Hypertension (HTN), or high blood pressure, is the most common cardiovascular condition worldwide and a major preventable contributor to stroke, heart disease, and kidney-related illness and death.

According to the Korean Society of Hypertension, 13 million Koreans aged 20 and above have hypertension.

Hypertension Epidemiology Research Working Group noted that more than half of young adults aged 20 to 39 do not utilize healthcare services, and 84.9% of them are non-adherent to treatment. Awareness, treatment and control rates in this group are notably lower than all age groups above 40.

On World Hypertension Day, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, explains the importance of early detection, the causes, and how to prevent hypertension.

Foods and stress key contributors The increasing prevalence of fast food, processed snacks, energy drinks, and meals rich in red meat has transformed traditional diets into a realm that presents considerable long-term health dangers.

HTN is not simply a dietary concern; it is closely linked to life pressures and psychological stress. The high cost of living, traffic congestion, digital overload, and long working hours are all contributing factors.

The Silent Nature of Hypertension The subtlety of HTN is one of its most risky characteristics. Many people have HTN for years without experiencing any apparent symptoms. Damage to the cardiovascular system may have already occurred when symptoms such as migraines, dizziness, or vision problems manifest.

Early detection is not only essential but also potentially lifesaving. Routine health check-ups are still underutilized, particularly among younger populations who frequently regard hypertension as a condition that affects elderly individuals. Hypertension is increasingly being diagnosed in people in their late 20s, often attributed to obesity, smoking, and chronic stress.

Prevention is the Best Cure

1. Public Awareness: For people with hypertension, Korea’s Center for Control and Disease Prevention provides community-based programs which improve patients’ self-management skills to prevent their cardio-cerebrovascular disease that has a huge socioeconomic burden.

2. Early Detection: Primary care physicians should strongly encourage regular blood pressure checks. Initiatives, including digital health tools, workplace wellness initiatives, and mobile screening units, can raise access and compliance.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Sodium intake in South Korea is reportedly high, with about half the population consuming more than 4000 mg of salt daily. This is twice the recommended limit by the World Health Organization. Adjusting daily routines is necessary to prevent hypertension. This includes replacing salty snacks with fruits and vegetables, consuming less red meat, drinking plenty of water, exercising frequently, and adopting stress-reduction practices like yoga and mindfulness.

While South Korea has achieved relatively high rates of hypertension management compared to many countries, ongoing initiatives are crucial to lower the prevalence of high blood pressure and enhance awareness and treatment compliance, especially among younger individuals.

To effectively reverse the hypertension epidemic in South Korea, concerted efforts among citizens, healthcare providers, governments, and academic institutions are essential.

Each salty snack replaced with a healthier choice, every step taken, and every routine check-up attended brings the region closer to improved heart health.

To find out how the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine can train aspiring doctors in South Korea to address global health concerns, visit SGU’s website.