THIS silent killer can put you at increased risk of stroke and dementia: How to prevent it

Over 7 million people die from stroke every year, globally. Another global health concern, dementia, was reported in 57 million people in 2021 globally, and every year, 10 million new cases emerge. What makes these conditions particularly alarming is that survival does not promise recovery. In fact, both stroke and dementia can affect quality of life, due to various impairments.

But many of these risks can be prevented. Yes, that’s right. There is a silent killer, which is a leading factor behind stroke and dementia. Find out about the silent killer and how to control it

The silent killer

The silent killer in question is high blood pressure. Yes, that’s right. High blood pressure or hypertension is far more dangerous than most people realize. About 1.28 billion adults (aged 30–79) have this condition globally. What’s more concerning is that about 46% are unaware that this condition exists. Hypertension is the leading cause of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It is called a silent killer due to the lack of symptoms. The condition can only be diagnosed through regular monitoring. If left unchecked, it can be deadly.

New high blood pressure guideline

The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued new guidelines that aim at prevention and early treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nearly half of all adults in the US have high blood pressure (≥130/80 mm Hg), which is the #1 preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, as well as kidney disease, cognitive decline, and dementia.

The new guidelines focus on preventing and managing high blood pressure with healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as following a heart-healthy diet, including reducing salt intake, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weigh,t and managing stress, combined with early treatment with medication to lower blood pressure if necessary.


“It is important for people to be aware of the recommended blood pressure goals and understand how healthy lifestyle behaviors and appropriate medication use can help them achieve and maintain optimal blood pressure. Prevention, early detection and management of high blood pressure are critical to long-term heart and brain health, which means longer, healthier lives,” Chair of the guideline writing committee Daniel W. Jones, M.D., FAHA, dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi, and was a member of the writing committee for the 2017 high blood pressure guideline, said, in a statement.

How to prevent and control Hypertension?

According to the AHA's new guidelines, making certain lifestyle changes can prevent and significantly lower hypertension.

• Limit sodium intake: Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium intake per day. Move toward an ideal limit of 1,500 mg per day.
• Quit drinking: For those who choose to drink, do not consume more than two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women.
• Manage stress with exercise: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, breathing control, or yoga.
• Maintain or achieve a healthy weight: If overweight or obese, aim for at least a 5% reduction in body weight in adults.
• Heart healthy diet: A DASH eating plan - high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and low-fat or nonfat dairy, and includes lean meats and poultry, fish and non-tropical oils, and reduced sodium intake is ideal.
• Increase physical activity: Aim for at least 75-150 minutes of workout each week. Incorporate aerobic exercise (such as cardio) and/or resistance training (such as weight training).
• Regular monitoring: Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients with hypertension, along with routine check-ups at the doctor’s office.