The Department of Health launched the whole month of May as Hypertension Awareness Month. Part of the campaign is to screen the blood pressure of 1.7 million Filipinos for the whole month.
According to an Inquirer report, the department wants to raise public awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure. Hypertension is the culprit behind over 200,000 deaths yearly, following acute respiratory diseases and pneumonia.
Awareness And Prevention Is Key
Because prevention is the key to a long and healthy life, early detection is the first step in treating hypertension. The department estimates that 12 million Filipinos are hypertensive but do not know it. Of the 12 million, half are called “walking time bombs,” who may sooner than later, experience heart attacks, strokes, heart or kidney failure.
DOH Secretary Paulyn Ubial called on Filipinos to have their blood pressure checked in the nearest hospital or health center. She adds, “Screening is a cost effective way to identify at-risk individuals and those who may have already been experiencing significant symptoms, leading to lower disease rates, reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity.”
At-risk individuals must make major lifestyle changes such as doing regular exercise, a low-fat, sugar and salt diet, but high in fiber and avoiding excessive alcohol or tobacco intake
Defining Hypertension
The American Heart Association defines hypertension as when one’s blood pressure is consistently too high. You are experiencing hypertension if your systolic pressure (higher number) is 140 or higher, or your diastolic pressure (lower number) is 90 or higher.
AHA calls it a “silent killer” because it usually does not manifest any symptoms. However, people with certain physical traits and lifestyle choices, such as those who are overweight, lack exercise or abuse alcohol or tobacco are at risk.
Part Of A Global Campaign For Hypertension Awareness
The DOH campaign contributes to a bigger global campaign called May Measurement Month 2017, which also marks World Hypertension Day on May 17. The global campaign aims to reach 25 million people, in 100 countries, including the Philippines.