NCD Watch

Hypertension

11 March 2023 (Thu)

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a chronic disease in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. An adult is said to have hypertension if systolic blood pressure persistently higher than or equal to 140 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and/or diastolic blood pressure persistently higher than or equal to 90 mmHg. Hypertension can lead to serious health problems including stroke, heart attack and kidney failure.

The Department of Health (DH) conducted the Population Health Survey 2020-22 among non-institutionalised persons aged 15–84 and observed that 29.5% of them had hypertension, including 17.4% with self-reported doctor-diagnosed hypertension and 12.1% with no self-reported history but raised blood pressure by physical measurement. The total prevalence of hypertension increased with age from 4.9% among persons aged 15–24 to 57.4% among persons aged 65–84.

Hypertension is a ‘silent killer’ and seldom causes symptoms until complications develop. The Hong Kong Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings recommends adults aged 18 or above to have regular measurement of blood pressure for early detection and treatment. However, the Population Health Survey 2020-22 found that about half (52.3%) of population aged 18 or above reported that they had their blood pressure checked within 2 years.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for the prevention and control of hypertension. Members of the public are urged to maintain an optimal body weight and waist circumference, cut back on salt and eat a balanced diet, be physically active and limit sedentary behaviour, refrain from alcohol drinking, do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to reducing the impact of hypertension among local population. The DH will continue to monitor the health status of local population, organise health promotion campaigns, as well as work in close partnership with various stakeholders to increase people’s heath literacy and foster a health-enhancing environment.

Source: NCD Watch May 2023