The Philippine’s Department of Health has yet to decide if we’re to adapt these new guidelines.

Currently, 25 million Filipinos are hypertensive. If we’re to follow the USA’s revised classification, 10 million more Filipinos would be categorized as hypertensive. This would bring the Filipino hypertensive population to 35 million.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III had recently voiced out his personal support for the limit adjustment. He clarified that “it does not necessarily mean that the diagnosed person with a 130/80 reading must immediately resort to medication. There are many healthy lifestyle interventions that could be adapted to prevent the rising of blood pressure.”

His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Anthony Leachon, cardiologist and president of Manila Doctors Hospital. “The age group that are at risk of hypertension is getting younger and younger. A lot of the patients that went through a weight gain now experience a rise in cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and a whole lot more complications.” He emphasized the importance of proper education on hypertension.

To lower the risk for hypertension it is advised to have regular blood pressure checks. This is especially important for those who have diabetes, heart disease, or a family history of high blood. Salty foods and vices should also be avoided. A half an hour’s worth of exercise every day can effectively aid in normalizing blood pressure levels.