Hypertension control rate hits 49% as 150,000 residents live with condition

[Photo: Yuki Lei]

Macau’s hypertension control rate stands at 49% of the total population, though the treatment control rate was 66.5% in 2025, with health authorities citing medication adherence and early-stage treatment instability as key factors. An estimated 150,000 residents are living with the condition based on 2016 survey data.

The city’s hypertension control rate far exceeds the global average of 23% and “already ranks among the world’s leading levels,” authorities noted.

Public healthcare achieved an 89% hypertension treatment rate in 2025, but the blood pressure control rate stood at just 66.5% – indicating that “a significant proportion of patients still have uncontrolled blood pressure,” the Health Bureau (SSM) revealed at a press conference yesterday for World Hypertension Day 2026, themed “Early Detection, Early Treatment.” According to the 2016 Health Survey, approximately one-quarter of residents suffer from hypertension, with a prevalence rate of 25%, and as of 2024, more than 100,000 patients were registered.

Residents aged 18 and older should have their blood pressure checked at least annually, authorities said, noting that more than 2,100 residents have been flagged for high blood pressure. A network of 146 self-service blood pressure stations is available across the city – part of 337 locations that include libraries, community centers, sports venues, markets, pharmacies and banks. In addition, 12 “Community Health Stations” and 179 workplace- and school-based screening sites are also in place for residents to monitor their blood pressure.

Age is a key factor in hypertension, with the risk increasing as blood vessels harden over time, making the elderly the most commonly affected group, health authorities said at yesterday’s press conference commemorating World Hypertension Day on May 17.

Known as the “silent killer,” hypertension often shows no early symptoms, but prolonged abnormal blood pressure can silently damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. Authorities recommend the “722 Golden Rule” for home monitoring: measure blood pressure for seven consecutive days, twice daily – in the morning and evening – taking two readings each time and averaging them.

Officials also warned against the common myth that “taking blood pressure medication harms the kidneys.” In fact, uncontrolled hypertension is far more damaging to kidney health, and controlling blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to protect kidney function.

Stopping medication without medical advice can cause blood pressure to rebound sharply, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Hypertension, authorities emphasized, requires long-term management.

Campaign kicks off with free testing

In response to World Hypertension Day, the SSM announced yesterday the launch of the “Check Your Blood Pressure” campaign. Businesses, associations and schools are encouraged to have their employees and members measure their blood pressure, with participants eligible for an electronic certificate of appreciation.

Residents aged 18 or above can take part in an online quiz; those who answer all questions correctly will enter a lucky draw, with 30 winners receiving a blood pressure monitor.

Free blood pressure measurement stations will also be set up at 12 locations across the city this weekend.