Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing severe complications. According to the National Population Health Survey 2022, over one third of Singaporeans between the ages of 18 and 74 years old have hypertension, a 2% increase from 2020. High blood pressure, if left unmanaged, can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. 

In Singapore, the convenience and accessibility of online pharmacies have made it easier than ever to obtain necessary blood pressure medications. However, ensuring the reliability of these online sources is paramount to receiving safe and effective treatment. Thus, it is essential to know how to choose a trusted source for your medication needs. 

A Look at High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of the blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. 

Defining and Classifying Blood Pressure Values

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats 
• Diastolic pressure: The pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats 

The Ministry of Health Singapore define blood pressure ranges as:

Blood pressure category	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal	<130	<85
Elevated	130-139	85-89
Hypertension Stage 1	140-159	90-99
Hypertension Stage 1	160-179	100-109
Hypertensive crisis	>180	>110

Importance of Managing Blood Pressure

The main goals of hypertension management are to achieve reduction in blood pressure to achieve optimal control, delay or prevent progression of hypertension and its related complications, including: 

• Heart attack: Hypertension can lead to damaged and blocked arteries, obstructing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to parts of the heart. This deprivation of oxygen and nutrients can cause heart muscle cells to die. 
• Stroke: Damaged arteries Damaged arteries can increase the risk of arterial rupture or clog, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain and a sudden loss of brain function.
• Kidney failure: The kidney’s filtering capacity can be compromised by constricted, weakened and hardened blood vessels around them.
• Vision problems: High blood pressure can strain and damage blood vessels in the retina.
• Aneurysm: Aneurysm is a localised abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel, which occurs when the vessel wall weakens, allowing it to expand outward. Hypertension exerts additional stress on the artery walls, further weakening them and increasing the likelihood of aneurysm formation.

A decreased blood pressure of 10/5 mmHg (either by medication or a lifestyle change) can reduce the risk of:

• heart failure by 50%
• stroke by 38%
• heart attack by 15%
• death by 10%

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Blood Pressure 

Lifestyle adjustments are the standard, first-line treatment for high blood pressure. 

Dietary Modifications: Adopting a healthy diet is a key strategy for managing high blood pressure. Consuming a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, while reducing refined grains, added sugar, processed meats and bad fats. Consider the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. 

Reduce sodium intake: Eating less salt can lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2g a day. 

Weight Management: Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 22.9kg/m2.

Physical activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. Suitable activities are walking, jogging, cycling and swimming

Avoid alcohol: Frequent consumption of alcohol causes your heart to pump harder and faster, increasing blood pressure. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 1 standard drink for women and 2 standard drinks for men per day. 

A standard alcoholic drink is defined as a can (330 ml) of regular beer (5% alcohol) or half a glass (100 ml) of wine (12% alcohol)

Regular Monitoring of Blood Pressure 

Regular blood pressure checks are important for managing and preventing high blood as they help with early detection and prevention of complications. Many people with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition because it often has no symptoms. By routinely checking your blood pressure, you can catch any abnormalities early and manage the conditions before it leads to severe complications. 

Measuring my Blood Pressure at Home 

Before measurement:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol or smoking 30 minutes before the blood pressure measurement
• Go to the washroom 
• Remove any constrictive, tight-fitting, or thick clothing 
• Sit quietly and relax 

During measurement:

1. Wrap the arm cuff around the upper arm and ensure that the tube is straight, without any bends that may obstruct the airflow. The arrow below the tube should be pointing downwards, towards the middle of your arm. Place the cuff 1 to 2 fingers above your elbow crease
2. Ensure that the cuff is fitted snugly, with 1 finger spacing between the arm and cuff 
3. In a seated position with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor, rest your left arm on a table at the level of your heart, with your palm facing up. Do not cross your legs. 
4. Press the “Start” button on the machine. Once completed, you should see three static numbers on the display, which represents the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart/pulse rate. 

After measurement:

• Repeat the measurement at least 2 minutes later and record your blood pressure numbers.

Regular medical checkups 

To ensure effective management, regular medical checkups help confirm home readings, monitor treatment effectiveness, and adjust medications as needed for optimal blood pressure management. This is because blood pressure readings taken in non-clinical settings may tend to be lower than readings taken in clinics. 

