Preventive Screening

Hypertension Screening

Blood pressure checks — a few minutes that can catch a condition with no symptoms at all.

Preventive Screening

What this service is

High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms at all, which is why it is sometimes called a silent condition. Left high over time, it places extra strain on the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels, and it is one of the main treatable drivers of stroke and heart disease.

A blood pressure check takes only a few minutes. Because a single reading can be affected by nerves, pain, caffeine or a rushed morning, we repeat the measurement when a result is higher than expected rather than reacting to a single number.

If your blood pressure is raised, we will talk it through with you, agree on the next steps, and review how you are getting on.

At your visit

What to expect

Every visit is a little different, but these are the steps you can expect for this service at Ikageng Health Centre.

A settled reading

Your blood pressure is measured while you are seated and have had a few minutes to rest.

Repeat measurement

If the first reading is raised, it is repeated, sometimes on a later visit, before any conclusion is drawn.

Lifestyle review

A talk about salt, alcohol, caffeine, activity, sleep, weight and any medication you take.

Trend

Your reading is compared with previous ones so that you can see the trend rather than a single number.

Risk picture

Your wider risk is reviewed, including weight, glucose, cholesterol and family history.

Agreed plan

You leave with a clear plan and a date to come back.

Reasons to visit

Why people come to us

If any of these sound like you, please come in — or phone us first if you would like to talk it through before you do.

  • You have never had your blood pressure checked.
  • You have a family history of hypertension or heart disease.
  • You are over 40 and it has been a while since your last check.
  • You take medication for blood pressure and need monitoring.
  • You have headaches, dizziness or blurred vision and want to be checked.

Before you come

  • Bring your clinic card or any records you have.
  • Bring a list of any medication and supplements you take.
  • Bring the results of any tests done elsewhere.
  • Write down your questions beforehand — it helps.
  • Bring someone with you if you would like support.

All of our conversations are private. You are welcome to ask questions at any point, and you can ask to speak alone.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

If your question is not answered here, phone us on 067 575 2528 — we are happy to talk it through.

Is high blood pressure serious?

It is common and it is treatable, but it does raise your risk of stroke and heart disease if it stays high. That is precisely why checking is worthwhile.

How often should I be checked?

If you are well, we suggest a routine check at least once a year, and more often if you are over 40 or have other risk factors.

Does one high reading mean I have hypertension?

No. We repeat and review before making a diagnosis, because a single reading does not tell the whole story.

Can I do anything about it?

Yes. Salt intake, alcohol, activity, weight and, where needed, medication all make a measurable difference. We will go through this with you.

Related

Many of our services work hand in hand. These are the ones people ask about most often alongside hypertension screening.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you need this service, a routine screening, or simply have a question about your health, we are here to help.

Enquire on WhatsAppChat to Sister Sesi Mogoera