Hypertension is a long-term condition where blood pressure is increased. It is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting more than 1.4 billion people, and accounting for more than 28,000 deaths each day.
The Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 reported that 30 per cent of Malaysians above the age of 18 years suffer from hypertension.
Numerous studies done in different population groups demonstrated that optimal blood pressure control was achieved in only about one-third of hypertensive patients.
Hypertension may not cause any symptoms initially, but if left untreated, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, vision loss, and dementia.
Control of high blood pressure can help protect against these conditions, and there are other measures that can be taken to help lower blood pressure.
According to the International Society Hypertension, there are eight simple rules of living with hypertension:
- Measure your blood pressure regularly.
- Limit your alcohol consumption (no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women).
- Eat a balanced diet (with emphasis on fruits and vegetables and wholegrain).
- Reduce stress.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Take your medications as prescribed (do not skip even one dose).
- Reduce salt in your diet (less than 5g of salt per day).
- Exercise regularly.
In conjunction with the World Hypertension Day on May 17, 2023, I hope that all hypertensive patients will measure their blood pressure regularly, control it, and live longer.
Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming is from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
