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  1. #1
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    High blood pressure ... and rising !

    It’s over a year since I reviewed this topic (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....blood+pressure ), so what’s new ?
    • High blood pressure ( hypertension ) is still the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease ( heart attacks / failure, and strokes ). Worldwide, it affects about a billion people ( 20% to 50% of adults, depending on nationality and age ) and causes – directly or indirectly - over 7 million deaths / year.
    • Although there ARE effective treatments if correctly diagnosed, control rates are below 10% worldwide ( about 90% USA and even higher in Cuba ; 30% England ; less than 20% Philippines ).
    • Prevalence ( frequency ) is static in “ developed “ countries – about 30% of adults in England. Almost three-quarters of people with hypertension live in developing countries, where prevalence is increasing – now thought to be about 20% in Philippines.
    • Factors which can’t be modified - but increase / are associated with hypertension - include age, genetics, family history, ethnic origin, dark skin colour and low birthweight.
    • Environmental / lifestyle factors appear to be more important. These include diet ( especially too much salt ), obesity and lack of exercise, excess alcohol, smoking, stress, and urban living. Nutrition has changed in the past 40 years in countries such as the Philippines, with more processed food and the fast-food industry, and increased calories, salt, sugar and fat. Migration from rural to urban areas is correlated with more hypertension.
    • At least two thirds of diabetic patients have hypertension ( several reasons ) ; a small proportion of hypertensives have other treatable causes such as kidney and endocrine diseases.
    • It usually has no symptoms, so isn’t diagnosed unless / until blood pressure is measured ( accurately, more than once ). This doesn’t have to be done by a doctor in a clinic – it can be, and increasingly is in countries like UK, measured at home. Relatively few Filipinos are aware of the condition. There need to be national guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, using nurses, who are more plentiful, and cheaper, than doctors. Instead of opposing the Reproductive Health Bill, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference should consider supporting blood pressure measurement ( by nurses ) of all adults at the end of church services - thus covering most of the population !
    • There are effective drugs for treating hypertension – paid for in the UK by NHS through taxation, and the patients themselves – if they can afford it – in the Philippines ( where the drugs MAY be counterfeit and not quality-controlled, if not actually harmful ).
    • Drugs may not be needed if the hypertension is mild and diabetes not present ( or controlled ). Lifestyle changes may be all that is necessary – less alcohol, salt, and tobacco, with loss of weight / increased exercise may be enough, but not easy to achieve.
    • This is one more condition which is less likely with a healthy lifestyle, wherever you live.


  2. #2
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    Shiftwork?

    "Shift workers are slightly more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke than day workers, research suggests.

    An analysis of studies involving more than 2m workers in the British Medical Journal said shift work can disrupt the body clock and have an adverse effect on lifestyle.

    It has previously been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.

    Limiting night shifts would help workers cope, experts said.
    "

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18996082


  3. #3
    Moderator joebloggs's Avatar
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    this effects me, a tablet a day for the rest of my life
    http://www.filipinouk.com/forum/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=870&dateline=1270312908


  4. #4
    Trusted Member mickcant's Avatar
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    Thanks for reminding us on the importance of control Doc

    I am on a 10mg tablet of Lisinopril per day, and have reduced my salt intake a lot.
    Mick.


  5. #5
    Moderator Steve.r's Avatar
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    Thanks Alan.

    What amazes me it the fact that drugs in the Philippines are not controlled or quality tested... you could be taking anything!!!
    If you want your dreams to come true ...... first you have to wake up


  6. #6
    Respected Member rusty's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mickcant View Post
    I am on a 10mg tablet of Lisinopril per day, and have reduced my salt intake a lot.
    Mick.
    Same tablets as me Mick, I have reduced my salt and caffine intake.

    I have been on them for a year and have an appointment back at the doctors soon to see if the blood pressure is better now?


  7. #7
    Trusted Member mickcant's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rusty View Post
    Same tablets as me Mick, I have reduced my salt and caffine intake.

    I have been on them for a year and have an appointment back at the doctors soon to see if the blood pressure is better now?
    Coffee would be harder for me to cut down on!!!!!
    Mick


  8. #8
    Respected Member lordna's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mickcant View Post
    Coffee would be harder for me to cut down on!!!!!
    Mick
    Try Barleycup... i drink this in preference to coffee. .......and Rooibos tea instead of normal tea.


  9. #9
    Moderator joebloggs's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mickcant View Post
    Thanks for reminding us on the importance of control Doc

    I am on a 10mg tablet of Lisinopril per day, and have reduced my salt intake a lot.
    Mick.
    i'm on 10mg a day to, at least my doc gives me 60 days worth each time instead if 30
    http://www.filipinouk.com/forum/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=870&dateline=1270312908


  10. #10
    Moderator joebloggs's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve.r View Post
    Thanks Alan.

    What amazes me it the fact that drugs in the Philippines are not controlled or quality tested... you could be taking anything!!!
    I've seen a tv program and read on the net that even NHS trusts have bought fake drugs , its becoming a serious problem as some drugs are so expensive to buy and pretty easy for to produce.
    http://www.filipinouk.com/forum/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=870&dateline=1270312908


  11. #11
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    I'm on 3 tablets per day:-
    Amlodipine
    Atenolol
    Perindopril

    Have been taking those since 2003.
    I have a review with my doc annually including blood tests too.

    Fortunately I don't have to pay
    I used to buy a NHS annual card and that saved me quite a few quid.

    Probably there are thousand of people walking around out there with high blood pressure and don't even know it.


  12. #12
    Respected Member rusty's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mickcant View Post
    Coffee would be harder for me to cut down on!!!!!
    Mick
    I just swapped to de-caff for some of my tea and coffee but still need my caffine boost at the start of the day.


