Doctors warn that one in four Thais is at risk of high blood pressure, with nearly half unaware. They highlight that this silent threat, combined with AFib, increases stroke risk fivefold. They advise regular blood pressure screening at home before it is too late to act.
Stroke, commonly known in Thailand as paralysis or hemiplegia, remains a leading cause of death and disability. However, recent medical data shows much of this loss could be prevented by early detection of risk factors, especially“high blood pressure.”and“atrial fibrillation.”These conditions often show no warning signs and are therefore called“silent threats.”These threats are particularly alarming.
According to the World Health Organization in Thailand (WHO Thailand), a concerning fact is that one in four adult Thais has high blood pressure, but only about 30% manage to keep it within safe limits. Even more alarming, nearly 50% of patients never realize they have this condition because it usually progresses silently without symptoms.
Moreover, statistics clearly show that 58% of stroke patients are directly linked to uncontrolled and neglected high blood pressure. This underscores that regular health checks and blood pressure monitoring are crucial to reducing risk.
Another major health risk doctors emphasize is atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of irregular heartbeat. Those with AFib have a stroke risk five times higher than people without the condition.
A key challenge with AFib is that most patients have no symptoms or experience intermittent symptoms, leading to it being overlooked. Many only become aware after a stroke caused by blood vessel blockage or rupture, which often results in irreversible damage.
Associate Professor Dr. Surat Tanpraves, a neurology specialist at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine, explained that high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation commonly coexist and accelerate stroke development.
“Early screening and diagnosis improve treatment chances, reduce disease severity, and lower long-term risks of death and disability,”Associate Professor Dr. Surat stated.
He further explained that although current technologies allow people to screen their health at home, these tools cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. However, they are vital for early detection of abnormalities, enabling timely medical consultation.
Yusuke Kato, Managing Director of Omron Healthcare (Thailand) Co., Ltd., commented on Thailand’s health situation, noting that as the country fully transitions into an aging society, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular diseases, pose a significant public health challenge. Preventive care is globally recognized as essential, aiming to make blood pressure measurement and heart health monitoring a routine part of daily life in every household to detect risks before severe illness occurs.
Today’s smart home blood pressure monitors have advanced significantly; some models include Intellisense AFib technology to detect atrial fibrillation while measuring upper arm blood pressure. They also connect health data to smartphones, allowing users to track statistics and share information with doctors for more accurate treatment planning.
Beyond technology, health experts recommend that the best way to care for family members is to encourage regular health checks, especially for those over 40, those with chronic conditions, or a family history of heart disease and stroke. If blood pressure readings deviate from the standard, prompt consultation with a doctor is crucial, as early awareness of risks is key to maintaining long-term quality of life.