Health experts have reminded Filipinos of the importance of monitoring their blood pressure ahead of National Hypertension Awareness Month in May.
In a public briefing, Philippine Society of Hypertension president Dr. Dolores Bonzon and PSH vice president Dr. Alejandro Diaz warned of rising hypertension-related deaths.
“In 2019, 10.8 million people (around the world) died due to hypertension and its complications, including stroke and heart attack, which are also among the top 10 leading causes of mortality in our country,” Bonzon said.
Diaz added that the prevalence of hypertension has been rising in the Philippines, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Many people have not had the chance to have their blood pressure measured or receive treatment, which has contributed to the increase in hypertension cases,” he said.
He encouraged all Filipinos aged 18 and above to participate in the May Measurement Month survey by scanning the QR code provided and inputting their blood pressure and pulse rate readings.
“Hypertension awareness through blood pressure screening during May Measurement Month has increased to over 30 percent, which shows the program’s effectiveness,” he said.
Aside from consuming salty foods, stress is also a contributing factor to hypertension, the experts warned.
Dr. Diaz advised the public to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and managing stress. “Preventable deaths due to hypertension can be avoided through medication and lifestyle changes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) said the prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults aged 20 years old and above has significantly declined from 2018 to 2019.
This is despite the increase in the prevalence of hypertension among Filipino adults of the same age from 2013 to 2015.
DOST-FNRI noted that controlled hypertension is more common among females, who have a higher level of attention to healthcare and adherence to prescribed medications.
Additionally, adults with higher educational attainment tend to have a higher rate of controlled hypertension than those with lower educational status, as they have better access to anti-hypertensive medications.