  13. #13
    Respected Member rusty's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
    Probably there are thousand of people walking around out there with high blood pressure and don't even know it.
    I only found out when we moved house and changed doctors, they gave me a quick check up then noticed I had high blood pressure.


  14. #14
    Respected Member les_taxi's Avatar
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  15. #15
    Moderator joebloggs's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by les_taxi View Post
    whats it taste like Les cant see it tasting good
    http://www.filipinouk.com/forum/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=870&dateline=1270312908


  16. #16
    Respected Member les_taxi's Avatar
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    It's fine it has some apple juice in it to take the earthy taste away,I just gulp down a smalll glass and its done
    I was able to come off my one a day tablet


  17. #17
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    Beetroot. Lovely.


  18. #18
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    We all have blood pressure, and the decision at what level it might be beneficial to treat is a clinical one, depending on correct diagnosis and general health, for example whether or not diabetes is present. Awareness and then detection are the first problems, greater in the Philippines than UK for a condition usually having no symptoms. Screening should be at least every 5 years.
    The alarmingly low control rates even when hypertension is diagnosed result from inadequate treatment. There are several groups of drugs with good evidence to show they work, but they need to be checked for quality. Especially in Africa and Asia, many patients are given counterfeit drugs, which are at the very least less efficient, and may be dangerous. Similarly herbal remedies may delay proper control with serious health consequences.
    It’s difficult to know the true extent of counterfeit drug use in the Philippines, as elsewhere. The main ones are anti-hypertensives, but also antibiotics, and “Viagra”-type drugs. There is a Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs ( Republic Act 8203 ) whereby drug outlets could face sanctions including imprisonment – if detected and reported. This is not easy, especially if the internet is the source.
    “ Shift workers “ may well suffer increased adverse effects of hypertension, along with other “ lifestyle choices “ such as urbanisation – not necessarily easy to remedy. Reduced salt intake is another “ choice “ not that easy to achieve ( several “ low salt foods “ have had to be removed from supermarket shelves as they don’t sell ). Despite the interest in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, most people don’t exercise enough and there’s an increasing prevalence of obesity in UK, Philippines, and elsewhere.
    The right treatment for established hypertension is important, but prevention is even more vital – and has so far not been achieved.


  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by les_taxi View Post
    Where do you buy beetroot juice from, Les? Or do you make your own from the raw beetroot?

    I often have beetroot with any salad that I have.


  20. #20
    Respected Member les_taxi's Avatar
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  21. #21
    Respected Member andy222's Avatar
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    ukba


  22. #22
    Respected Member lordna's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy222 View Post
    ukba
    That put a few peoples blood pressure up!


  23. #23
    Admin's Assistant ^_^ raynaputi's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy222 View Post
    ukba
    EXACTLY!!!

    I had a low BP when I was still a student..so I ate fatty foods to compensate for that...hahaha JUST KIDDING!!!
    -=rayna.keith=-
    ...When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible...



  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by raynaputi View Post
    EXACTLY!!!

    I had a low BP when I was still a student..so I ate fatty foods to compensate for that...hahaha JUST KIDDING!!!
    Same here. My wife tends towards low blood pressure so I told her to eat more doughnuts, fried foods, more salt etc etc.


  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by lastlid View Post
    Same here. My wife tends towards low blood pressure so I told her to eat more doughnuts, fried foods, more salt etc etc.
    My wife too tends towards low blood pressure


  26. #26
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    And now I will have to tell my wife to drink less beetroot juice....


  27. #27
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    Within the advert for beetroot juice.....

    Disclaimers:
    Drinking beetroot juice may turn your urine pink


  28. #28
    Respected Member les_taxi's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by lastlid View Post
    Within the advert for beetroot juice.....

    Disclaimers:
    Drinking beetroot juice may turn your urine pink
    I was going to let you find that out for yourself


  29. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by les_taxi View Post
    I was going to let you find that out for yourself


  30. #30
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    Several points are raised in response to my review, thank you for your interest !
    • For those already diagnosed with hypertension, treatment with drugs which are proven to be reliable is sensible, together with awareness and attempts to lead a healthier lifestyle.
    • UKBA – undoubtedly psychological stress, whatever the cause, is a lifestyle factor which contributes to hypertension – I fully understand how difficult it is to reduce.
    • Beetroot – the “ Mail Online “ didn’t have space to mention that the studies quoted were on 18 volunteers ( dose of beetroot ) and 14 volunteers ( bread with added beetroot ) – all males with normal blood pressure to start with. The “ Mail “ also didn’t say that the research workers themselves remind us of the benefits to health of eating adequate amounts of fruit and vegetables, one of which is preventing hypertension developing in the first place ( http://journals.cambridge.org/action...07114512000190 ).
    • Low blood pressure ( hypotension ) – the most vital “ take home message “ from my thread is that we ALL have blood pressure, and maintaining it at desirable levels for each individual is the key ! 130/80 is desirable for most adults, 140/90 and above may need treatment, and less than 90/60 is “ low “. There is no need – or benefit – to reduce a hypertensive’s blood pressure too far. As with hypertension, there may be no symptoms with hypotension, and generally it’s nothing to worry about, especially in young adults. It’s certainly not an indication to deliberately adopt an unhealthy diet – even adding salt should only be done on medical advice, if there are symptoms or an obvious cause.
    • Hypertension is now so common, and increasing – especially in countries like the Philippines – with underdiagnosis, poor or no treatment control, and lethal consequences – that respected medical journals like “ The Lancet “ almost despair of prevention ( http://www.thelancet.com/journals/la...310-5/fulltext ).
    • The least members can do is take it seriously, have an accurate blood pressure check, and encourage friends / loved ones in the Philippines to do the same.


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