Headline Effective management of hypertension is key to lower risk for stroke

MediaTitle Manila Times(manilatimes.net)

Date 10 Apr 2019
Section NEWS
Order Rank 1
Language English
Journalist N/A
Frequency Daily

Effective management of hypertension is key to lower risk for stroke

Hypertension or high blood pressure remains the leading cause of illness and untimely death in the
Philippines. According to the Department of Health, over 12 million Filipinos suffer from this
debilitating disease but more than half are unaware of their condition, making them walking timebombs
as victims of this “silent killer.”
Undiagnosed or untreated hypertension can lead to stroke or heart attack, resulting to either disability
or death.
Link between hypertension and stroke
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 — and this is when stroke strikes.

Undiagnosed or untreated hypertension can lead to stroke or heart attack, resulting to either disability
or death.
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 for males and the fourth in
females.
Despite these numbers, there is a silver lining: 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,” explained Rochelle Valera,
an endocrinologist and country medical lead of Upjohn, a Pfizer division.
Reducing risk for stroke by managing hypertension
According to Valera, 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,” the endocrinologist said.
“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,” she explained.
“If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help lower your
blood pressure. 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,” Valera added.