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Reminder for People with Hyertension Script - Video Announcement

Reminder for People with Hypertension

Symptoms of hypertension

  1. Most people with hypertension do not have noticeable symptoms
  2. Some may suffer from headache, dizziness and fatigue.

 Dangers of hypertension

  1. If hypertension is not well controlled and treated, the following complications may result:
  • heart disease;
  • stroke;
  • retinal disease; and
  • renal failure
  1. The higher the blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the higher the chance and seriousness of complications. Uncontrolled hypertension can be a silent killer, so it is of utmost importance to follow up regularly and undergo treatment.

 What you should know about antihypertensive drugs

Medication usually yields satisfactory results, but it requires a patient’s full cooperation.  Some patients either know too little about the medicines or heed the advice of people other than their doctors; as a result, their high blood pressure not only fail to be put under control, but other complications may also develop.  When antihypertensive medicines are being taken, it is important to note the following points:

  1. Take your medication with persistence

Always follow your doctor’s instructions on dosage and times of medication.  Take your medication at the same time(s) each day as far as possible.  If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember again.  However, if it’s already close to the time of the next dose, don’t make up for the missed dose; otherwise you will end up with a double dose.  Even when the symptoms have disappeared or when your blood pressure has returned to normal, never go off medication without medical advice.  This is extremely dangerous as sudden withdrawal from medication may lead to rebound effect, causing your blood pressure to rise sharply.  In extreme cases it could result in seizures or coma.

  1. Take your medication with patience

Each person reacts differently to different kinds of medication, and each person’s ideal dosage is slightly different. Your doctor will have to try out different kinds of medication and different dosage levels for a period of time before determining what is most effective for you. It is important to be patient and fully cooperative with your doctor during the course of treatment.

  1. Don’t expect immediate results

Don’t force your blood pressure down immediately by medication.  While taking medication, don’t try to bring your blood pressure down to normal quickly by increasing the dosage without medical advice, because a sudden drop of blood pressure may reduce the blood flow to your heart and kidneys, resulting in angina pectoris and renal failure.  As such, high blood pressure has to be reduced gradually.

  1. Familiarise yourself with the name and dosage of your medicines.  Whenever you see a doctor, either bring the medicines along or show him a list of them.
  1. Don’t mix medication and alcohol as this may result in dizzy spells or fainting
  2. Don’t take other medicines without medical advice.
  1. Always make sure you have several days’ supply of medication.  Don’t wait until the last minute to replenish your medicines. If you are going on a trip, be sure to bring an adequate supply along with you.
  1. Ask your doctor about any side effect your medication might have, such as headache, dryness in the mouth, fatigue and dizziness etc.

Adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate hypertension

  1. No binge-eating or -drinking.  Try to maintain an ideal weight. Eat an appropriate amount of starch in the form of rice, noodles, congee, bread, potatoes, etc.  Avoid sugars, such as sweets, sugary biscuits, ice cream, deserts, etc.
  1. Cut back on salt.  Healthy adults should consume less than 2 grams of sodium (approximately one level teaspoon of salt) per day.  Eat foods that are light and bland.  Avoid salty foods like dried fish, fermented bean curd, preserved eggs, preserved soya beans, shrimp paste, preserved plums and pickled vegetables.　Check the nutrition labels of prepackaged foods for their sodium content.
  1. Avoid foods that are high in fat and cholesterol, such as lard, fritters, cream, pig’s brains, quail  eggs, squid and octopus.
  1. Hypertension does not rule out the need for exercise.  Adequate exercise can help bring your blood pressure down and keep it at a normal level.  Seek you doctor’s advice.
  1. Do not smoke.  Quitting smoking markedly reduces overall cardiovascular risk.  Those who want to quit smoking can call the Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline of the Department of Health at 1833 183 for free advice and help.
  1. Manage stress with healthy coping strategies, such as practising yoga, Tai Chi or deep breathing.  Seek help from family and friends or health professionals if necessary.
  1. Ensure enough sleep and rest.                       

  (March 2013)