High Blood Pressure: A Silent Threat That Should Not Be Overlooked

High Blood Pressure: A Silent Threat That Should Not Be Overlooked

In the year 2023, hypertension ranked as the leading disease among Thai people using the Universal Coverage Scheme for treatment. Surveys also found that among Thais aged 15 and older, the prevalence of this condition is as high as 25.4%, with an increasing trend with age.

Although many people can live their daily lives normally, the danger of this disease is that it often shows no symptoms in the early stages. It is therefore called a "silent threat" or "silent killer," gradually damaging health over time.

Risk Factors to Watch Out For

• Age: The older you are, the higher your blood pressure
• Family history: Having relatives with hypertension
• Smoking: Increases blood pressure and damages blood vessels
• Alcohol consumption: Especially heavy drinking on a regular basis
• Dietary salt intake: Particularly from processed foods or heavily seasoned dishes

Additionally, stress, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea are also risk factors.

Complications from High Blood Pressure

• Heart and vascular diseases
• Stroke (brain hemorrhage or blockage)
• Kidney failure
• Dementia
• Heart failure

Ways to Prevent and Manage

1.) Medication: Used when blood pressure remains high continuously or in the hypertensive crisis stage, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, etc.

2.) Lifestyle adjustments:

• Reduce salt intake
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking and alcohol
• Get sufficient rest
• Manage stress
• Maintain a healthy weight

High blood pressure often shows no symptoms but can have severe consequences. The sooner it is detected, the better it can be managed. Start by regularly measuring your blood pressure and making lifestyle changes for long-term heart health.