High Blood Pressure Singapore: Screening & Treatment (2024)

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently elevated. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to severe complications and is associated with increased risk of premature mortality. In Singapore, hypertension is one of the most common chronic conditions, alongside diabetes and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), affecting 37% of adults aged 18 to 74 in 2022. Notably, 53% of these cases were previously undiagnosed, underscoring the silent nature of the condition.

1 in 3 Singaporeans were diagnosed with hypertension in 2022.

Source: National Population Health Survey 2022

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Most people do not exhibit any symptoms of hypertension until the condition becomes severe. However, in rare cases, some individuals may experience symptoms such as:

Headaches
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Pain in chest
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to serious complications, including coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, kidney damage, and retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the eyes). Early detection and management are vital to prevent these severe outcomes.

Young Asian man experiencing headaches and dizziness as symptoms of high blood pressure (hypertension).

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

In over 90% of cases, the exact cause of hypertension is not known, referred to as primary hypertension. It is likely a result of a combination of factors such as age, family history, lifestyle habits such as a high-sodium diet, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, and obesity. Stress can also elevate blood pressure levels. The remaining cases, known as secondary hypertension, are caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

A high-sodium diet is a significant contributor to high blood pressure (hypertension).

How Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Diagnosed?

Blood pressure is measured by assessing the force exerted by blood against the artery walls during two phases:

Systolic Blood Pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood throughout the body.
Diastolic Blood Pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

High Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day due to factors such as activity, stress, and environmental influences. To diagnose hypertension, blood pressure is measured multiple times over a period to account for these fluctuations. Consistently elevated readings in certain ranges indicate different stages of hypertension:

Category	Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)	Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)
Normal	< 120	< 80
High-Normal (Borderline)	130 - 139	85 - 89
Stage 1 Hypertension	140 - 159	90 - 99
Stage 2 Hypertension	≥ 160	≥ 100

Source: Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE)

Blood pressure of a man being measured over a period of time to assess for hypertension.

Preventing and Managing Hypertension

Preventing hypertension involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as reducing salt intake, following a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. These changes help maintain normal blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of developing hypertension.

For individuals diagnosed with hypertension, management typically involves both medication and lifestyle modifications. Common medications used to control blood pressure include ACE-inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme), beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Regular home monitoring of blood pressure is essential for tracking progress and allows doctors to adjust treatment plans as necessary to ensure optimal management.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.

Preventing hypertension involves reducing salt intake and following a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Summary

Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls remains consistently high. If left unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Early detection, lifestyle changes, and appropriate treatment are vital in preventing and managing hypertension. If you are experiencing symptoms or suspect you may have high blood pressure, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and care.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

High blood pressure, or hypertension (stage 1), in Singapore is typically defined as a consistent reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, measured over multiple times over a period to account for daily fluctuations in blood pressure.

To lower blood pressure quickly, try deep breathing exercises, drinking water, or taking a short walk. However, if your blood pressure is extremely high, such as a reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, it is considered a hypertensive crisis. In this case, seek immediate medical attention, as it can lead to serious complications like heart attack or stroke.

Reducing high blood pressure involves lifestyle changes such as lowering salt intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress. If diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers to help control your blood pressure.

A blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher is considered dangerously high and is classified as a hypertensive crisis. It requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to severe complications like a heart attack or stroke.

If your blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mmHg, it's important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and medical advice. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or prescribe medication to help manage your blood pressure and prevent potential complications.

Deep breathing, staying calm, or drinking water may help lower blood pressure temporarily. If your blood pressure is consistently high, it's important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to manage it long-term.

Yes, staying hydrated can help lower blood pressure, as dehydration may cause blood pressure to rise.

While lying down may help reduce stress, it's best to sit in a relaxed position and practise deep breathing to lower blood pressure.

The three main causes of high blood pressure are a poor diet (especially high in salt), lack of physical activity, and stress. These factors can significantly increase the risk of developing hypertension by affecting cardiovascular health and blood vessel function.

The worst foods for high blood pressure are those high in sodium, such as processed meats and salty snacks, along with fried foods and sugary drinks, which can contribute to weight gain and increase hypertension risk.

There is no instant cure for high blood pressure. However, deep breathing, staying calm, and drinking water can help to temporarily lower blood pressure. For those diagnosed with hypertension, long-term management typically involves a combination of medication, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes, depending on your doctor’s advice.

Bananas, rich in potassium, help regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Potassium assists in relaxing blood vessel walls, lowering blood pressure naturally.

High blood pressure is often symptomless, but some people may experience headaches, dizziness, or chest pain.

No, 140/90 mmHg is classified as stage 1 hypertension. Normal blood pressure is consistently below 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicate a need for lifestyle changes or medical intervention to prevent further complications.

A blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher is considered a hypertensive crisis and increases the risk of a stroke. Seek emergency medical care if this occurs.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Singapore