High blood pressure often unnoticed but dangerous, German expert warns
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- High blood pressure often goes unnoticed but poses significant health risks, contributing to a third of cardiovascular deaths in Germany.
- Unhealthy lifestyles, including stress, smoking, and lack of exercise, exacerbate the risks associated with hypertension.
- A psychocardiologist explains how personal habits impact heart health and preventative measures.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent danger, often going unnoticed by individuals despite its severe health implications. In Germany, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for one in three deaths, with hypertension frequently playing a significant role, often linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Psychocardiologist Christoph Herrmann-Lingen highlights the detrimental effects of professional stress on heart health. He notes that stressful periods often lead individuals to adopt riskier behaviors, such as increased smoking during breaks, neglecting preventative medical check-ups, and skipping exercise due to demanding work schedules. Furthermore, fatigue can lead to poor dietary choices, like opting for fast food over home-cooked, healthy meals.
Herrmann-Lingen emphasizes that these habits, sustained over time, create a "risk factor" for serious cardiovascular conditions. The cumulative impact of stress, poor lifestyle choices, and delayed medical attention significantly increases the likelihood of developing heart-related illnesses.
The expert's insights underscore the critical importance of managing stress and adopting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the risks associated with high blood pressure and protect cardiovascular well-being.
Anyone who is stressed behaves differently than someone who is relaxed. The latter smokes more often or more during breaks. Those with tightly scheduled weeks do not go for preventive check-ups on time. Those who work overtime cannot manage to go to sports after work. Anyone who is without energy drives to the sausage stand in the evening instead of cooking something healthy for themselves. In the long run, that is risky.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.