May marks an important time—May Measuring Month—a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of measuring blood pressure and, ultimately, preventing hypertension and its complications.

In Malaysia, one in three adults suffers from hypertension, yet awareness of the disease remains low. The control rate for those diagnosed is less than 50%, highlighting a significant gap in management and patient education.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be challenging to manage, largely because it often presents without symptoms. Many patients dismiss hypertension as a non-serious condition, especially if they feel "fine." This issue is particularly concerning in younger individuals who may wrongly perceive hypertension as a condition that only affects older adults. In reality, hypertension can affect people of all ages.

Hypertension occurs when the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This increases the workload on the heart and raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. While hypertension itself may not show symptoms, its complications can be severe and even life-threatening.

When you visit a healthcare facility, measuring blood pressure is an essential part of your check-up. High blood pressure is diagnosed when repeated measurements show a systolic reading (upper number) consistently above 140 mmHg, or a diastolic reading (lower number) consistently above 90 mmHg.

The most common causes of hypertension are lifestyle-related. These include:

• High salt intake
• Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
• Poor diet, especially one low in vegetables and high in fats
• Smoking
• Chronic stress

However, hypertension can also be caused by secondary conditions such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), excessive use of steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and rare conditions like pheochromocytoma. In these cases, it’s crucial to treat the underlying cause to manage blood pressure effectively.

If blood pressure remains consistently high, the risk of complications increases. The longer hypertension goes untreated, the higher the likelihood of developing severe health problems. To manage hypertension and reduce the risk of complications, doctors recommend the following:

• Adopting a healthy lifestyle
• Taking antihypertensive medications
• Regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional
• Monitoring blood pressure at home (Home Blood Pressure Monitoring or HBPM)

 

Monitoring your blood pressure at home is a great way to track the effectiveness of your lifestyle changes and medications. Additionally, it can help identify "white coat hypertension," a condition where anxiety in a clinical setting causes elevated blood pressure readings.

Here are some tips for accurate HBPM:

1. Ensure it is validated for accuracy. Avoid wrist and finger devices, as they have not been supported by sufficient research for reliable measurements.
2. Take readings in the morning and evening, typically after dinner.
3. Sit with your back supported and your arms resting on a table. Keep your legs uncrossed.
4. Take two readings, ensuring there is a 1-2 minute interval between them.
5. Keep a log of your blood pressure measurements for reference.
6. Do not consume caffeine, food, or exercise 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure, and avoid smoking as well.

 

If your next medical appointment is far off, two readings per week are sufficient. However, if your appointment is approaching, aim to take your readings for 3-7 consecutive days.

Blood pressure readings are considered normal if the average is below 135 mmHg systolic and 85 mmHg diastolic.

If your blood pressure exceeds 180/110 mmHg, seek immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or weakness. These could be signs of a hypertensive crisis.

This May Measuring Month, we encourage everyone to prioritize their health by measuring their blood pressure and making necessary lifestyle adjustments. Taking small steps towards better health can result in healthier blood pressure numbers and, ultimately, an improved quality of life.

Assoc. Professor Dr. Aneesa Abdul Rashid

Family Medicine Specialist

Deputy Managing Director Clinical (Medical)

Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (HSAAS)

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 17/05/2025 | Updated: 17/05/2025 | nadia_rahman