The pressure’s on!
Everything we need to know about the silent killer—hypertension
Hypertension is a major public health problem that affects 30 percent of the entire adult population or over one billion people worldwide, according to data from the Pan American Health Organization.
In the Philippines, 20 percent of Filipinos are afflicted with the condition, often referred to by Pinoys as “high blood.”
By definition, hypertension is when the heart needs to drastically increase its effort to keep blood flowing to all the vital areas of the body when blood pressure (BP) is consistently higher than 140/90 mm Hg as opposed to the normal BP of 120/80 mmHg, or thereabout.
Several reasons cause blood pressure to spike from lifestyle to diet, excessive weight, lack of physical activity, even genetics and stress.
Warning signs include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears.
Severe hypertension causes fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors. A combination of these signs could potentially mean a person’s high blood pressure may have already affected other vital organs.
Studies reveal that high blood pressure is a silent killer and the leading contributing risk factor in global death. Raised blood pressure results in strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications. It’s worth knowing more about this since around 10 million lives are lost each year because of raised BP.
The fact of the matter is that not enough of those with hypertension are aware that they have it. Hypertension awareness in the Philippines is around 67.8 percent. Only 75 percent of those who are aware that they have high BPs are treated. Among them, only 27 percent can keep their health issue under control.
Organizations like Servier Philippines, Inc., a subsidiary of Les Laboratories Servier, a research pharma company specializing in medications for cardiovascular diseases, and the maker of Single Pill Combinations (SPCs), have been supporting endeavors of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and the World Hypertension League (WHL) in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) and the Department of Health (DOH), to spread awareness on this condition.
The need to improve hypertension awareness has become even more important today. The only sure way to know when one has hypertension is by constantly checking our BP. Unfortunately for most, the health concern is only discovered during routine examinations, and oftentimes it would be too late, especially for the non-conscious under-60-year-olds.
At that point, high BP had led to other illnesses. Hypertension is considered a silent killer as it has no warning signs or visible symptoms.
Among all the handy gadgets, especially for those identified as prone to or at high risk of hypertension, is a blood pressure apparatus. Make it a habit to monitor blood pressure levels, especially when feeling a bit off. If and when blood pressure reaches 140/90 mmHg health professionals advise to relax, sit up, and re-take the test after five minutes. If it stays on that level, call or see a doctor.
There is hope, as hypertension can be managed. Discussing options with a general physician is essential.
Although it’s not as simple a choice when hypertension is genetic or brought about by aging, doctors would almost always advise making lifestyle changes, which should be an easier task knowing that it’s a move that will greatly improve quality of life.
One of the fundamental measures for controlling hypertension is maintenance medication. In recent years, more and more doctors prescribe the breakthrough treatment strategy of single pill combinations (SPCs), which have been proven to be more effective in ensuring medication is taken regularly and in the right dosage. In many cases, hypertension is not managed because of the added step of remembering when to take which tablet, and SPCs have shown to be efficient and convenient for patients. Both local and international treatment guidelines recommend the use of SPCs in most cases of hypertension.
While anxiety doesn’t cause longterm high blood pressure, bouts of anxiety could also lead to one’s blood pressure spiking.
As with all unforeseen or neglected diseases, don’t forego regular checkups. Always have your blood pressure taken during any medical consultation, or any time you find access to a BP measuring device, whether at the mall, drugstores, or hospitals. Invest in a digital apparatus, and have one at home, especially if you had been diagnosed with hypertension, are prone to BP spikes, or have family history of the condition. Make it a habit to self-monitor and don’t forget to tell your doctor about it.
Hypertension is a phase when we overlook the lofty unblemished magnificence of life. Remain solid, always get checked, and be healthy.
Hypertension is a phase when we overlook the lofty unblemished magnificence of life. Remain solid, always get checked, and be healthy.