In celebration of World Hypertension Day on 17 May, Macau University of Science and Technology’s (MUST) Faculty of Medicine has launched a campaign to remind citizens of the “silent killer” and encourage people to “measure your blood pressure, live a better life”, according to the campaign’s poster.
Hypertension affects over 1.3 billion people worldwide, contributing to heart disease, stroke and other serious health complications. It is the second largest killer in the Macau SAR, accounting for about 11 per cent of all deaths, according to a statement by the MUST’s Faculty of Medicine.
“It often goes undiagnosed as it typically presents no symptoms. One in two people with hypertension don’t know they have it. Regular blood pressure measurement is the first step in detecting high blood pressure and enabling early intervention,” the statement points out.
MUST’s Faculty of Medicine’s Professor Brian Tomlinson said, “It is important to seek medical advice immediately if your blood pressure is elevated or high,” while Assistant Professor Daniel Baptista-Hon added, “There are many commercial blood pressure monitors for home use. Regular blood pressure measurements allow individuals to detect any abnormal changes and work with healthcare professionals to make necessary lifestyle modifications or initiate appropriate treatment.”
Image: MUST’s Faculty of Medicine
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