World Heart Day: The heart risks you may not know you have

Your heart can feel perfectly healthy even when cardiovascular risk factors are developing. That is why regular health checks matter, particularly for conditions such as high blood pressure that may have no obvious symptoms.

This World Heart Day, observed on 29 September, the focus is on understanding your heart health before a problem becomes an emergency.

In South Africa, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease accounts for almost one in six deaths. Around 225 people die every day from heart disease and stroke, according to the Heart & Stroke Foundation South Africa.

More than one in three South African adults also live with high blood pressure. The condition is estimated to contribute to two in five heart attacks and one in two strokes.

Heart risks can develop without warning signs

Many people associate heart problems with noticeable symptoms, but some cardiovascular risks can develop quietly over time.

“People often associate heart problems with an obvious warning, chest pain, shortness of breath or something that tells them they need to see a doctor,” says Lance Blumeris, from digital health platform Unu Health.

“But some of the biggest risks can be developing quietly. By the time someone experiences a major event, they may have been living with an underlying problem for years.”

High blood pressure is one example of a condition that can go unnoticed because it often causes no obvious symptoms.

Knowing your numbers and understanding your personal risk factors can help you take action before a serious cardiovascular event occurs.

Small steps can help you understand your heart health

Preventing cardiovascular problems does not necessarily mean making dramatic changes to your lifestyle all at once.

It can begin with a few practical steps:

• Know your blood pressure. Have it checked rather than relying on how you feel.
• Understand your family history. Be aware of cardiovascular conditions that may affect your personal risk.
• Check your cholesterol. Speak to a healthcare professional about testing.
• Discuss symptoms you have dismissed. Ask for medical advice if something has been concerning you.

These steps can help you build a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health.

Healthcare access remains a challenge

For many South Africans, getting medical advice is not always straightforward.

A healthcare visit may involve taking time off work, travelling long distances or waiting for an appointment. Some people may also be unsure where to begin.

These barriers can make it harder to seek advice or arrange routine checks before a health concern becomes urgent.

“Healthcare needs to be accessible before it becomes urgent,” Blumeris added.

“If technology can make it easier for someone to ask a question, speak to a doctor, have a test or get appropriate follow-up, then we have an opportunity to intervene earlier rather than waiting for a crisis.”

How digital healthcare can support prevention

Digital healthcare platforms can offer another way for people to connect with healthcare professionals, seek advice and arrange testing or follow-up.

They may help reduce some of the practical barriers that prevent people from accessing care.

However, digital healthcare does not replace face-to-face medical care when it is needed.

Instead, it can provide an additional route into the healthcare system, making it easier to start a conversation about a potential health concern.

This World Heart Day, find out where you stand

Feeling healthy is not always the same as knowing your cardiovascular health.

With some risk factors developing without obvious symptoms, checking your blood pressure, understanding your family history and seeking appropriate medical advice can be important starting points.

This World Heart Day, the question is not only whether your heart feels healthy. It is whether you know enough about your heart health to act before a problem becomes an emergency.

Read Inbound SA online