Many people assume that headaches or neck stiffness are the main symptoms of hypertension. While these can happen, most patients feel nothing at all — even when their readings reach 180 mmHg.
“That’s what makes it scary,” says Dr. Ade. “When patients feel no symptoms, they think they’re fine — until a stroke happens.”
That’s why regular screening is crucial. Everyone over 30 years old should check their blood pressure at least twice every six months, even if they feel healthy.
11. What Happens If You Ignore Hypertension?
Untreated hypertension leads to serious complications:
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Stroke (either from ruptured blood vessels or clots)
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Heart failure (the heart thickens and weakens)
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Heart attack (coronary artery blockage)
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Kidney failure
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Loss of vision
As Dr. Ade puts it:
“You can die with hypertension or because of it.”
12. Prevention: Small Steps That Save Lives
Hypertension is mostly preventable. The key is lifestyle change — not just medication.
Dr. Ade’s prevention checklist:
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Reduce salt intake (max 1 teaspoon/day for healthy adults, less for hypertensives)
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Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods
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Avoid processed snacks, instant noodles, and sausages
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Exercise regularly — walk, move, don’t sit all day
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Quit smoking and limit alcohol
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Manage stress — stay calm and avoid chronic anger
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Do regular medical check-ups, especially after age 40
He reminds us: “People fear medical check-ups because they don’t want bad news. But the earlier you know, the easier it is to treat.”
Conclusion
Hypertension isn’t an instant death sentence — it’s a condition you can manage and even reverse with the right habits.
Dr. Ade’s message is simple: control, don’t ignore. Eat wisely, stay active, check your numbers, and follow your doctor’s advice.
The true danger lies not in having high blood pressure — but in pretending you don’t.
What You Should Do
✅ Check your blood pressure regularly
✅ Reduce salt and processed food
✅ Stay active and maintain healthy weight
✅ Take medications as prescribed
✅ Stay calm, manage stress
What You Should Avoid
❌ Stopping medication suddenly
❌ Consuming too much salt or energy drinks
❌ Smoking and excessive alcohol
❌ Ignoring symptoms or skipping check-ups
❌ Self-medicating without doctor supervision
Summary
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent but deadly condition affecting one in three adults. Dr. Ade Meidian Ambari, cardiologist and chairman of the Indonesian Heart Association, explains that hypertension occurs when blood pressure exceeds 140/90 mmHg. Major causes include excessive salt intake, smoking, lack of exercise, stress, and genetic predisposition. Processed foods, fried dishes, and sugary or salty snacks worsen the problem. However, lifestyle changes — such as reducing sodium, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking — can dramatically lower your risk. Medication plays a vital role, but it should never be stopped abruptly, as this can trigger stroke or heart attack. Hypertension also harms kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease if uncontrolled. Regular screening, especially for adults over 30, is crucial. Prevention starts with awareness, healthy habits, and stress control. Hypertension can’t always be cured, but it can absolutely be managed — and with consistency, you can live a long, healthy life.
( Source : Dr.Dr. Ade Meidian Ambari, Ph.D, FIHA, FAsCC, FJCS on Youtube)
References
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World Health Organization (WHO). Hypertension: Key Facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
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Whelton PK et al. 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. European Heart Journal.
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Wikipedia: Hypertension. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertension
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Ambari, A.M. (2024). #Ngopenk Hypertension Talk with Dr. Tirta Citot. YouTube Interview.
