Hypertension remains one of the leading health concerns in the Philippines. Despite wider access to medication, a growing number of Filipinos are still unable to keep their blood pressure under control, raising concerns among health experts about a more complex and under-recognized stage of hypertension.
With one in three adults, or an estimated 16.8 million Filipinos, living with high blood pressure, the gap between treatment and sustained control is becoming more apparent. Health experts are encouraging more consistent blood pressure monitoring and regular reassessment of treatment plans, particularly for patients who continue to experience elevated blood pressure despite medication. Gaps in awareness and follow-up care can delay the identification of patients who may require further evaluation, increasing their risk of long-term complications.
“Many patients assume that taking maintenance medication automatically means their blood pressure is under control, but that is not always the case,” said Dr. Jhoanna G. Marcelo, cardiologist at a leading specialty heart center in the Philippines. “For some patients, blood pressure remains elevated despite treatment, increasing their risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Recognizing when hypertension is not responding as expected is important in helping patients receive the most appropriate care for their condition.”
Understanding Resistant Hypertension and the Risks of Delayed Control
Resistant hypertension is a more advanced stage of high blood pressure, where levels remain elevated despite the use of multiple medications at optimal doses. This significantly increases the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.
Because resistant hypertension often presents without obvious symptoms, some patients may remain unaware that their blood pressure is still not adequately controlled, increasing their risk of long-term complications.
The Rising Need for Alternative Treatment Pathways in Addressing the Risks of Resistant Hypertension
As understanding of hypertension continues to evolve, healthcare providers are exploring additional approaches that may complement conventional treatment strategies for appropriate patients.
One such approach is renal denervation (RDN), a minimally invasive procedure that targets overactive nerves in the kidneys that contribute to high blood pressure.
For patients with resistant hypertension, RDN may be considered by healthcare providers when conventional therapies do not achieve adequate control. By targeting underlying mechanisms that contribute to persistently elevated blood pressure, RDN may support a more comprehensive long-term management approach for appropriate patients.
“One of the challenges in treating resistant hypertension is that some patients continue to struggle with blood pressure control despite their best efforts. Many of them have spent years taking multiple medications for various illnesses, and struggle with side effects that can make long-term treatment challenging,” said Dr. Jhoanna G. Marcelo. “The availability of RDN is encouraging because it expands the range of approaches available to physicians, allowing us to have more meaningful discussions with patients about their long-term treatment goals and management options.”
While many cases of hypertension can be effectively managed, greater awareness of resistant hypertension can help patients and healthcare providers identify appropriate next steps before serious complications arise.
