Despite appearing fit, ‘silent blood pressure’ is causing illness from within, and often goes undetected for years.

Lifestyle: People often believe that if their body looks fit, their weight is under control, and they don’t feel any discomfort, then their health must be perfectly fine. But the reality is different. High blood pressure, commonly known as BP, often causes serious damage to the body without any symptoms. This is why it is called a “silent killer” or “silent BP,” because it makes a person sick for years without giving any warning.
What is Silent BP?
High blood pressure is a condition where the pressure of blood in the arteries remains consistently higher than normal. Normally, 120/80 mmHg is considered healthy. When this level remains elevated for a long time, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. The problem is that in most cases, there are no clear symptoms of high BP, so the person is unaware of it.
Why are even fit-looking people affected?
It’s a common misconception that high BP only affects overweight or elderly people. Nowadays, young, fit, and active-looking people are also falling victim to silent BP. Stress, irregular routines, lack of sleep, excessive salt intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, and increased screen time are major contributing factors. Sometimes, a family history also increases the risk of high BP.
How does high BP damage the body?
If high BP is not controlled for a long time, it can seriously affect the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. The arteries of the heart can harden, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Increased pressure on the blood vessels of the brain increases the risk of a stroke. The kidneys can gradually weaken, and eyesight can also be affected. The most dangerous thing is that this damage becomes apparent only when the disease has progressed significantly.
Occasional mild signs
Although it is called a silent disease, in some cases, mild signs may appear. These include frequent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, nosebleeds, or blurred vision. These symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for general weakness, which can prove costly later on.
Why timely check-ups are important
The biggest danger of high blood pressure is that it often goes undetected without proper testing. Therefore, even if you feel completely healthy, it is extremely important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. After the age of 30, every person should get their blood pressure checked at least once every six months. People with a family history of high blood pressure need to be even more vigilant.
How to keep silent high blood pressure under control
Lifestyle changes are crucial for preventing and controlling high blood pressure. Limit your salt intake, and reduce your consumption of fried and processed foods. Include at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, such as walking, yoga, or exercise, in your routine. Meditation and pranayama can be beneficial for reducing stress. Getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking and alcohol are also essential.
Silent high blood pressure may not be visible from the outside, but it silently weakens the body from within. Looking fit is not always a guarantee of good health. By getting timely check-ups, maintaining a healthy diet, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can protect yourself from this silent disease. A small step taken today can save you from major problems in the future.