What are the general treatment recommendations for Filipinos with hypertension?

From the Guidelines

For Filipinos with hypertension, the general treatment recommendation is to reduce sodium intake to as low as 1500 mg/d and increase dietary potassium intake, as recommended by the Philippine Society of Hypertension 1. This approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of sodium restriction and potassium-rich diet in managing hypertension 1. The benefits of this approach include improved blood pressure control, reduced cardiovascular risk, and enhanced overall quality of life. Key components of this recommendation include:

• Reducing sodium intake to less than 1500 mg/d, as recommended by the Philippine Society of Hypertension 1
• Increasing dietary potassium intake through consumption of potassium-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products 1
• Avoiding added salt, processed foods, and salt-containing foods 1
• Encouraging a balanced diet that is low in sodium and high in dietary potassium, such as the DASH meal plan 1. It is essential to note that these recommendations are specifically tailored for the Filipino population, and patients with chronic renal failure or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics should avoid potassium-rich diets 1. By following these guidelines, Filipinos with hypertension can effectively manage their condition, reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve their overall quality of life 1.

From the Research

General Treatment Recommendations for Filipinos with Hypertension

• The treatment of hypertension among Filipinos involves lifestyle modification and pharmacologic therapy 2, 3.
• Lifestyle modification includes weight loss, healthy dietary pattern with low sodium and high potassium intake, physical activity, and moderation or elimination of alcohol consumption 2.
• First-line drug therapy for hypertension consists of a thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, and a calcium channel blocker 2.
• The decision to initiate antihypertensive medication should be based on the level of blood pressure and the presence of high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk 2.

Hypertension Management in the Philippines

• The 2020 Philippine Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of hypertension provide recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of persons with hypertension 3.
• The guidelines include recommendations for the specific management of hypertension among individuals with uncomplicated hypertension, hypertension among those with diabetes, stroke, chronic kidney disease, as well as hypertension among pregnant women and pediatric populations 3.
• Monotherapy has been the mode of treatment in more than 80% of Filipino patients, which could explain the low blood pressure control rates 4.

Challenges in Hypertension Management among Filipinos

• Many Filipinos with hypertension have difficulty maintaining the required lifestyle changes and adhering to the medication regimen to control their illness 5.
• Factors associated with awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among Filipino immigrants include older age, worse self-reported health, family history of hypertension, and having health insurance 6.
• Culturally tailored public health strategies are needed to improve awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among at-risk minority populations, including Filipinos 6.