Hypertension in the Philippines: Silent Risks You Shouldn’t Ignore

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Introduction

Hypertension in the Philippines, commonly called high blood pressure, affects millions of Filipinos—often without any symptoms. It is also known as the “silent killer. It quietly damages your heart, kidneys, and blood vessels until a major event like a stroke or heart attack occurs.

In the Philippines, high blood pressure is one of the top causes of death and disability. Yet, most cases can be prevented or controlled through early screening and lifestyle changes.

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What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension means your blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. You may be diagnosed with hypertension if your readings are:

• 130–139/80–89 mmHg → Elevated
• 140/90 mmHg or higher → High blood pressure (Stage 1–2)

If left uncontrolled, the constant pressure damages blood vessels and forces the heart to work harder.

👉 Learn more at World Health Organization – Hypertension.

Prevalence of hypertension in the Philippines:

• High Prevalence: A significant percentage of Filipino adults suffer from hypertension. In 2024, 33% of adults aged 30-79 years old in the Philippines had high blood pressure. In 2021, the prevalence of hypertension in the Philippines rose to 37%.
• Mortality: In 2021, 908,900 Filipinos died due to diseases resulting from hypertension. Cardiovascular diseases caused 304,600 of these deaths, with 51% attributable to high systolic blood pressure.
• Economic Impact: Hypertension imposes a substantial financial burden on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and the economy. Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, led to economic losses estimated at about $3.7 trillion from 2011 to 2025 in low and middle-income countries.
• Risk Factors: Several risk factors contribute to hypertension among Filipinos, including high sodium intake, tobacco use, and obesity. The average daily salt intake of Filipinos is around 11 grams per day. This is higher than the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams.
• Low Control Rate: Despite a high percentage of diagnosed individuals, only a small fraction have their condition under control. Of the 16.8 million Filipinos with hypertension, only 19% have their condition under control.
• Rising Prevalence:
  Projections indicate that the number of cases will continue to increase. By 2030, it’s projected that around 20 million Filipino adults will have hypertension based on past trends.

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Common Causes and Risk Factors

Many factors contribute to high blood pressure, including:

• Unhealthy diet (too much salt, fatty foods)
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Stress
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Family history of hypertension
• Medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

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Why Hypertension Is Dangerous

High blood pressure silently damages vital organs over time. Major complications include:

1. Heart Attack – due to clogged or narrowed arteries.
2. Stroke – from a burst or blocked blood vessel in the brain.
3. Heart Failure – when the heart weakens and can’t pump effectively.
4. Kidney Disease – long-term pressure harms kidney function.
5. Vision Problems – damaged eye blood vessels can cause vision loss.

👉 Reference: American Heart Association – High Blood Pressure Risks.

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Signs and Symptoms

Most people with hypertension feel nothing at all until complications occur. Warning signs include:

• Frequent headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

If you experience these symptoms, get checked, don’t postpone.

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Diagnosis and Screening

Hypertension is confirmed through blood pressure measurement by your doctor who recommends tests as:

• ECG (Electrocardiogram) to check heart strain or enlargement
• Blood tests for kidney and cholesterol levels
• Urine test to assess kidney functions

At Helal Medical Diagnostic in Manila, patients can have all these done conveniently and affordably.

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How to Prevent and Control Hypertension

You can manage or prevent high blood pressure with simple lifestyle steps:

1. Eat healthy; reduce salt in your food, avoid processed food, and fried dishes as much as you can.
2. Exercise regularly; at least 30 to 40 minutes of walking, 5 days a week.
3. Stop smoking and don’t drink, it’s harmful alcohol.
4. Manage stress through relaxation, meditation and sleep.
5. Check your blood pressure regularly.

If your doctor prescribes medication, take it exactly as directed—don’t stop on your own.

👉 See Philippine Heart Association – Hypertension Control Program.

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When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if your blood pressure is consistently above 130/80 mmHg, especially if you:

• Have diabetes or kidney disease
• Experience headaches, dizziness, or chest pain
• Have a family history of heart disease

Your doctor recommends ECG and laboratory tests to check how your heart is coping.

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Summary

Hypertension in the Philippines remains one of the biggest health threats. But also, It’s one of the most preventable.

Early detection through regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, and ECG testing can prevent severe complications like heart attack and stroke.

Remember:

• Hypertension has no symptoms until it’s serious.
• Simple lifestyle changes and medication can control it.
• Regular ECG and checkups can save your life.

If it’s been a while since your last checkup, now’s the time to take care of your heart. ✅ “Get your blood pressure and ECG checked at Helal Medical Diagnostic in Malate, Manila.”

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