Two days before her 30th birthday, Tara Suplicki’s life took an unexpected turn. While climbing a flight of stairs at work, she collapsed. Her colleagues were alarmed, but Tara brushed it off as exhaustion and asthma-related issues. Despite her high-stress job as a department store manager, working 80 hours a week or more, Tara had no reason to think she was sick. She excelled in her role, travelled, exercised regularly, and lived life with toughness.
However, her body soon began to betray her. Dizziness, blackouts, and crushing exhaustion became her new reality. Even simple actions like walking became challenging. Grudgingly, Tara scheduled an appointment with her physician, anticipating a simple visit and perhaps a new inhaler prescription.
But the diagnosis was far from simple. Following a series of emergent tests, a cardiologist delivered the verdict: pulmonary hypertension, a severe and uncommon disorder affecting the lungs and heart. Tara’s world was turned upside down.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a stealthy disease that can cause heart disease, stroke, and other ailments without showing symptoms. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are crucial. World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17th, aims to raise awareness about this silent killer.
By knowing the risks, checking our blood pressure, and making simple lifestyle changes, we can safeguard our hearts and enjoy better lives. Let’s conquer the silent killer together. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension.
Get your blood pressure checked regularly, know your family history and risk factors, and take control of your heart health. Let’s spread awareness and support each other in this journey.
On World Hypertension Day, let’s pledge to prioritize our heart health and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can make a difference and beat hypertension.
