Doctor Urges Health Management to Prevent Chronic Disease Risks

A significant portion of Taiwan's adult population remains unaware of critical health indicators like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, commonly known as the "three highs." These conditions, often asymptomatic in their early stages, silently damage blood vessels and organs, escalating the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. National health data reveals that awareness rates for the "three highs" range from only 23% for high cholesterol to 68% for high blood pressure, indicating that a substantial number of individuals are unaware of their abnormal levels.

Dr. Chen Cheng-yu, Director of Family Medicine at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, explained that the "three highs" are not sudden diagnoses but rather the result of years of gradual deterioration. Many patients discover their conditions incidentally during routine health check-ups. These individuals, often not yet meeting the criteria for chronic disease diagnosis or medication, already exhibit one or more warning signs. Dr. Chen stresses the importance of professional health education and regular follow-ups to help these patients adjust their lifestyles.

Without proper management, these conditions can progress to chronic diseases within years, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and potentially leading to irreversible organ damage such as kidney failure and nerve damage. Conversely, timely intervention and good control before the disease fully develops can allow many individuals to return to normal levels without medication, preventing the onset of chronic "three highs" diseases.

Dr. Chen outlined six key health management guidelines for those at risk or already diagnosed with the "three highs." These include regular health examinations, maintaining a balanced diet low in oil, salt, and sugar with high fiber, controlling weight, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly combined with strength training, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, adhering strictly to prescribed medications, and getting recommended vaccinations like the flu and pneumococcal vaccines, as individuals with "three highs" are at higher risk for severe complications from infections.

“

High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but they continue to damage blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of major diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney disease.