‘SCREEN FOR SAFETY’: Over 35,000 in W. Visayas Have Hypertension

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Health is urging the public to regularly monitor their blood pressure after 35,604 individuals across Western Visayas were diagnosed with hypertension in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali, head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster of DOH-6, warned that untreated hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

The figure represents 16.73% of individuals aged 20 and above who were screened.

In 2024, DOH-6 reported that 274,799 individuals, or 17.21% of the adult population, were identified as hypertensive in the region.

Hypertension ranks among the top five causes of mortality and morbidity in Western Visayas, according to Gayomali.

To address the growing number of cases, DOH-6 continues to urge adults—especially those over 40 or with a family history of hypertension—to check their blood pressure regularly.

Free services such as blood pressure checks, medical consultations and maintenance medications are available at public health centers through the DOH Hypertension and Diabetes Club program.

Amid dangerous heat index levels, Gayomali said young individuals unaware of their hypertensive status are also at risk of serious complications.

“When the temperature is high, our blood pressure also tends to rise,” she said.

“This affects not only those already diagnosed but also young people who may not know they are hypertensive.”

To prevent complications, Gayomali emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and being aware of one’s blood pressure, especially during hot weather.

She recommended that individuals begin screening as early as age 20.

Gayomali said common causes of hypertension include family history, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and excess weight.

Children can also develop hypertension due to sedentary lifestyles and poor diets, particularly from frequent consumption of fast food and sugary snacks.

“Most of our kids today are already hooked on social media and don’t engage in physical activity,” she added.

For those already diagnosed, Gayomali said managing hypertension requires consistent long-term care.

“It’s not like a viral infection where you take medicine for a week and recover,” she said.

“Hypertension is a multifaceted condition that requires ongoing efforts to lower and maintain your blood pressure.”