【Common Diseases】Hypertension
A must-know guide to treating hypertension in Hong Kong
Hypertension is a very common health problem in Hong Kong, particularly in the fast-paced, stressful urban lifestyle and the salty and oily diet. According to the Hong Kong Department of Health, approximately one in three adults suffers from high blood pressure, and many are completely unaware of it in its early stages, only discovering it during physical examinations or seeking medical advice for other medical conditions.
As an editor, I frequently monitor medical news and local health information. I've discovered that while Hong Kong people have a certain understanding of hypertension treatment, many misconceptions persist, such as "reducing salt intake will cure it," "high blood pressure is normal in older age," and "medication can damage the kidneys, so avoid long-term use." In reality, modern medicine has clear guidelines for the treatment of hypertension, backed by scientific evidence.
1. What is hypertension?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Hong Kong Department of Health generally use the following criteria for diagnosis:
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg
- Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg
Hypertension is considered when blood pressure is elevated over multiple consecutive measurements (not just a single one).
2. Why should high blood pressure be treated?
Hypertension is more than just a slight increase in blood pressure. Long-term, uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and retinopathy. According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, high blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in Hong Kong.
3. Two major directions in treating hypertension
Treatment mainly includes two aspects: lifestyle improvement and drug therapy .
3.1 Lifestyle improvement (first step)
Many doctors will first recommend that patients control their blood pressure through lifestyle improvements, especially those with mild hypertension or pre-hypertension.
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Reduce sodium intake
- In Hong Kong's food culture, noodle soups, dim sum, barbecued dishes, etc. are all salty, which can easily lead to excessive sodium intake.
- The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume no more than 2,000 mg of sodium (about 5 grams of salt) per day.
- You can use vanilla, lemon juice, etc. to replace part of the salt.
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a balanced diet
- Adopt the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) model: more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meat, and fish.
- Reduce red meat, processed foods and sugary drinks.
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weight control
- Being overweight increases the burden on the heart. For every kilogram of weight lost, blood pressure can drop by about 1 mmHg.
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Regular exercise
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling.
- In Hong Kong, even if you live in the urban area, you can still make use of resources such as parks and hiking trails.
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Limit alcohol and quit smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, while smoking can constrict blood vessels and accelerate arteriosclerosis.
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Reduce stress and get enough sleep
- Hong Kong people face high work pressure, and long-term insomnia or mental stress can make blood pressure more difficult to control.
- Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.
3.2 Drug treatment (second step)
If blood pressure is still not up to standard after lifestyle improvements, or if the patient is at high risk (has a history of diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, etc.), the doctor will recommend starting drug treatment.
Common drug categories (commonly used in Hong Kong hospitals and clinics):
- Diuretics – help the body eliminate excess water and sodium, and lower blood pressure.
- ACE inhibitors – relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) – work like ACE inhibitors but have fewer side effects.
- Calcium channel blockers – relax the smooth muscle in blood vessels.
- Beta blockers – slow the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart.
💡Editor 's Tip : Hong Kong doctors generally choose medications with fewer side effects and more consistent results, and they adjust the dosage based on the patient's age, medical history, renal function, and other conditions. Some people may need to take two or more medications simultaneously to achieve their desired results. This is normal and should not be discontinued on one's own.
4. Regular monitoring and follow-up
Treating hypertension is not a one-time thing, but a long-term management:
- Measure your own blood pressure at home (recommended once in the morning and once in the evening) and record the data.
- Have regular follow-up visits to allow your doctor to assess the effectiveness and side effects of treatment.
- Coordinate with blood and urine tests to check kidney function and blood lipid levels.
5. Hong Kong’s medical resources
- Public hospitals and general outpatient clinics : low cost, but long waiting times.
- Private clinics and specialists : The consultation fee is higher, but you can see the doctor and get the examination faster.
- Health centers/community health programs : Some non-profit organizations provide blood pressure testing and health education services.
Editor's summary
While hypertension is common in Hong Kong, it's not an uncontrollable condition. With a healthy lifestyle and appropriate medication, most patients can keep their blood pressure within an ideal range, reducing the risk of serious complications. Most importantly, don't wait until you experience noticeable symptoms before getting checked out. As hypertension is often a "silent killer," early detection and treatment are crucial.
Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.
