Hypertension in Young People: A Silent Killer that Requires Immediate Attention

A 23-year-old male in Ho Chi Minh City had been living with hypertension for years but did not take it seriously until he experienced symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, numb tongue, and blurred vision. Despite being advised to seek hospitalization for further evaluation, the man hesitated and ended up with stage 5 kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or a transplant.

On the other hand, a 20-year-old male patient arrived at People’s Hospital 115 with a severe hemorrhage in his brain, resulting in a coma and high blood pressure. His family was unaware of his condition prior to this incident. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called a “silent killer” as it may not present obvious symptoms. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.5 billion people worldwide have hypertension, with a significant number of them unaware of their condition.

In Vietnam, over 12 million people have hypertension, with many unaware or undertreated. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing, even among younger individuals. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and sedentary habits contribute to the development of hypertension along with genetic predisposition and underlying health conditions like diabetes. Prevention measures include maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet while monitoring blood pressure levels regularly is crucial in early detection and management of the condition.

It is important for young people to be proactive in managing their health and seeking medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms related to hypertension. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as heart disease and stroke which could result in death.

The story highlights how young individuals need to take responsibility for their health by understanding their risk factors and taking preventative measures to manage conditions like hypertension. Regular check-ups and monitoring of blood pressure levels are essential for early detection and management of the condition.

Dr Nguyen Hoai Nam emphasized the importance of proper management of type 1 diabetes which can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure leading to potential heart failure.

In conclusion, young people need to understand that their health is important and should be taken seriously by seeking medical attention when necessary while adopting healthy habits like regular exercise and eating balanced diets can help prevent chronic diseases such as hypertension.