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Cardiologist Warns: Don't Ignore 'Silent Killer' Symptoms
2 Jul
Summary
- High blood pressure is a 'silent killer' often ignored due to lack of visible symptoms.
- Untreated high blood pressure can lead to severe heart conditions and heart failure.
- Lifestyle changes and medication are crucial for managing hypertension and preventing risks.
High blood pressure, a condition frequently dubbed a 'silent killer,' poses significant health risks due to its often undetectable nature. Many individuals dismiss the need for treatment, believing symptoms must be visible to warrant intervention. However, a prominent cardiologist, Dr. Nabila Laskar, warns that by the time symptoms manifest, it may be too late to effectively manage the condition.
Dr. Laskar highlights that uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to severe cardiac issues. She recounts scanning a patient in their early forties who had recently been diagnosed with hypertension. The examination revealed a significantly thickened left ventricle wall, indicating a long-standing, untreated high blood pressure problem that, if left unaddressed, could lead to heart failure.
The NHS advises that high blood pressure, or hypertension, typically presents no symptoms but is a common ailment, particularly among older adults. Risk factors include being overweight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged stress, and certain ethnic backgrounds. The health service urges individuals at risk or suspecting high blood pressure to seek regular checks with a GP.
