In Singapore, skipping meals, running on little sleep, and putting our own health last have become all too common — whether you’re juggling meetings, chasing after young kids, or simply keeping up with the demands of daily life. But over time, they can take a real toll on our well-being. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Singapore, responsible for approximately 30.5% of all deaths*. It’s a reminder that even small, everyday choices can shape our heart health more than we realise.

One of the major contributors to cardiovascular disease is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. According to the National Population Health Survey 2024, more than one in three Singaporeans aged 18 to 74 are living with the condition.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls remains consistently too high. Over time, this places extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

For most people, hypertension does not have a single identifiable cause. It usually develops over time as several risk factors add up. Some can be changed, while others cannot. These include:

• A diet high in salt or processed foods, and low in fruit and vegetables.
• Too little physical activity, and being overweight or obese.
• Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, poor sleep, or ongoing stress.
• Older age or a family history of hypertension.
• Medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Can High Blood Pressure Go Away on Its Own?

Usually, no. It’s not a condition to leave and hope will resolve by itself.

That said, a diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean medication is needed right away. For many people with mildly elevated blood pressure, lifestyle changes can make a real difference — reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol. These habits form the foundation of hypertension management, whether or not medication is eventually needed.

One of the tricky things about high blood pressure is that it often has no obvious symptoms. Even when you feel fine, uncontrolled hypertension can quietly damage your blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

The goal isn’t simply to avoid medication — it’s to keep your blood pressure under control and protect your long-term health.

The Importance of Regular Heart Health Screening

Health screening is a proactive way to catch potential issues before symptoms appear or conditions worsen. This matters especially for cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which often develop silently.

Catching these early gives you the chance to manage them through lifestyle changes, lowering the risk of complications down the line. Regular screening offers a clearer picture of your health, so you can make informed decisions and take charge of your long-term well-being.

Between meetings, deadlines, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner. Taking a few minutes to schedule a heart health screening today could help protect your health for years to come. Learn more about heart health screening here.

References

1. https://www.myheart.org.sg/health/heart-disease-statistics/
2. National Health Survey 2025 – NPHS 2024 Survey Report
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
4. https://www.nhcs.com.sg/publications/murmurs/is-your-heart-healthy–the-power-of-preventive-screening