• Warns public of hypertension, check HBP at healthy lifestyle centres in Govt. hospitals, fix to healthy food consumption, quitting of vices 

The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) informed that the consumption of salt must be less than five grams per day, as otherwise, blood pressure can increase resulting in hypertension.

A member of the Bureau, Dr. Sherine Balasingham told the media yesterday (18): “We need sodium every day. Salt being the main source. But, we need to remember to reduce the use of salt. The effect of excess salt consumption on human health can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, cancer of the stomach, osteoporosis, and exacerbate bronchial asthma (the airways become swollen and inflamed). A person should consume less than one (levelled) teaspoon (less than five grams) of salt per day.”

She further told the media that high blood pressure does not exhibit symptoms, and that it is often too late when symptoms appear. A research had been done in 2021 of those between the ages of 18-69-years, where around 6,700 patients have participated from every District, with the results being that a person’s average daily salt consumption is 14.2 grams. There were 62% of males and 48% of females having hypertension, according to that research.

Accordingly, the risk factors for hypertension are diabetes, obesity, smoking, the use of alcohol, stress, etc. Moreover, symptoms include severe headaches, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, etc.

Furthermore, the HPB stated that hypertension can be reduced by quitting smoking, eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight and mainly eating less salt, and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and eggs.

Therefore, the HPB urged the public to check their blood pressure. There are more than 1,000 Healthy Lifestyle Centres in Government hospitals Island-wide where the public can do so. If one is aged 35-years and above, it is advised to get one’s blood pressure checked.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the most difficult single risk factor to control. One in five adults (21%) with hypertension have it under control. It kills 10 million people every year, according to the World Health Organisation statistics.