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Hypertension—The Controllable “Silent Killer” | Safe and Sound

Hypertension is a “silent killer” that progresses quietly but can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure if not properly managed. Don’t wait until complications arise—let’s protect your heart and blood vessels with Safe and Sound starting today.

 

Bui Yen Nhi | Specialist Physician – Safe and Sound Clinic
 Institute of Applied Medical Technology

1. What is hypertension?

Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure reading of ≥140/90 mmHg on multiple occasions while at rest. It is a common chronic condition affecting approximately 30–45% of adults worldwide.

Hypertension is more than just a number on a blood pressure monitor. If uncontrolled, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and vision loss.

Image 1: Hypertension is a common chronic condition

2. The Risks of a Symptomless Disease

Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because:

  • Most people have no symptoms until complications occur.

  • Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigue usually indicate advanced disease or target organ damage.

Common complications include:

  • Cardiovascular: heart attack, heart failure

  • Brain: ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke

  • Kidneys: chronic kidney disease, dialysis requirement

  • Eyes: blurred vision, retinal hemorrhage

3. Who is at Risk?

Risk factors include:

  • Age >40; men at higher risk

  • Family history of hypertension

  • Overweight or obesity, especially abdominal obesity

  • Physical inactivity

  • High salt intake (>5 g/day), high-fat diet

  • Smoking and alcohol abuse

  • Prolonged stress or anxiety

If you have two or more risk factors, blood pressure should be checked every 6–12 months.

4. Early Detection – Proactive Health Protection

Diagnosis methods:

  • Measure blood pressure correctly while seated and resting for at least 5 minutes

  • Take 2–3 measurements at different times of the day

  • Home monitoring or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (Holter) monitoring may be needed

5. Hypertension Management—Proactivity is Key

5.1 Lifestyle Changes: The Foundation of Treatment

Healthy diet:

  • Reduce salt: <5 g/day

  • Increase vegetables, fruits, and whole grains

  • Limit animal fat, fast food, and red meat

  • Reduce sugar and sweets

Image 2: Diet plays a key role in blood pressure control

Physical activity:

  • At least 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week

  • Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, yoga

Weight management:

  • Each kilogram lost can reduce blood pressure by 1–2 mmHg

Limit alcohol:

  • Men: ≤2 units/day

  • Women: ≤1 unit/day

Quit smoking:

  • Significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke

Stress management:

  • Adequate sleep, meditation, deep breathing, avoid staying up late

5.2 Medication—When Necessary

  • Prescribed based on blood pressure level and cardiovascular risk

  • Common medications: diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers

Treatment principles:

    • Take medication on time and at the correct dose

    • Do not stop medication on your own, even if blood pressure is stable

    • Regular follow-up to adjust therapy

6. Monitoring for Target Organ Damage

Patients with hypertension should undergo regular checkups to detect complications:

  • ECG: detect left ventricular hypertrophy

  • Echocardiography: evaluate heart function

  • Blood tests: kidney function, lipid profile, blood sugar

  • Fundoscopy: detect hypertensive retinopathy

  • Microalbuminuria: early detection of kidney damage

7. SNS – Supporting You in Blood Pressure Management

Safe and Sound Clinic commits to:

  • Early detection and accurate diagnosis of hypertension
  • Home blood pressure monitoring, nutrition, and exercise counseling
  • Personalized treatment plans—effective and safe
  • Early detection of complications and timely intervention
  • Home visits or remote consultation—convenient and flexible

In summary:

  • Hypertension is asymptomatic but can be fatal if uncontrolled

  • Lifestyle is the foundation; medication is supportive—both must work together

  • Regular screening and proper treatment lead to a healthy life with controlled blood pressure

Contact SNS Clinic for screening, consultation, and hypertension management for a healthy, proactive future!

Safe and Sound Clinic – Psychological and Family Health Support

Safe and Sound Clinic (SnS) – Institute of Applied Medical Technology (IMT)
H2.01, 2nd Floor, Tower H, The Peak M8 Luxury Apartment, Street 16, Tan Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Safe and Sound Clinic specializes in healthcare and accompanies you in the management of chronic diseases. We are ready to serve you through remote services, home visits, or in-clinic consultations, providing comprehensive and high-quality care solutions.

HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: Book online or directly with our team of doctors.

Safe and Sound – Institute of Applied Medical Technology (IMT)

: Hypertension—The Controllable “Silent Killer” | Safe and Sound