The Department of Health (DOH) reminded Filipinos to monitor their blood pressure during the holiday season to prevent hypertension, which it called a “silent killer.”
According to the 2023 National Nutrition Survey, 13% of Filipinos aged 20 to 59 suffer from hypertension.
Dr. Alena Bantolo, adult cardiologist at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, noted that the condition often has no symptoms until severe complications like stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure occur.
“Many patients don’t feel anything until they’re rushed to the emergency room,” Bantolo said.
She clarified that a normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg, while 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertensive, potentially requiring maintenance medication.
“Based on our recommendations, the real cutoff of hypertension is 140 over 90. If your blood pressure is 140 over 90 or higher, you are considered hypertensive,” Bantolo explained.
To prevent hypertension, Bantolo advised limiting fatty, salty, and sweet foods, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and ensuring sufficient sleep, particularly during festive celebrations.