Hypertension

Hypertension
Also known as high blood pressure; is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure, putting
them under increased stress. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels
(arteries) as it is pumped by the Heart.
HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY BLOOD PRESSURE RANGES
SYSTOLIC MM HG DIASTOLIC MM HG
BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY
(UPPER NUMBER) (LOWER NUMBER)
NORMAL LESS THAN 120 and LESS THAN 80
ELEVATED 120 – 129 and LESS THAN 80
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
130 – 139 or 80 – 89
(HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
140 OR HIGHER or 90 OR HIGHER
(HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2
HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS
HIGHER THAN 180 and/or HIGHER THAN 120
(CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY)

2013 NATIONAL NUTRITION SURVEY The prevalence of Hypertension peaks in the

About 22.3% of the adult population in the 50-59 years of age with males having a higher
Philippines is considered hypertensive. prevalence than females in every age group.

RISK FACTORS PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

• Having certain medical conditions such as Adults can support treatment by adhering to the prescribed
Pre-Hypertension and Diabetes increase your chances of medication, lifestyle changes and by monitoring their health.
developing high blood pressure. These five concrete steps can help minimize the odds of
• Unhealthy behaviors such as: developing high blood pressure and its adverse consequences:
o Smoking tobacco 1. Following a Healthy diet consumption
o Eating foods high in sodium and low in potassium • Promoting a healthy lifestyle with emphasis on proper
o Not getting enough physical activity nutrition
o Being obese • Reducing salt intake
o Drinking too much alcohol • Eating five servings of fruit and vegetables a day
• Reducing saturated and total fat intake
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS 2. Avoiding harmful use of alcohol (limit intake to no more than
Most people with Hypertension have no symptoms at all one standard drink a day)
3. Doing a regular Physical activity
making it also known as the “silent killer”.
• Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day)
Some patients usually experience:
• Maintaining a normal weight
• Headache
4. Stopping Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco products
• Shortness of breath 5. Managing stress in healthy ways such as meditation,
• Dizziness appropriate physical exercise, and positive social contact.
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Nose bleeds References:
DOST-FNRI. (2013). 8th National Nutrition Survey. Retrieved from http://122.53.86.125/NNS/8thNNS.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). High Blood Pressure. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/
bloodpressure/index.htm
World Health Organization. (2015). Q&As on Hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/features/qa/82/en/

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