Hypertension Awareness Month InfographicsHigh blood pressure also known as hypertension is defined as high or raised blood pressure. It is a condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels have persistently increased and significantly elevates the risks of various diseases.

Blood pressure levels below 120/80 are considered normal. Over time, higher results may indicate hypertension. The top number (systolic) represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The lower number (diastolic) represents the pressure in your heart between heartbeats, as it fills up with blood.

Array of health problems such as stroke, heart attack and kidney disease are the direct consequences of hypertension if not managed regularly. It can also contribute to dementia. Several people who suffer from hypertension are not aware that they have it as there can be no symptoms and signals, often people only find out after suffering a heart attack or stroke.

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), the national prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults (20 years old and above), has significantly increased from 22.3% in 2013 to 23.9% in 2015. The Department of Health (DOH) also declared that hypertension remains to be the significant cause of illness and is said to be one of the identified precipitating factors of premature and top deaths in the Philippines.

Every month of May is the celebration and recognition of the awareness of hypertension globally. This year’s theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, focusing on combatting low awareness rates worldwide, especially in low to middle income families and/or communities, with accurate blood pressure measurement methods and assistance both government and non-government sectors.

In the field of health and nutrition, doctors in collaboration with Nutritionist-Dietitians recommend the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet in the management of hypertension. The diet is simple to follow:

  • Consume varied fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods.
  • Minimize and/or avoid consumption on foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fats.
  • Consume more whole-grain foods, fish, poultry, and nuts.
  • Limit sodium, sweets and sugary drinks, and red meats.

Additionally, another DASH diet also known as DASH-Sodium diet cuts back sodium to 1,500 milligrams a day (about 2/3 teaspoon). Studies suggest that people on the DASH-Sodium plan have lowered their blood pressure as well.

Hypertension does not only strike adults. Although, it is more likely a problem among older people, several studies reveal that children can also have high blood pressure. What is normal varies based on a child’s age, height, and sex. Children are more likely to get it if they are overweight, and/or have a family history of the illness.

Physical activities must be promoted in addition to keeping track of the proper food and nutrition. The majority of the factors of hypertensive individuals are linked to sedentary lifestyle. Access to essential needs became simple and convenient due to modernization and technological advancements. However, the burden of modernization has led to an increase in morbidity owing to non-communicable diseases.

Hypertension is often a lifelong condition. A person clinically diagnosed with hypertension should take their medications and continue to monitor their blood pressure religiously. Keeping it under control can lower the odds of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. Lifestyle change and stress management should go hand in hand in the management of hypertension. As saying always told but never gets old, prevention is better than cure. (PNFP Gwyn Y. Balaba)

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