World Hypertension Day: How High Blood Pressure is Killing a Lot of Kenyans as It Goes Undetected

Unlike many diseases that present clear symptoms, high blood pressure (hypertension) often goes unnoticed for years. Many people have no idea they suffer from it until significant damage has already occurred, silently affecting vital organs, especially the kidneys.

As we walk through the dialysis section of a healthcare facility in Eastleigh, the desperation is palpable. Four women, of varying ages, wait silently for their dialysis sessions to end. Their kidneys can no longer function naturally—they now rely entirely on machines to survive.

One patient shifts slightly, triggering a loud beep from the dialysis unit—a small movement that demands constant monitoring. Among them, Julius Kalima, a nurse at Health Gate Hospital in Eastleigh, prepares equipment with a quiet urgency.

“High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of kidney failure,” says Kalima. “But many people only realise it when it’s too late. Late diagnosis continues to plague our communities.”

Kalima says the lack of awareness, follow-up, and preventive care is not only claiming lives but also overburdening the already stretched healthcare system. Many fail to attend regular check-ups, and some medical practitioners miss early warning signs, leading to delayed diagnoses.

“We need to raise more awareness to help people before it’s too late,” Kalima urges.

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this damages blood vessels and organs like the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes.

Pregnancy and Hypertension

Dr Esther Mwaura, a physician in Eastleigh, notes that many pregnant women skip antenatal care, leading to undetected high blood pressure until it causes severe complications.

“One woman suffered five miscarriages in the second trimester, each linked to high blood pressure she thought was just a bad omen,” says Dr Mwaura.

After close monitoring, the woman was diagnosed with gestational diabetes that developed into chronic hypertension. Through regular care and complete bed rest, she finally carried a pregnancy to term.

Dr Mwaura emphasizes that pregnancy can trigger hypertension, and if left unmanaged, it can lead to devastating outcomes for both mother and baby.

“Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and dizziness may seem minor, but could be early warning signs,” she says.

Proper medication, hydration, and monitoring signs like urine colour are simple yet effective steps in early detection.

The Bigger Picture

According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 1 in 4 Kenyan adults has hypertension. Alarmingly, about 70% are unaware of their condition. Among people aged 60 to 69, the prevalence spikes to 58.3%.

Studies show that 78% of those diagnosed are not receiving treatment, and only 3% of those on medication achieve proper blood pressure control.

Routine screening is crucial, especially for those with a family history. The Ministry advises adults to check their blood pressure at least once every two years—more frequently if at higher risk.

Gender Disparities

Women are disproportionately affected by high blood pressure due to hormonal and social factors. Pregnancy complications like gestational hypertension and preeclampsia can lead to chronic issues. Menopause, caregiving stress, poor diet, and limited healthcare access further heighten the risk.

Women’s smaller blood vessels also make blood pressure harder to manage, and underdiagnosis remains a challenge.

Early detection and consistent treatment are vital to avoiding long-term consequences like kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke.

A Call to Action

This year’s World Hypertension Day theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, is a powerful reminder of the need for accurate diagnosis and long-term management of high blood pressure.

Kenya must prioritise public education, routine screenings, and accessible healthcare if it hopes to reverse the silent epidemic claiming lives every day.

In other news:Nakuru: Matatu SACCO Involved in Accident that Claimed 12 Lives Risk Suspension 

World Hypertension Day: How High Blood Pressure is Killing a Lot of Kenyans as It Goes Undetected