Pinoys’ love for salty food, stress linked to rising hypertension cases

Hypertension remains a growing health concern in the Philippines, with lifestyle, diet, stress, age, and genetics among the leading factors contributing to its widespread prevalence.

According to Dr. Alejandro Diaz, a vascular and stroke neurologist, one major contributor is the Filipino fondness for salt-rich food, which significantly raises the risk for high blood pressure.

However, Diaz clarified that a hypertension diagnosis is not a life sentence.

“It is highly treatable and preventable. It can be controlled as long as it’s early detection and it is strongly recommended for hypertension patients to seek a doctor’s advice since we have cases of resistant hypertension,” he said.

Resistant hypertension, as defined by Johns Hopkins Medicine, is a condition in which blood pressure remains high despite treatment with at least three different medications at optimal doses.

The Philippine Society of Hypertension warns that hypertension remains a leading contributor to deaths in the country, as it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and even blindness. Diaz noted that even younger adults and teens are now experiencing strokes, a condition strongly linked to uncontrolled blood pressure.

Mitigating hypertension

In line with Hypertension Awareness Month this May, physicians urged the public to adopt correct practices when monitoring blood pressure.

“Don’t take your blood pressure right away. Rest for five minutes first, sit properly, make sure you don’t need to urinate, and that you haven’t had coffee. Stay calm and quiet, then take your blood pressure two to three times — this will give you a more accurate reading,” said Diaz.

He also debunked a common myth that older adults naturally have higher blood pressure.

"Just because you're old doesn't mean it's normal for your blood pressure to be at 160 — that's not true. Even if you're 80 or 85 years old, it's still better to maintain a lower blood pressure, similar to that of younger people," he stressed.

Patients diagnosed with hypertension are advised to consult a doctor monthly, or at least every three months, until their blood pressure is well-managed.

A 2024 study from the National Library of Medicine found that 69.1% of older Filipinos have hypertension, but only 61.6% are aware of their condition, underscoring the importance of public education and early intervention.