Mange the Hype

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is a global epidemic that affects over 10 million Filipinos, 16 percent of which are not aware that they have the condition and only 20 percent are able to control their high blood pressure.

The condition often has no symptoms, that is why many people do not realize that they have high blood pressure. At present, hypertension affects one in four adults. According to the Department of Health, it is the leading cardiovascular problem in the country.

High blood pressure can be easily detected when you have yourself checked and your blood pressure measured by your doctor. If you are already suffering from the condition, doctors advise that you keep a monitor at home. A normal blood pressure reading must be below 135/85 mmHg. If the reading at home is consistently above that, it is best to consult your doctor. You should not try to adjust your medications yourself.

As they say, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” So even if you feel that you’re not suffering from hypertension, it’s still better to take a close look at your lifestyle and make an appointment with your doctor to be on the safe side.

Dr. Saturnino P. Javier, director of the Philippine Heart Association, underscored that the best way to prevent hypertension is to have a good diet and maintaining an ideal weight. “A low-salt diet plus regular exercise and good handling of stressful situations are steps in the right direction,” he pointed out during the recent observance of World Hypertension Day at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

Dr. Javier explained that even if you are tied to your desk in a nine-to-five job, you can still do practical exercises in your office. “The most practical suggestion is that if you can avoid using the elevators and the escalators, just use the stairs. That’s already a good form of daily exercise.” He added, however, that it is important to know first if you are fit for whatever form of exercise. “If you are not suffering from any heart problems, then you can freely exercise.”

You can check out if your building is equipped with health facilities, like a gym. Instead of spending your breaks puffing on that cigarette, maybe a trip to the gym will do you good. “The treadmill is a good form of cardiovascular exercise,” the doctor added. “A minimum of 30 minutes everyday on the treadmill, stationary bike, steppers or row machines will serve you and your heart well.”

If you cannot exercise during office hours, Dr. Javier suggests brisk walking when you get home.

Most of all, don’t fret over getting that medical check-up. “If you already are at high risk of developing hypertension, like you have a family history, then a visit to the doctor will be very helpful,” Dr. Javier concluded.

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Mange the Hype

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is a global epidemic that affects over 10 million Filipinos, 16 percent of which are not aware that they have the condition and only 20 percent are able to control their high blood pressure.