Dr Nabila Laskar, a consultant cardiologist at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, has issued a stark warning about high blood pressure, describing it as a 'silent killer' that often goes untreated because patients feel no symptoms. In a recent educational video on her social media channels, including TikTok and Instagram, where she posts as @Thecardiologydoctors, Dr Laskar explained that by the time symptoms appear, it may be 'too late' to prevent serious damage.
Why Patients Ignore High Blood Pressure
In her video, Dr Laskar addressed a common question from her patients: 'If I can't feel it, why should I treat it?' She noted that stress is also a silent killer, but she focused on uncontrolled blood pressure. She recounted scanning a patient in their early forties who had just been diagnosed with high blood pressure. The scan revealed that the wall thickness of their left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber, was significantly thickened, indicating long-standing untreated hypertension.
Consequences of Untreated Hypertension
Dr Laskar warned that without treatment, such patients would eventually develop heart failure. She emphasized that high blood pressure, though asymptomatic, is critically important to manage. The NHS website echoes this, stating that high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes, but lifestyle changes and medications can help maintain health.
Risk Factors and Recommendations
The NHS notes that high blood pressure usually has no symptoms but is common, especially in older adults. Risk factors include being overweight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged stress. Additionally, people of Black African, Black Caribbean, or South Asian ethnic backgrounds are at higher risk. The NHS advises regular blood pressure checks for those at risk, and to consult a GP about any health concerns.
