Hypertension is a serious medical condition that has contributed to the high mortality rate worldwide. This disease leads to heart attack, stroke, cardiovascularcomplication and sometimes would lead to death. In order to prevent and control this health condition, the month of May is declared as Hypertension Awareness Month that aims to increase the awareness of the people on the prevention and control of hypertension and to encourage the public to counter this through avoiding its risk factors.

Hypertension or high blood pressure (HBP) takes place when the person’s blood exerts high force against the wall of the blood vessels. Blood pressure is regulated by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher the blood pressure. According to the Philippine Heart Association, the ideal or normal blood pressure for people with lower risk of heart diseases fall under 120 over 80. There are common hereditary and physical risk factors for HBP that are hard to prevent. These factors include the age, family history, race, gender and existing health conditions such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). While these factors are harder to avoid, there are also modifiable risk factors that you can change to help you manage HBP. Below are the list of modifiable risk factors and how you can prevent them:

• Being overweight or obese. The more you weigh the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your body. Maintaining a normal body weight by being physically active is one of the best ways to avoid obesity. Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3-5 times a week to avoid being overweight.
• Having unhealthy habits. Smoking and heavy drinking can raise your blood pressure temporarily and damage your heart leading to various heart diseases. Avoiding these unhealthy habits will help keep your heart healthy.
• Consuming an Unhealthy diet. A diet that is too high in salt, sugar, calories, saturated and trans-fat increases your risk of high blood pressure. Making healthy food choices by consuming a moderate and well-balanced diet can help lower your blood pressure. The pinggang pinoy and Nutritional Guide pyramid for Filipinos are some of the guides to follow to consume a healthy food.
• High level of stress can result to a temporary increase in blood pressure. Giving time for yourself to take a break and relax will help your body maintain a good blood flow.

Keeping your blood pressure under control is important in maintaining your health and reducing your risk of dangerous conditions. Lifestyle adjustments are the standard and top priority treatment for hypertension. By keeping your body healthy, you will not only help yourself manage your blood pressure but also will reduce your risk of obtaining extreme health conditions.

NO I Angelica O. Pajulas