Beware Of Hypertension Since Early Childhood Is The Key To Preventing Heart Disease

Illustration of hypertension prevention (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the main triggers for heart disease and blood vessels. Often asymptomatic, this condition is dubbed a silent killer because it can damage the body slowly without realizing it.

Early detection and blood pressure control are important steps to prevent more serious complications in the future.

The Indonesian Heart Foundation (YJI) reminds the public of the urgency of early detection of hypertension. YJI Chairman Annisa Pohan, in her official statement on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of regular blood pressure checks.

One in three adults in Indonesia live with hypertension, but most don't know it. We want to invite everyone to be more aware and routinely check their blood pressure," he said, as quoted by ANTARA.

Through a national campaign themed Lawan Hypertension, Starting from Early Detection', YJI wants to raise public awareness, especially the younger generation, that high blood pressure is not just an elderly problem. In fact, the results of the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) show that hypertension also threatens the youth group, with a prevalence of 10.7 percent at the age of 1824 years and 17.4 percent at the age of 2534 years.

This condition is triggered by many unhealthy lifestyles. Smoking, consumption of high-salt foods, lack of exercise, and chronic stress are common causes of hypertension among young people.

Nikotin from cigarettes can narrow blood vessels and increase heart rate. Meanwhile, excessive sodium intake triggers a buildup of fluids that increase blood pressure.

This passive lifestyle is exacerbating this risk. In addition to increasing the possibility of obesity, lack of physical activity also increases the chances of high blood pressure. Not only that, prolonged stress can stimulate a sympathetic nervous system that ultimately affects the stability of blood pressure.

Data from the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) reveals that only 34 percent of people with hypertension are aware of their condition. Even more worrying, only about 8 percent really manage their blood pressure appropriately through treatment and lifestyle changes.

The Cardiologist and Blood Vessel, dr. Ario Soeryo Kuntjoro, Sp.JP(K), explained that uncontrolled high blood pressure has the potential to cause damage to blood vessels, heart, kidney, and even the brain. Because of asymptomatic, periodic blood pressure tests become very important, especially for individuals with high risk," he said.

In an effort to increase public awareness, YJI held various collaborative activities with the government, sports community, and the private sector. These programs include free blood pressure checks, consultations with cardiologists, Heart Run, to active and healthy life campaigns.

Through this movement, the Indonesian Heart Foundation hopes that the public will be more concerned about the importance of maintaining blood pressure, understanding the risks of hypertension from an early age, and adopting a lifestyle that supports heart health as a whole.