Hypertension - the Silent Killer

Blood pressure measurement is convenient, safe and quick to perform. Yet, many of us are probably not aware of our own blood pressure, which also means that some of us have hypertension without knowing it.

Most people with hypertension seldom have symptoms until complications develop although some may experience symptoms like dizziness, headache and fatigue. Hypertension is thus often dubbed the "silent killer". Untreated hypertension can increase the risk of: 

          Coronary heart disease                        Heart failure
          Stroke                                                Renal failure
          Retinopathy                                        Peripheral vascular disease

The early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension are thus of utmost importance.

Hong Kong situation and low awareness
The Population Health Survey 2003/2004 of the Department of Health revealed that the prevalence of hypertension is higher among men than women and was 30.1% for males aged 15 or above as against 24.9% for females. The prevalence of hypertension also increased with age, from 7.7% in men aged 15-24 to 67.5% in men aged 65 or above. It is important to note that despite the fact that hypertension is more common among older men, it also affects young men, with 7.7% of men aged 15-24 and 10.6% of men aged 25-34 being affected respectively.

Data from the Population Health Survey also showed that 42.5% of the surveyed men did not have their blood pressure checked in the last 5 years, and 60% of the surveyed men who were found to have hypertension only became aware of it when their blood pressure was measured during the survey.

Increased awareness is the key to the prevention and early detection of hypertension.

Risk factors for hypertension

• Over 90% of cases - no specific cause
• History of hypertension in close relatives
• Obesity
• High salt intake
• Stress
• Some diseases such as renal diseases, endocrine diseases

Prevention, early detection and control

• Healthy lifestyle
  • Balanced diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Maintenance of optimal body weight
  • Avoid food with high salt, fat and cholesterol content
  • No smoking
• Periodic checks for blood pressure
• For those with hypertension
  • Good drug compliance
  • Regular follow-up by doctor

For further information, please visit the Hypertension page of the "Men's Health Line" section, the May 2005 issue of the "NCD Aware" publication, and the relevant page in the website of the Central Health Education Unit of the Department of Health.

(Last Updated on 05-06-2006)