imageHypertension or high blood pressure is the top contributing risk factor for global health, causing strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications which is the top leading cause of death in the Philippines. There are ten million deaths due high blood pressure that is recorded each year. Thus, to prevent and control this disease, national hypertension awareness month is celebrated in May every year. The aim of the campaign is to educate and increase hypertension awareness among all Filipinos.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious condition wherein blood pressure is measured higher than normal (120/80). Elevated blood pressure can seriously damage important organs such as heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. It may increase the person’s risk of having health problems such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Possible causes of having hypertension are unhealthy food choices and sedentary lifestyle. It is also called “silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs and symptoms thus many people who suffer from hypertension do not know they have it. This condition develops over time.

Nutrition recommendations to prevent hypertension:

To manage and prevent high blood pressure, it is important to consider having a lifestyle change. The following are some recommendations to maintain a normal blood pressure and a healthy:

  • Eating a healthy and balanced diet following the Pinggang Pinoy recommendations
  • Remember Kumainment No 8. “Hinay-hinay sa maaalat, mamantika at matatamis na pagkain”. Limiting consumption of salty, fatty and sweet foods as it may elevate blood pressure. These foods would also increase the risk of being overweight and obese.
  • Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables every day. Foods such as vegetables and fruits contains important nutrients that are essential in controlling blood pressure. Fiber also helps in lowering lipid content in our blood.
  • Avoid alcohol drinking and smoking. Excessive smoking and drinking increase the risk of developing hypertension which in turn increases the risk of developing heart diseases.
  • Maintain a healthy weight through a regular exercise. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. That is about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
  • Limit consumption of foods that is high in saturated fat and trans-fat. Food high in saturated fat and trans-fat such as pastry, pizza, burgers and other processed foods increases the risk of developing hypertension and heart diseases.

Person who already has hypertension must regularly take maintenance medicine in combination with healthy food choices and regular physical activity to maintain a normal blood pressure. It is also recommended to regularly check and measure blood pressure to prevent complications or conditions that is related to elevated blood pressure. ###FVV

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm#:~:text=High%20blood%20pressure%2C%20also%20called,blood%20pressure%20(or%20hypertension).

https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/events/6360-celebrate-hypertension-awareness-month-this-may#:~:text=Hypertension%20is%20considered%20as%20the,prevent%20and%20control%20this%20disease.

https://www.healthresearch.ph/index.php/regional-news/501-know-your-numbers-may-is-the-national-hypertension-awareness-month

https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-hypertension-day-2021/