Eldon Vince Isidro Prof.

Ariel Ortuoste
BSN 3YS1 9-15-17

Pinoy with hypertension growing in number and

getting younger
By:Mayen Jaymalin

More and younger Filipinos are suffering from hypertension, a condition that could lead to
premature death.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona said hypertension is now considered a public health hazard that
afflicts even as young elementary students.
"We are reminding all people and even those who are elementary students to have their blood
pressure taken because we have known cases of hypertension among elementary graders," Ona
disclosed Friday.
Ona said the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are
advocating all people to have their blood pressure taken regularly because it's the only way to
detect hypertension.
Health experts noted that hypertension is commonly asymptomatic or does not manifest any
symptoms, but, those who are suffering from the disease are unaware of their condition.
Dr. Susan Pineda-Mercado, acting WHO Representative to the Philippines, said contrary to wide
belief, hypertension is not a disease of only the elderly or men.
"While age increases chance of hypertension, it is not an illness of old people. There are many
young people below 30 years old who have learned they have hypertension only after they have
their blood pressure taken," she explained.
"Not because you are young you can no longer develop hypertension. If you are a smoker and
overweight you are at high risk of developing hypertension," Mercado added.
Mercado stressed that hypertension is a "silent disease" that could trigger stroke and premature
death.
Based on a government data, Mercado said, young people or those who are in their productive
years account for 50 percent of recorded deaths due to hypertension.
But Mercado stressed that hypertension and premature deaths can be prevented if people would
change their lifestyle, such as reducing their salt intake, avoiding smoking and alcohol, as well as
engaging in exercise and other physical activities.
To make people aware of hypertension and risk factor of fatal heart attack, the DOH and WHO
marked World Health Day yesterday with the campaign "BP: Alamin at Kontrolin."
DOH data showed that 25 percent of Filipino adults, or about 14 million of current adult
population, have high blood pressure. Many who are diagnosed often do not have access to
treatment, and their conditions not adequately controlled.
Philippine Health Statistics data show that in 2009, about 167,000 Filipinos died from heart
disease and stroke. Half of these tragic deaths are likely related to high blood pressure.
An analysis done by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) further reveals that
34 percent of all cardiovascular deaths are happening prematurely or at age below 60 years,
ending the life of many Filipinos during their supposedly most productive years. This has
implications to labor, productivity, and economic development.
Ona said poor people should not be afraid to have thir blood pressure taken and seek medical
treatment if necessary because the government is extending free services for them
Source: http://www.science.ph/full_story.php?key=9200:pinoy-with-hypertension-growing-in-
number-and-getting-younger&type=latest

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