Gauteng Health has raised concern after recording more than 69 000 hypertension cases in a year, with over 26 000 adults under 45 diagnosed across the province, highlighting a growing health risk.
Gauteng has recorded more than 69,000 new cases of hypertension in a year, with over 26,000 adults under the age of 45 diagnosed, prompting concern from the provincial Department of Health over a rising trend of the condition among younger people.
Hypertension, commonly known as the “silent killer”, often develops without noticeable symptoms and remains one of the leading contributors to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and premature death.
According to the department, a total of 69,125 new hypertension cases were recorded in Gauteng during the 2025/26 financial year, between April 2025 and March 2026.
Of these, the department said 26,088 cases were recorded among adults aged between 18 and 44.
