"Prevent hypertension, the strategy to conquer the silent executioner"

Our human blood pressure is caused by the heart, which pumps blood to nourish other organs of the body, which squeezes our blood into and creates pressure inside the arteries. ‘Hypertension (Hypertension)’ This is determined by two pressure values, namely 1.) Upper blood pressure (Systolic Blood Pressure, SBP) or heart pressure values, and 2) Lower blood pressure (Diastolic Blood Pressure, DBP) Or the blood pressure when the heart relaxes.

This is according to the definition of the Hypertension Association of Thailand. Upper blood pressure level (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or lower blood pressure levels (DBP) ≥ 90 It is considered to be high blood pressure (hypertension) It was based on blood pressure measurements at medical facilities.

Hypertension situation

World Health Organization (WHO) According to the report, 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years have high blood pressure worldwide, with two-thirds living in low- and middle-income countries.

For Thailand Data from the Hypertension Association of Thailand It was revealed that about 1 in 4 Thai adults currently suffer from high blood pressure, and only 48% of them are entering the treatment system.

The Silent Executioner, this name has its origin.

In the early stages, the body with elevated blood pressure usually does not show any symptoms, so the patient may not be aware of it until the blood pressure is measured. If high blood pressure is allowed to continue, it can have a negative impact on the body, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, angina (Coronary Artery Disease) Heart attack (Heart failure) Stroke or stroke (Stroke) and kidney failure, etc., and can lead to death. ‘Silent Executioner (The Silent Killer)’

Lifestyle Modification: Silent Executioner Defense Deadwood

One research example Study on groups with high blood pressure risk genes It was found that people with appropriate lifestyle habits In addition to helping lower upper and lower body pressure values than those who behave inappropriately. There is also a risk of cardiovascular disease. myocardial infarction and stroke are also lower. In other words, the way of life is considered an important basis for future health conditions and diseases. The appropriate behavior is as follows:

1. Always monitor your blood pressure. – Knowing your blood pressure will help you know your health status. You should study the use of blood pressure monitors and how to measure blood pressure correctly from a specialist, and monitor blood pressure regularly. If there is a higher trend, it will be able to enter the treatment process and change behavior more quickly.
2. Maintain proper body weight. - Obesity is considered one of the major risk factors. In the United States More than 122 million adults, or about 47 million people.% There is hypertension and almost 42% Therefore, maintaining an appropriate body weight, including losing weight around 5-10% It will help reduce blood pressure levels and reduce insulin resistance.
3. Physical activity – Regular body movements stimulate respiratory and circulatory function. Generally, it is recommended that adults engage in various forms of physical activity together, including:
• Aerobic exercise Moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes per week or very heavy for 75-90 minutes per week
• Resistance exercises (Resistant exercise) At least 2 times a week.
• Exercise in daily life (Incidental exercise) For example, walking up stairs instead of using the elevator. Walking or cycling to work instead of driving a car. Housework, etc.
4. Limit sodium intake – Avoid foods that are high in sodium on a regular basis, such as highly processed foods/processed meats. Frozen food, instant noodles Fermented foods, including seasonings such as sauces, soy sauce, seasoning powder, salt, shrimp paste, etc., should consume no more than 2 grams of sodium per day.,000 milligrams or 1 teaspoon of salt
5. Avoid alcohol. – Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and do not drink heavily in a short time (Binge drinking) Or as the Thai expression goes: ‘Drunk like a water head.’
6. Refrain from smoking and touching cigarette smoke. – Smoking and e-cigarettes can trigger acute high blood pressure and are also a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, you should refrain from smoking in all forms, including not inhaling cigarette smoke from smokers. “Secondhand cigarette smoke (Secondhand smoke)” This is no different from smoking itself.
7. Stress Management – Stress, anxiety, and depression may be prone to other risky behaviors such as eating poorly, smoking, drinking, and living a sedentary lifestyle.
8. Avoid exposure to air pollution. – Carbon dioxide exposure Carbon monoxide Sulfur dioxide and dust PM2.5 From buildings Buses/cars, and smoke from wildfires are all associated with higher blood pressure levels. Therefore, avoid going to places where toxic fumes are produced. If unavoidable, wear a mask and enter the building as soon as possible.

Hypertension is considered a public health problem and is also one of the causes of premature death worldwide. If we understand the causes and risk factors and pay attention to health proactively, such as lifestyle adjustments and regular blood pressure monitoring. These strategies can help prevent and conquer silent killers, reduce potential complications, and have a good and longevity of life.

By Medical Team BDMS Wellness Clinic Institute and the Association of Physicians for Health Rehabilitation and Promotion of Obesity Education, Bangkok (BARSO)

Reference List:

1.        NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in hypertension prevalence and progress in treatment and control from 1990 to 2019: a pooled analysis of 1201 population-representative studies with 104 million participants. Lancet. 2021;398(10304):957-80.

2.        Mancia G, Kreutz R, Brunström M, Burnier M, Grassi G, Januszewicz A, et al. 2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension The Task Force for the management of arterial hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension: Endorsed by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and the European Renal Association (ERA). J Hypertens. 2023;41(12):1874-2071.

3. Charchar FJ, Prestes PR, Mills C, et al. Lifestyle management of hypertension: International Society of Hypertension position paper endorsed by the World Hypertension League and European Society of Hypertension. J Hypertens. 2024;42(1):23-49.
4. Pazoki R, Dehghan A, Evangelou E, Warren H, Gao H, Caulfield M, et al. Genetic Predisposition to High Blood Pressure and Lifestyle Factors. Circulation. 2018 Feb 13;137(7):653–61.
5. Martin SS, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, et al. 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2024 Feb 20;149(8):e347–913.
6. Hypertension Association of Thailand. Guidelines for the treatment of hypertension in general practice.Fri. 2562 [Internet]. 2562 [Accessed on 12 Jun 2024]. Accessed from: http://www.thaiheart.org/images/column_1563846428/Thai%20HT%20Guideline%202019.pdf