According to the Department of Health, high blood pressure or hypertension remains to be a leading cause of illness and a primary contributor to premature death in the Philippines. Over 12 million Filipinos suffer from it but more than half are unaware of their condition, earning the disease its tag as the “silent killer.”
If hypertension is left undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to a stroke or heart attack, both of which can result in disability and can even be fatal.
Uncontrolled hypertension increases the pressure of blood flowing through the arteries, causing them to narrow, rupture, or leak. Damaged arteries can also reduce blood flow to the brain, depriving the brain of oxygen and the nutrients it needs—this is when stroke strikes.
Age is a risk factor for stroke: the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years between the ages of 55 and 85 years old.
In the Philippines, stroke is the second leading cause of death among males and the fourth in females.
Despite these numbers, stroke in hypertensive patients can be prevented.
“Hypertension is the single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. Modifiable refers to a risk factor we can change or control. Hypertension doubles to quadruples your risk for stroke before the age of 80. Controlling your blood pressure can reduce your risk for stroke,” explains Dr. Rochelle Valera, an endocrinologist and country medical lead of Upjohn, a Pfizer division.
Four out of 10 people who die from stroke could have been saved if they had regulated their blood pressure.
“It is important to have regular check-ups with a doctor and to monitor your blood pressure to determine whether you’re hypertensive or not,” asserts Dr. Valera.
She adds, “If you are diagnosed to have hypertension, it is important to communicate openly with your doctor so that you understand your condition and its management. Make the necessary lifestyle changes in consultation with your physician: eat a well-balanced diet, limit alcohol and salt intake, be physically active, manage your stress levels, and quit smoking.”
On taking medication, Dr. Valera advises, “Always ensure that you take your medication as advised by your physician. You must also keep your appointments with your doctor so that your condition and your blood pressure levels can be monitored.”