120/80 Vibe Check: Keeping that Blood Pressure Normal

Imagine this: you take great care of your phone, like closing apps when not in use, using the right charger, and clearing out old files. Yet, you notice the battery is draining faster than it should. Usually, it’s just a background app running unnoticed, and once you find it, your phone is back to peak performance.

Your body works the same way! Sometimes, high blood pressure or hypertension acts like that background app. This so-called silent killer is a health condition where your blood pressure is consistently elevated or higher than the normal blood pressure range, which is below 120/80 mmHg. It doesn’t always make a scene with obvious symptoms, but it’s there, using up your body’s energy. The good news? Once you’re aware of it, it is entirely manageable.

Hypertension doesn’t manifest symptoms unless it’s already severe. If it’s already at that point, symptoms you’ll feel are headache, chest pain, vision changes, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

Are you likely to get hypertension? Experts say that you’re susceptible to having this condition if you’re smoking, you’re obese and have an unhealthy diet, and have an existing health condition like diabetes or a kidney problem.

The good news? Hypertension is actually preventable and manageable. You can breathe now. How? Below are some tips:

1. Don’t be too salty: Swap excess salt for fresh herbs and spices. Your blood vessels will thank you for the reduced pressure.
2. Get your steps in: Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, or a gym session, movement stimulates better blood flow and helps you feel more energized.
3. Calm down and rest: Never underestimate a good night’s sleep. Lowering your stress levels is like putting your body in “power saving mode” to recover.
4. Keep bad vices out: Avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol.

You wouldn’t wait for your gadgets to go completely dark before charging them, right? Investing in yourself works the same way.

Ready to take charge of your health? Get a PRIMA Screen plan (Core, Vital, Total) for an overall health check that starts at just ₱2,499. The plans include lab tests, a full physical exam, a follow-up consultation, and built-in personal accident insurance.

Upon purchase of PRIMA Screen, activate, register, and use an appointment link to select your preferred schedule for your health screening at the Maxicare Clinic nearest you.

Get a PRIMA Screen today at shop.maxihealth.com.ph.

PRIMA is a MaxiHealth product.

Sources:

• World Health Organization. (2003). The world health report 2003: Shaping the future. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/42682/9241545992.pdf
• World Health Organization. (2025, September 12). Hypertension. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
• Sugay, J. (2025, September 12). DOH reminds public against hypertension due to food intake. Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/doh-reminds-public-against-hypertension-due-to-food-intake/
• Blood Pressure UK. (2021). Salt and your blood pressure. https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/salt-and-your-blood-pressure/
• American Heart Association & American College of Cardiology. (2025). 2025 AHA/ACC guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation and management of high blood pressure in adults. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000249

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