The festive season is over, but its effects can linger, not just on our waistlines, but also on our brains, hearts and kidneys.
At this time of the year, cardiologists and neurologists start to see quite a number of their old patients with high blood pressure level after indulging in holiday fare (rich holiday treats and celebratory drinks), after pushing dietary boundaries, during the Christmas Season.
The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) addressed this common clinic scenario through its Usapang Puso sa Puso (UPP) webinar episode Jan. 25, 20204.
Consistently elevated BP readings (above 140/90 mmHg) put undue strain on the heart and blood vessels. This can lead to a cascade of health problems, making it crucial to identify and manage the condition effectively.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is a ticking time bomb and a silent killer, damaging vital organs --the brain and heart that may lead to stroke or heart attack; and take its toll on the kidneys too, said Dr. Louella Santos, host of UPP and PHA advocacy chair.
"Ang body ay isang circulation system, isang nakapulupot na ugat" (the entire human body is also called the circulatory system that moves blood throughout the body. This blood circulation keeps organs, muscles and tissues healthy and working).
Drs. Lianne Ramos and Yssa Poblete PHA Cardiology Fellows in Training at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center said that so far, the youngest hypertensive patient that they attended to at the ER was an 18-year-old male. Hypertension can hit anyone.
"Anyone can have elevated BP. It can be genetic, because of age, and it is especially prevalent in smokers, those who don't exercise, have a high sodium and fatty diet, drink alcohol a lot, and are chronically stressed, leading to decreased oxygen to organs such as the heart, brain, kidney, and lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, dementia even or damaged retinas." Ramos stressed.
A hypertensive person can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. The case varies.
"Watch out for the symptoms like dizziness, one side of the body becoming weak, head ache; these are some indications of a stroke, while there may not be any symptoms at all, which is why BP monitoring must be done consistently and salty foods, alcohol, must be consumed in moderation" Poblete stressed.
According to the PRESYON 4 study, as of 2021 only 37% of hypertension cases in the country are managed, with prevalence of the disease on the rise from 28 percent in 2013 to 37 percent.
The Philippine Statistics Authority continues to label ischemic heart disease as the top killer among Filipinos.
"The reason we advocate constant BP monitoring, check-ups with your doctor and compliance are to avoid its concomitant organ damage that are fatal, or, can severely reduce quality of life." Santos added.
The heart and hypertension specialists offered brain and heart health tips:
"We recommend three BP measurements, twice a day; first, as soon as you wake up, then before eating dinner. When taking BP, you need to make sure you are relaxed, in a calm area, sitting with your feet placed firmly on the ground, back supported, and arms at the level of your heart to make sure gravity doesn't affect the reading. After taking the first measurement, wait one minute then take two more, each a minute apart as well. The first will be ignored, then you get the average of the remaining two," according to Dr. Raymond Oliva, clinical associate professor from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) and certified hypertension specialist from the American Hypertension Society.
He added that handy digital BP monitors that are available, must be validated by local or international authorities, which can be checked online, are the best for self-monitoring at home because manual devices require another person to help and they must be trained in BP measuring.
Devices such as smartwatches or finger BP measurements, are not as accurate due to the location on the body, with veins in the wrist and finger being smaller and thus having higher blood pressure than normal.
Santos said that taking this precise measurement for seven days and documenting it, would be greatly beneficial to your physician in tracking BP levels. While these can be used, a proper BP machine must be used to check as well.
Dr. Deborah Ona, associate professor from the UP-PGH and immediate past president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension, stated that "even if one measurement of your BP is high, whether systolic (the upper number) or diastolic (lower number), if it occurs on two separate occasions, then it is still considered hypertension."
Ona also warned people who have the habit of self-medicating, and shifting to the brand of maintenance pill that works on a friend or neighbor. Only your doctor can tell you when to adjust your dosage.
Healthy habits begin at the home front.
"We know that we need to start at home, and with BP screening, those 18 years and above must now know their BPs; once you know, and if you are borderline, then speak to a doctor. Prevention is the key, because if you are aware, then you will be conscious of what to do to avoid complications. Our advocacy is to reduce hypertension prevalence," she underscored.
Simple lifestyle changes like adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management were highlighted as key steps that anyone can take, to maintain a healthy BP. "Asin (salt) is a sin. Filipinos love to eat with dips like soy sauce, patis. Fast foods and junk food are salt-laden," according to Oliva.
The PHA recommends the 52100 Healthy Lifestyle Code; 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, a maximum of 2 grams of sodium, at least 1 hour of exercise, 0 smoking and 0 sugary drinks, every day, is a simple to follow guide, in congruence with regular check-ups with your doctor.
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