In pursuit of a fast-paced life, we often overlook our body's warning signs. According to the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes have become a hidden threat to public health. Though these conditions progress slowly, long-term neglect can lead to serious consequences such as heart disease or stroke. This article will help you understand their causes and provide a simple “self-health management process” to proactively take control of your health.
Know Your Enemy — Analysis of Four Common Chronic Diseases
Hypertension: The Silent Killer
Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains consistently high. Its greatest threat is the lack of obvious symptoms in the early stages, often silently damaging body organs without awareness.
How to Diagnose:
- Tools:
Using a home blood pressure monitor is the most direct and effective way to diagnose hypertension.
- Procedure:
It is recommended to measure and record blood pressure daily at fixed times (such as after waking up and before bedtime). According to the Taiwan Hypertension Society’s recommendations, if systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≧ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≧ 80 mmHg, consult a doctor for evaluation.
- Warning Signs:
Dizziness, headache, palpitations, or shortness of breath especially after intense exercise.
- Risk Factors:
Genetics, obesity, high sodium diet (excess processed foods), lack of exercise, and chronic stress.
Hyperlipidemia: The Invisible Threat to Blood Vessels
Hyperlipidemia means elevated cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood. These “fats” accumulate like grease inside pipes, gradually depositing on blood vessel walls, causing hardening and narrowing of the vessels.
How to Diagnose:
- Tools:
Hyperlipidemia cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone; only blood tests can confirm it.
- Procedure:
Regular health check-ups are the only way to detect hyperlipidemia. Doctors diagnose based on blood test results including total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “bad cholesterol”).
- Warning Signs:
DNo symptoms at the early stage.
- Risk Factors:
Unhealthy diet (fried foods, high saturated fats), lack of exercise, obesity, and genetics.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Respiratory Warning Not to Be Ignored
Core Knowledge: COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, causing breathing difficulties. It is one of the top ten causes of death in Taiwan, yet many people have never heard of it.
How to Diagnose:
- Tools:
Pulmonary function tests are the gold standard for COPD diagnosis.
- Procedure:
RIf you have persistent coughing, sputum production, or wheezing symptoms and a smoking history, actively consult a pulmonologist for pulmonary function testing.
- Warning Signs:
Chronic cough (often with sputum), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing.
- Risk Factors:
Smoking is the biggest cause; long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, or dust also increases risk.
From Knowledge to Action — Build Your Health Management Plan
Understanding these diseases is only the first step. The important thing is to turn knowledge into action. Below is our recommended complete process:
- Regular Health Check-ups:
Treat health check-ups as an annual “full-body inventory,” the most effective method to detect hidden risks.
- Self-Monitoring Tools:
Prepare your own blood pressure monitors, glucometers, etc., and learn to use them correctly. Record your readings daily and observe trends in your body’s condition.
- Recording and Communication:
Document measurements, diet, exercise, and bring these records to your doctor. This helps doctors more accurately understand your health status and provide personalized treatment advice.
- Build Healthy Habits:
- Diet: Reduce intake of high salt, sugar, and fat; increase vegetables and dietary fiber.
- Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming.
- Quit Smoking: If you are a smoker, quitting is the most critical step to prevent COPD, heart disease, and other illnesses.
Furthermore, the government is actively promoting smart manufacturing subsidy programs and industry partnerships, effectively facilitating the implementation of localization strategies.
Health Is a Journey That Requires Active Participation
Chronic diseases are not uncontrollable monsters. Through proactive learning, regular monitoring, and establishing healthy lifestyles, we can all effectively reduce disease risks and delay progression. Health is not just a medical action, but a journey requiring your personal involvement. Start today by writing the first page of your own health record!
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