The measure of good health

DURING the pandemic, we learnt that prevention and control of a disease requires joint multi-sectoral efforts at all levels. We also follow the standard operating procedure to stop the spread of Covid-19.

But what are we doing about hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which remain the leading cause of deaths in Malaysia?

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a silent killer that may cause serious illnesses like heart diseases and stroke without showing many symptoms.

The 2019 National Morbidity and Health Survey reported that nearly half of those who had high blood pressure were not diagnosed for the condition.

Do we check our blood pressure and screen for NCDs when we feel unwell?

The theme of World Hypertension Day 2022 “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”, highlights the importance of controlling blood pressure to prevent hypertension.

A meta-analysis showed that blood pressure reduction significantly reduced risks of major heart disease events, heart failure and stroke, and subsequently a reduction in all-cause mortality among the population.

Hypertension can be prevented or reduced by living a healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips on how to do this:

1. Do regular health screening and seek treatment early if needed;

2. Measure blood pressure accurately and keep it below 140/90 mmHg;

3. Consume less than 5g of salt a day and adopt the Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods;

4. Be physically active for at least 150 minutes a week;

5. Maintain body mass index between 18.5kg/m2 and 24.9kg/m2;

6. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake;

7. Manage stress with coping skills and relaxation therapies; and

8. Get adequate (seven to nine hours) and good quality sleep.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle is certainly not easy, but look up the Health Ministry’s Wellness Hub (https://bit.ly/3wwrtjn) to get professional advice and support.

Do your part now to make our country a healthier nation.

DR YOONG LEE YEEN

PROF DR MOY FOONG MING

and PROF DR SANJAY RAMPAL

Department of Social and Preventive Medicine,

Faculty of Medicine,

Universiti Malaya