Number of adult Pinoys with hypertension rising

MANILA, Philippines -  Health experts have expressed concern over the rising number of adult Filipinos who suffer from hypertension, a disease which is fast becoming an epidemic.Dr. Dante Morales, president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension, said that based on the National Nutrition and Health Survey, the number of hypertensive Filipino adults has been steadily rising since 1998.

The prevalence rate for hypertension in the country back in 1998 was 17.1, but rose to 17.4 in 2003 and eventually to 25.4 in 2008, translating to 13 million.

“We have to do something about this. It is important that you know your number (blood pressure) and that you manage and treat your hypertension,” Morales said in a press conference organized by pharmaceutical firm Novartis for the commemoration of World Hypertension Day the other day.

Morales attributed the rising cases of hypertension in the country to smoking, poor diet, and inactivity. Hypertension can lead to heart disease and stroke. 

Dr. Eugene Reyes, secretary of the Philippine Heart Association, noted that only 20 percent of hypertensive Filipinos who receive drug treatment actually have controlled blood pressure.

“The risk of developing heart disease and stroke is still high. It is a big waste of resources (if your blood pressure is not controlled although you are taking your medication),” Reyes added.

Dr. Leilani Mercado-Asis, former president of Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, said those with diabetes should make sure that they manage their condition to avoid developing hypertension.

“Not all diabetics should have hypertension,” she said.          

Asis added that high blood sugar envelops the proteins of the eyes, blood vessels, and kidneys leading to complications.