Home / Health / Silent Killer: High BP nearly cost woman her life
Silent Killer: High BP nearly cost woman her life
18 Sep
Summary
- High blood pressure went unnoticed for years due to lack of symptoms.
- Weight loss surgery failed twice due to uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Controlled blood pressure is crucial for avoiding serious health risks.
Charmaine Rowe, 49, is urging others to prioritize high blood pressure management after her own health deteriorated due to years of uncontrolled readings. Initially dismissed in her early 30s, the condition was eventually labeled a "silent killer" by a doctor, highlighting that symptoms are often absent.
Rowe's struggle intensified when two attempts at weight loss surgery in 2021 and 2022 failed. Doctors feared for her life and intensive care. A subsequent diagnosis revealed a thickened left ventricle caused by her persistently high blood pressure.
After successful weight loss surgery in 2023, Rowe, who has lost six stone, now diligently manages her blood pressure with daily medication. She advocates for Blood Pressure UK's campaign, stressing personal responsibility in health monitoring.
Recent polling indicates many young adults wrongly believe high blood pressure causes illness or is irrelevant to those under 40. Experts warn that waiting for symptoms can lead to irreversible damage like strokes or heart attacks.
