By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net
A SEDENTARY lifestyle, which characterizes an inactive life for most of the day, could lead to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, a Filipino doctor said.
Hypertension is the number one killer disease in the Philippines today, with seven to eight million Filipinos affected by it, stressed Dr. Rafael Castillo, president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH).
Speaking during a recent event promoting the “Heart Healthy” program, Castillo added that half of those affected are not aware that they have hypertension.
“It is a lifestyle disease. So it requires a lifestyle change. It’s understandable that most Filipinos are busy with their work but taking care of your body will go a long way,” Castillo said.
In an interview, Castillo said those who are not aware that they have the illness are “walking time bombs,” unaware of their condition until symptoms occur.
Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, chest pains, headaches and lethargy.
“They are asymptomatic and don’t show any signs of the disease until the problem becomes complicated. If they do not take care of themselves there could be no turning back,” Castillo said.
Castillo said Filipinos must eat right and have regular exercises to reduce the chances of developing hypertension.
Castillo said that Filipinos should closely monitor their health to lessen the risk of developing hypertension.
The PHS recently partnered with medical hardware manufacturer Omron for the Heart Healthy program, which promotes active lifestyle changes among adults, especially older people who have more chances of developing the disease.