Medications for High Blood Pressure

In the event where lifestyle changes are insufficient to manage blood pressure levels, it may be necessary to take medications to help lower your blood pressure. Commonly prescribed medications for high blood pressure include:

Drug type	Examples	Side effects
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)  inhibits the production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. By blocking its production, it helps to relax and widen blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.	Enalapril Lisinopril	Dry cough  Headaches Dizziness Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in blood)  Rash
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)  blocks type 1 angiotensin II receptors, preventing vascular contraction. This means blood vessels stay open and blood pressure lowers.	COZAAR (Losartan) DIOVAN (Valsartan)	Headaches Dizziness Cold/flu-like symptoms Hyperkalemia
Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker  prevents calcium from entering the heart’s muscle cells and arteries. Calcium channel blockers relax and open narrowed blood vessels, reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure.	Nifedipine Amlodipine	Headaches Swollen ankles  Dizziness As grapefruit juice may hinder the metabolism of these medications, avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking calcium channel blockers as it can increase risk of side effects.
Beta Blockers  cause the heart to beat slower and with less force, lowering blood pressure. They also help widen veins and arteries, improving blood flow.	Atenolol Bisoprolol	Dizziness  Nausea Diarrhoea Fatigue
Diuretics also called water pills, help the body get rid of excess salt and water, controlling blood pressure. They are often used with other medications.	Hydrochlorothiazide LASIX (Frusemide)	Frequent urination  Dizziness, headaches Muscle cramps  Gout
Combination Drugs	Exforge (Amlodipine and Valsartan)	Dizziness, lightheaded  Headaches Hyperkalemia

Buying High Blood Pressure Medications via Online Pharmacy 

Benefits of an Online Pharmacy 

In Singapore, hypertension medications can be conveniently purchased with a valid prescription through online pharmacies. This allows individuals to acquire their medications without the hassle of waiting in line at a doctor’s clinic, all from the comfort of their homes. 

Considerations when choosing a reputable Online Pharmacy 

When selecting an online pharmacy, several key considerations should be taken into account to ensure a safe and reliable experience. 

1. Regulatory compliance is paramount; it is essential to verify that the pharmacy is licensed and regulated by the relevant authorities in Singapore, which ensures adherence to strict standards of operation. 
2. Product quality must be thoroughly assessed; customers should opt for pharmacies that guarantee the authenticity of their medications and source them from reputable manufacturers to ensure efficacy and safety. 
3. Security is also a non-negotiable aspect; in this digital age, the chosen online pharmacy should offer secure payment options and robust data protection measures to safeguard personal and financial information from potential cyber threats. 

Tips for Safe Online Medication Purchases

1. Prescription Requirement: Ensure the pharmacy requests for a valid prescription for prescription medications.
2. Beware of Counterfeits: Avoid pharmacies offering unusually low prices or suspiciously discounted medications.
3. Check for Verification: Look for verification seals or certifications to authenticate the pharmacy's legitimacy.

Controlling your Blood Pressure with Glovida-Rx

Glovida-Rx is your one-stop e-pharmacy, offering an extensive range of high-quality blood pressure medications that cater to the diverse needs of hypertension patients. At the forefront of our operations is a strong commitment to regulatory compliance and a secure online platform, designed with user safety in mind. With access to accredited pharmacists who are highly trained medication experts, patients receive personalised guidance for the proper and optimal use of their medications via WhatsApp. Check out Glovid-Rx’s reviews as a testament to our dedication in providing excellent service and reliable products, and as a trusted source for managing hypertension effectively.

Glovida-Rx sets a new standard in patient care and support for those managing their blood pressure and other health conditions through medication.  Embark on your journey to better health and stroke prevention with Glovida-Rx. Visit our website www.glovida-rx.com.sg for more information and contact our pharmacists at +65 8101 5555 today!

References 

1. Types of Blood Pressure Medications. (2024, May 24). www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications

2. High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments | Singapore Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Singapore Heart Foundation. https://www.myheart.org.sg/health/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure/

3. Understanding-hypertension. (n.d.) https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/understanding-hypertension