(Photo: Canva, @LordHenriVoton)
Hypertension: An Invisible Disease
High blood pressure is a significant health concern that is on the rise in Singapore. According to the National Population Health Survey 2022, over one in three Singaporeans between 18 and 74 years old has hypertension (or persistent high blood pressure). It is influenced by genetics, gender and lifestyle factors – a poor diet and lack of exercise in particular. Often referred to as a ‘silent killer’, high blood pressure does not often produce symptoms, leading to false assurances and delayed treatment. As such, regular blood pressure monitoring is the only way to diagnose and manage this condition well.
Understanding and managing your blood pressure are pivotal steps in safeguarding your cardiovascular health and ensuring longevity. Hypertension increases your risk for multiple conditions such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and sexual dysfunction (Source: Singapore Heart Foundation). Even a modest reduction of five points in blood pressure can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 10% (Source: Agency for Care Effectiveness Clinical Guidance).
A Trusted Companion in Understanding and Managing Your Blood Pressure
Recognising the importance of regular self-monitoring coupled with the safety net of healthcare professionals, the Primary Tech-Enhanced Care (PTEC) Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Programme was developed by the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT) in collaboration with Synapxe and all polyclinics, to empower patients to manage their blood pressure with greater confidence.
Patients use a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitor with a smartphone app to record their blood pressure readings. The app provides timely and interactive advice, useful reminders and notifications, which help patients to better manage their condition. The blood pressure readings are monitored by the app and trigger alerts when necessary to their polyclinic nurses and doctors, who will review and provide clinical interventions such as phone consultations and adjustment of medication . This helps patients to save time and obtain timely medical advice without stepping into the clinic.
The PTEC Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Programme at a glance.
Making a Difference in Patients’ Lives
Dr Scott Heng, a Resident Physician at SHP-Pasir Ris, described the PTEC Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Programme as a joint effort involving patients and healthcare professionals, leveraging technology to gain invaluable insights into one’s blood pressure control, unique daily patterns and the impact of one’s lifestyle choices.
Recalling several positive patient stories, Dr Heng said: “It is gratifying to see patients learn first-hand how their dietary and exercise habits can translate to better management, a lower medication burden and benefit other aspects of their lives. Similarly, the care team’s advice and titration of medication via tele-consultations help patients feel supported in managing their blood pressure.”
Dr Heng providing advice to a patient through phone consultation, after receiving a high blood pressure reading that was automatically shared with the polyclinic via PTEC.
With remote care, patients tend to make less visits to the polyclinic, thus saving time and money. “Technology can help us lead healthier lives by managing our health while spending less time waiting in polyclinics,” reflected Dr Jeremy He, a Family Physician at SHP-Punggol.
How To Get Started
Patients who are keen to manage your blood pressure proactively may indicate your interest in PTEC at this
link, or approach your doctor or nurse during your usual polyclinic visit.
Eligibility Criteria
- Aged 21 to 80 years old
- Not pregnant
- Existing diagnosis of hypertension
- No history of atrial fibrillation, kidney failure or heart failure
Article contributed by Dr Jeremy He, Family Physician, SHP-Punggol,Dr Scott Heng, Medical Officer, SHP-Pasir Ris and MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT).
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