Doctor reveals why hypertension often goes unnoticed

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Internal medicine specialist with a subspecialty in kidney and hypertension, Dr Decsa Medika Hertanto, SpPD, KGH, FINASIMS, has reminded the public to routinely monitor their blood pressure because hypertension often does not produce symptoms, even though it can cause damage to vital organs.

“Most high blood pressure cases are asymptomatic,” Decsa stated during a health discussion organised by OMRON Healthcare Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.

According to Decsa, this condition allows individuals to feel healthy and continue their daily activities as usual without realising that their blood pressure is above normal limits.

He noted that long-term, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause damage to several vital organs, particularly the brain, heart, and kidneys. In the brain, excessively high blood pressure can increase the risk of blood vessel rupture or blockages that can trigger a stroke. Meanwhile, for the heart and kidneys, uncontrolled hypertension can lead to dysfunction in both organs.

Decsa explained that blood pressure needs to be monitored because an individual’s condition cannot be assessed solely based on the presence or absence of complaints. “Do not assume that a blood pressure of 150 is perfectly normal. I say, ‘I am strong, as evidenced by my ability to play tennis.’ Being strong does not mean being healthy and fit are the same thing,” he remarked.

During his presentation, he defined blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg as the normal category. Meanwhile, systolic pressure of 140-159 mmHg and diastolic pressure of 90-99 mmHg falls into stage one hypertension. Systolic pressure of 160-179 mmHg and diastolic pressure of 100-109 mmHg falls into stage two hypertension. Any blood pressure above 180/110 mmHg is classified as stage three hypertension, which requires serious caution.

For those already diagnosed with hypertension, Decsa recommends daily blood pressure checks. For individuals with risk factors, checks should be conducted approximately once a week to once a month. “The most important thing is that we identify the risk factors first,” he said.

He also reminded the public not to wait for symptoms to appear before checking their blood pressure, as hypertension can develop without clear warning signs. According to him, regular blood pressure monitoring can help individuals recognise their physical condition early and implement necessary lifestyle changes or medical treatments.