Know your numbers, prevent hypertensionThe Month of May is declared as the National Hypertension Awareness Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 1761, s. 2009 to raise awareness on the prevention and control of hypertension and its cardiovascular complications. This year’s World Hypertension Day celebrated on May 17th with the theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer”, aims to increase high blood pressure (BP) awareness worldwide and promote accurate BP measurement.

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a chronic disease considered to be a silent killer. Many people are not aware that they are hypertensive and only find out after suffering a stroke or heart attack. It is therefore essential that blood pressure is measured regularly.

Hypertension is a major cause of a wide range of health problems such as stroke, heart attack and heart disease, and kidney disease among others, if not prevented and detected early.

Having blood pressure measures which are consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of hypertension. According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher.

Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the first number) indicates how much pressure the blood is exerting against the artery walls when the heart beats, while the diastolic blood pressure (the second number) indicates how much pressure the blood is exerting against the artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

Hypertension usually develops over time. According to the World Health Organization, modifiable risk factors for hypertension include unhealthy diets (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and being overweight or obese. Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature deaths in the Philippines, often causing strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications. The 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) of the DOST-FNRI revealed that 17.5% of Filipino adults (20 years and above) have elevated blood pressure.

The WHO recommends the following to prevent hypertension: reduce salt intake (to less than 5g daily), eat more fruit and vegetables, be physically active on a regular basis, avoid use of tobacco, reduce alcohol consumption, limit intake of foods high in saturated fats, and eliminate/reduce trans fats in diet. It is also important to manage hypertension by reducing and managing mental stress, regularly checking blood pressure, treating high blood pressure, and managing other medical conditions.

Know your numbers. Regularly measure you blood pressure and have your cholesterol and sugar levels checked, including your body mass index. Prevention and early detection of hypertension can save your life.

Written by: NOI Joyce Ann P. Pardo and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo

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