According to the World Health Organisation, 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware, and early detection is critical — that's the lesson Vusi Nova had to learn when he was rushed to hospital recently in the wee hours.
The singer told TshisaLIVE he was diagnosed with the condition and had to take a two-day break to ease the fatigue.
"I feel like I know how it feels to have a heart attack. My blood pressure was around 180, which was very dangerous. I'm fine now, I'm fresh. It's just that it's still a shock of having to take pills now all of a sudden," Vusi said.
The Intliziyo hitmaker says while he is grateful for the constant work he gets, he understands he needs to prioritise his health.
"We have to work, and for me, it's a blessing to still be working. You can tell that most people are not working, so I don't take that for granted. And I think any artist who's working now has the same mindset.
"I don't want to be 50 years old and still running around like this. The ultimate goal for me is to have two major shows every year. It's a lot now, but I cannot be complaining. I just need to also take time and rest."
This is not Vusi’s first health scare. Nearly four years ago, he was hospitalised for mitral valve prolapse.
"It's the second time now. It's a matter of exercising and keeping fit. Going to the hospital was a reminder that you need to have a good diet and exercise. I'm not getting any younger. It's just a matter of making the right choices."
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