Health Bureau (SSM) Community Health Care Department Chief Wong In announced yesterday that around 89 percent of the bureau’s registered high blood pressure patients were receiving treatment last year.
Wong revealed the figures in a speech during a press conference held at the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre (CHSCJ) complex.
Yesterday’s press conference was attended by the bureau’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Health Promotion Division physician Wong Chi Leong and CHSCJ Cardiology Service physician Chang Tou.
According to Wong In, in 2024 about 148,000 residents aged 18 and above were living with hypertension. Of these, 107,000 were registered in the chronic disease database, yielding an awareness rate of 72.2 percent, Wong said, adding that among the patients registered with the bureau, the treatment rate was 89.6 percent while the hypertension control rate* stood at 62.6 percent.
In order to enable residents to “know where to measure, measure conveniently, and remember to measure,” Dr Wong Chi Leng said that the bureau has partnered with multiple organisations to establish blood pressure measurement points at 337 locations across Macau. Among these, 146 are self-service blood pressure check stations, he said.
He highlighted that hypertension is known as a silent killer and is a chronic disease of major concern in Macau. In its early stages, it often presents no symptoms, yet it can cause damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Early detection, timely treatment, and effective control are essential, Dr Wong Chi Leng said.
He suggested residents use the “My Health” function within the “Macao One Account” to record their blood pressure and monitor changes over time.
Dr Chang also emphasised that “having normal blood pressure does not mean hypertension is cured.” Patients should take their medication on time and must not stop without medical advice, he said. Antihypertensive drugs do not harm the kidneys; it is not taking them that causes real damage to kidney health, according to Dr Chang.
Hypertension is most dangerous when it presents no symptoms, Dr Chang said, adding that these medications are not addictive. He pointed out that regular medication is necessary in both summer and winter.
Dr Chang urged residents to make use of regular follow-up services at community health centres and to treat blood pressure management as a “marathon.”
*The hypertension control rate refers to the percentage of people with hypertension whose blood pressure is successfully maintained below a specific target level (usually <140/90 mmHg) through treatment or lifestyle changes. – Gemini
Health Bureau (SSM) Community Health Care Department Chief Wong In (centre), Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Health Promotion Division physician Wong Chi Leong (right) and Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre (CHSCJ) Cardiology Service physician Chang Tou look on during yesterday press conference. – Photo: Armindo Neves
