Hypertension is defined as persistent elevation of systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90mmHg taken at least twice on two separate occasions.
In Malaysia, 3 in 10 adults aged ≥18 have hypertension while 4 in 10 adults aged≥30 have hypertension. 5 out of 10 people are aware of their hypertension status and only one third of those under treatment achieved control of their hypertension.
Classification Table
Risk Factors
•High salt consumption
•Genetics
•Age
•Smoking & cigarette smoking
•Stressful lifestyle
Hypertension: The Silent Killer
Usually no symptom. Might be accompanied by headache, chest pain, shortness of breath and blurred vision.
Complications
•Stroke
•Heart attack
•Blood vessel damage
•Kidney damage
•Eye damage
Food to Eat
•Fruits (fresh, frozen, or canned without added salt).
•Richly colored green, orange, and red items are high in potassium and minerals that help lower blood pressure.
•Skim or 1% milk, yogurt, Greek yogurt (calcium-rich foods can lower blood pressure).
•Lean meat.
•Low-salt, ready-to-eat cereals.
•Low-fat and low-salt cheeses.
Food to Avoid
•Butter and margarine.
•Fatty meats.
•Whole milk dairy products.
•Fried foods.
•Salted snacks.
•Canned soups.
•Fast foods.
•Deli meats.
Lifestyle Modifications
•Reduce salt intake to less than 2g of sodium per day.
•Reduce body weight by 4kg.
•Have at least 8 hours of sleep.
•Moderate intensity aerobic exercise of at least 150 minutes/week.
