Hypertension Takes a Hike – Healthy Hearts is What We Like

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of all deaths in the Philippines, with more than 84,000 people succumbing to this silent disease in 2017 alone. Coronary heart disease is caused by a narrowing or blockage of the arteries carrying blood and oxygen to the heart. The narrowing is caused by fatty material and plaque accumulating inside the coronary arteries, which can lead to heart attack and death.

One of the main risk factors that contribute to CHD is Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. When this happens, the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body and puts excess strain on the heart.

In the Philippines, May is Hypertension Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of high blood pressure, and a time to learn about the ways in which we can all work to prevent this killer disease. The exact cause of hypertension is unknown, but there are many contributing factors, including:

• Smoking (with more than 17 million smokers in the Philippines, this is a grave concern)
• Too much alcohol (more than 2 drinks per day)
• A poor diet that is high in salt
• Obesity
• Lack of regular exercise
• Stress
• Chronic kidney disease
• Old age
• Genetics, or a family history

So it’s obvious that the best way to avoid hypertension, and possible CHD, is to become more active, monitor and adjust your diet to a healthier, less salty version, and limit your alcohol intake.
Hypertension has strong genetic ties, and often runs in families. Similarly, CHD has genetic links, so you are more at risk if your mother, father, or another direct relative has or had CHD.

For those who are wanting peace of mind about their risk of developing CHD, Easy DNA Philippines offers the Genetic Predisposition Health Test. This test analyses your unique DNA, and provides vital information about your susceptibility to developing CHD. The test also provides results that will reveal your genetic predisposition to developing 33 other diseases and conditions, enabling you to take control of your health future, and make any changes that will improve your health and potentially extend your life.
Your results will comprise of a personalized report, which ranks each disease and condition according to your lifetime risk of developing that disease. You will either be ‘high’, ‘medium’, or ‘low’ risk, so it is easy to evaluate where you might need to make changes or to be cognisant of your estimated risk.

The test is a simple, painless home DNA kit, which you can do form the comfort of your own lounge room. After ordering, you will receive everything you need to take the test yourself, including oral swabs, sterile envelopes, and full instructions, as well as return details. You will receive your personalized report in a timely manner, providing peace of mind.

Invest in your health, and that of your family today, with a DNA test and some simple lifestyle and diet changes, you will be on your way to a longer, healthier heart life.