blood pressure. Addressing mental health is also crucial, as anxiety and depression can worsen hypertension.
One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is its lack of noticeable symptoms. Many people live with elevated blood pressure for years without realizing it, unknowingly putting immense strain on their cardiovascular systems.
“Hypertension can be insidious,” says Bernard Bwambale, Dietitian and Country Coordinator for the Food Safety Coalition Uganda. “People think if they feel fine, they are fine, but high blood pressure can cause damage without showing obvious signs. Regular monitoring is essential.”
Public awareness campaigns are working to address this knowledge gap, educating individuals about the importance of regular blood pressure checks and understanding risk factors such as age, genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and excessive salt intake.
A 2014 Uganda National NCD STEPS survey reported that hypertension affects more than 25% of the adult population and is the most reported non-communicable disease (NCD) in the country. However, awareness and control of hypertension remain low, highlighting the need for a well-defined policy framework to prevent and manage the condition.
Hypertension awareness initiatives stress the importance of regular screenings, particularly for adults over 40, even if they feel healthy. Simple, non-invasive tests can detect high blood pressure early, allowing timely intervention.
“High blood pressure is not something you should ignore,” says Achola. “I didn’t feel sick, but the numbers don’t lie. The doctor told me I needed to make changes immediately to avoid serious complications.”
Through community health fairs, online education, and workplace wellness programs, awareness campaigns are making blood pressure screenings more accessible.
According to the WHO’s 2023 hypertension country profile for Uganda, 228,000 Ugandans aged 30-70 years die from the disease annually. To achieve a 50% hypertension control rate, 1.4 million more people with hypertension need effective treatment.
While hypertension can be managed, prevention is key. Regular health check-ups, a balanced diet, reduced salt intake, and consistent exercise significantly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Achola’s story is a reminder that hypertension often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. “I’m grateful the doctor caught it early,” she says. “Now, I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy for myself and my family.”
Bwambale emphasizes that diet and physical activity are critical in preventing and managing hypertension. “Regular physical activity like digging, brisk walking, or swimming can significantly lower blood pressure,” he says.
“Even small, consistent changes in daily habits can have a big impact,” Bwambale adds, highlighting the dangers of excessive salt intake and the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables.
He also calls on development partners and government agencies to prioritize hypertension awareness to reduce the number of people unknowingly living with high blood pressure and empower them to make informed decisions about their heart health.
“By fostering a culture of regular screenings, healthy habits, and open conversations about blood pressure, we can curb the silent progression of this deadly condition. Hypertension may be silent, but we don’t have to be,” Bwambale advises.
Globally, hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, leading to an estimated 9.4 million premature deaths annually. In Uganda, the prevalence of hypertension among adults rose from 24.3% in 2014 to 31.5% in 2016.