I also urge hypertension patients to continue applying the PATUH principles.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has urged all people to begin checking their blood pressure routinely, either independently at home or at the nearest health facility, to prevent hypertension.

"On the commemoration of the 2023 World Hypertension Day, I encourage all of us to measure our blood pressure regularly," he said at a webinar on "Preventing and Controlling Hypertension for a Longer Healthy Life" on Tuesday.

Currently, one out of three people in Indonesia suffer from hypertension, he highlighted.

As per his ministry’s records, the number of people with hypertension has continued to increase every year.

The Health Ministry’s Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) in 2018 put the prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia at 33 percent.

People suffering from hypertension often feel no symptoms, the minister said.

Hypertension can also increase the risk of other diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney injury, he pointed out.

“Thus, hypertension is often called a silent killer. In addition to causing deaths and other illnesses, it also surges the amount of health financing," he said.

Hence, by regularly checking their blood pressure, the community can actively participate in the early detection of hypertension, which is very important to prevent several non-communicable diseases caused by it, Sadikin added.

He asked all ranks of central and regional governments as well as social communities from all sectors to massively implement the Hypertension Early Detection Movement.

"I also urge hypertension patients to continue applying the PATUH principles," he stated.

The PATUH principles are among the campaigns carried out by the Health Ministry to reduce hypertension cases.

It consists of getting regular health checks and following the doctor's recommendations; treating illnesses with proper and regular medication; consuming a balanced diet; carrying out physical activities safely; as well as avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol, and carcinogenic substances.

"Let's prevent and control hypertension to live a longer healthy life," the minister added.

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Translator: Hreeloita Shanti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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