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Another look at hypertension, the ‘silent killer’

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With over 30% of Malaysian adults afflicted with this condition, it’s time for all Malaysians to get serious about getting their blood pressure under control.

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Free Malaysia Today
Many people might have hypertension without being aware of it because of lack of symptoms. (AFP pic)

There are many things Malaysians have in common, such as their love for food and public holidays. But there is something else that unites many Malaysians – and that is hypertension.

Indeed, three out of 10 adults in the country are affected by this chronic condition, and yet, many do not take it seriously and may not even be aware of it owing to lack of symptoms.

“Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as the ‘silent killer’ because most people will feel fine in spite of it,” said Dr Verna Lee Kar Mun, a family medicine specialist from a private university in Kuala Lumpur.

“Ignoring it can lead to serious complications like stroke and organ failure, and once the warning signs set in – such as blurred vision, giddiness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing – complications are already happening.”

Risk factors for hypertension include a family history of the condition, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet that is high in salt. If any of these apply to you, you could be at risk for developing hypertension.

In conjunction with World Hypertension Day today, here are three things you need to do to help keep your blood pressure levels within normal range.

1. Check your pressure

Do not be fearful about getting your blood pressure checked. According to Lee, you should check it at least once a year even if you are in good health.

That said, it’s easiest to get it checked each time you visit your doctor. Your doctor might insist on it, anyway.

It’s normal for your pressure to temporarily be higher when you are unwell, although usually not beyond 140/90. Readings consistently above this level in the absence of an illness could indicate the onset of hypertension.

Those with a family history of the condition face a higher risk and should get checked more regularly. When detected early on, lifestyle modifications and treatment are likely to be effective.

Meanwhile, those who are already diagnosed should have a blood pressure monitor at home. Speak to your doctor about how frequently you should check to ensure your condition is being managed.

Free Malaysia Today
Sleep apnoea, which causes patients to stop breathing for several seconds, could lead to secondary hypertension. (Envato Elements pic)

2. Be alert for things that could raise BP

Lee explained that high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to increase volume and maintain sufficient blood flow to all the major organs. “There are many reasons why it happens, chief among them being high salt intake, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.”

There are other, lesser-known things that contribute to elevated blood pressure. These include secondary hypertension, which is caused by other health conditions, the most common being obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which usually affects those who are obese.

“OSA causes patients to stop breathing for a few seconds, leading to hypoxia or lack of oxygen in the brain. This triggers many reactions in the body, one of which is the constriction of blood vessels. Over time, this will lead to secondary hypertension,” Lee said.

Other common causes of secondary hypertension are thyroid problems and chronic kidney disease. The thyroid produces hormones that help to regulate many functions in the body.

Certain medications such as decongestants, which work by constricting blood vessels, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which lead to retention of salt and water, also increase blood pressure. While short-term use is deemed safe, they are best taken with your doctor’s advice.

Then there are poor dietary habits, of which salt is the main culprit. Sometimes even foods that don’t taste very salty can have high sodium content.

On a positive note, consuming more foods that are naturally high in potassium such as bananas, nuts, and citrus fruits can help regulate blood pressure levels.

Free Malaysia Today
Those with a family history, who are obese, or lead a sedentary lifestyle are at higher risk of getting hypertension. (Rawpixel pic)

3. Help your doctor help you

Many patients are reluctant to be completely honest with their doctors, Lee pointed out.

Some hesitate to mention they are taking certain herbal supplements or traditional Chinese medicine, while others are afraid to admit they have stopped taking their prescribed medications for whatever reason.

Being open about your overall wellness, family history of hypertension, and lifestyle habits will help your doctor help you. For example, conditions such as anxiety or depression can elevate blood pressure or make hypertension more difficult to control.

Your doctor can help you to set measurable targets using your pressure readings and assist you with sustained weight management, both of which will support any medicine that is prescribed.

Lee added that there are different types or classes of medications available to treat hypertension, and should a patient experience side effects such as allergy, cough, erectile dysfunction, headache, swelling, or water retention, their doctor can recommend alternatives.

“Hypertension can be reversed with the necessary lifestyle changes. Start by taking small measures such as using the stairs instead of the lift, or parking farther away from your destination to walk and move more. Reduce the amount of sauces and gravies in your daily diet as these are often high in sodium.

“While this takes discipline and time, it is possible to manage blood pressure without the use of medications in the long run,” Lee concluded.

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