Red marks on health checkup but no attention paid to abnormalities of three highs may indicate hidden dangers

Chronic diseases are also called "lifestyle diseases". During a general health checkup, if three of the five indicators, including physical fitness, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, are abnormal, most people are on the verge of chronic disease. Not only will the body's "metabolism" send out warning signs, but it will also make it more likely to develop chronic diseases. This should never be underestimated.

Health check-ups are an important part of preventive medicine, and early detection and treatment are important. (Photo/Reporter Zhang Shijie)

4 Keys to Self-Management of Health Check-ups

From the statistical report on the top 10 causes of death in Taiwan published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare every year, we can see that chronic diseases are the biggest threat to health. Health checks are a way for people to know their current physical condition. If there are red numbers, they should pay special attention and find ways to improve it. Although there will be no physical discomfort in the short term, if they are ignored for a long time, minor illnesses will become major ones.

1. Keep track of your physical condition at all times.

2. Start by changing your daily habits, exercising and adjusting your eating habits.

3. Use appropriate supporting measures to adjust the sub-health state of the human body.

4. Achieve self-management of health checks with professional medical professionals and sophisticated instrument tracking.

Dr. Zhou Shuoqu (left) emphasized that identifying risk factors for lesions through careful examinations is a necessary means of health management. (Photo/Reporter Zhang Shijie)

Dr. Zhou Shuoqu from the Health Management Center of Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital emphasized that high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood lipids are collectively called the three highs. Among the top 10 causes of death in the country, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and hypertensive diseases rank 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 10th respectively. Most of these diseases are caused by uncontrolled chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high blood lipids, diabetes, etc. Therefore, knowing how to prevent the three highs can prevent these fatal diseases.

Hypertension and arteriosclerosis can be said to be inseparable, and we must not take them lightly.

1. Definition of hypertension: systolic blood pressure higher than 140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure higher than 90 mmHg.

Doctors remind: Hypertension and arteriosclerosis are inseparable. Arteriosclerosis causes the condition of blood vessels to deteriorate, causing blood pressure to rise further. The heart that delivers blood must bear a considerable burden, creating a vicious cycle. In fact, among the three major causes of death among Japanese people: cancer, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease, except for cancer, the remaining two diseases are closely related to high blood pressure.

High or low blood sugar levels can affect blood vessels. In addition to preventing diabetes, correct treatment is also important.

2. Definition of hyperglycemia: Fasting blood sugar test: If the fasting blood sugar test results are ≥ 126 (mg/dL) on at least two different days, diabetes can be diagnosed.

Doctors remind: Long-term high blood sugar levels can easily lead to symptoms such as eating more, drinking more, urinating more, and weight loss, which can eventually lead to arteriosclerosis and cause cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, kidney, and retinal diseases. After being diagnosed with diabetes, do not take it lightly just because these symptoms do not appear. Diabetes is known as a "disease of complications". In addition to diabetic retinopathy, it also includes the "three major complications" of diabetic nephropathy and diabetic neuropathy, as well as other serious complications. This is because high blood sugar can cause various disorders in blood vessels and even blood conditions throughout the body, resulting in great damage to internal organs.

If abnormal blood lipids are found during a blood test, in addition to drug control, improving lifestyle habits is also essential.

3. Definition of hyperlipidemia: total cholesterol value above 200 mg/dl, or LDL value above 130 mg/dl, or HDL value below 40 mg/dl, or TG value above 150.

Doctor's reminder: Hyperlipidemia (abnormal blood lipids) refers to the excessive increase of lipids (cholesterol or neutral fat) in the blood, which causes cholesterol to accumulate in the blood vessel walls and can easily cause arteriosclerosis. If blood flow is obstructed in the thickened blood vessels, it may cause heart and cerebrovascular diseases.

To understand dyslipidemia, we must know the members of the lipid family:

1. Total cholesterol (Tc

2. Triglyceride (TG)

3. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), commonly known as bad cholesterol, is one of the culprits causing blood vessel blockage

※If the concentrations of the above three are too high, the chance of developing cardiovascular disease will increase!

Maintaining proper exercise habits every day can effectively alleviate the worsening of the three high symptoms.

Prevention of three highs and large supplements starts with improving life

1. Control your weight: You can calculate your body's BMI value (weight (kg))/height (m2)). If your BMI>27, you are considered obese. You can also measure your waist circumference. The normal waist circumference of men should be less than 90cm, and that of women should be less than 80cm.

2. Diet control: Grasp the principle of "three less and two more", eat more vegetables, fruits and high-fiber foods, eat less processed foods, use less seasonings, and eat less high-fat foods. When cooking, try to use vegetable oils (such as olive oil, peanut oil) instead of animal oils (lard, butter); boil, steam, or mix cold dishes instead of frying; eat less foods with high cholesterol content, such as egg yolks, fish eggs, and offal. Eat more high-fiber foods, such as brown rice, oats, beans, vegetables, and fruits.

3. Appropriate exercise: at least 3 times a week, more than 30 minutes each time. You can choose some relatively mild exercises, such as swimming, Tai Chi, cycling, folk dance, mountain climbing, etc., to achieve the purpose of exercise.

4. Lifestyle: Quit smoking, quit drinking, and keep a happy mood.

5. Health management: Measure blood pressure regularly and order customized adult health checks. People aged 40 to 64 can have a free health check-up once every three years, and people aged 65 and above can have a free health check-up once a year.

"Three key points to remember when diagnosing the three highs"

1. Take medication according to the doctor's instructions and return for regular checkups.

2. Follow the guidance of professionals and learn proper diet, exercise, and weight control.

3. Do not take medicines or health foods of unknown origin.

Dr. Zhou Shuoqu reminds that after the health check, you should follow the doctor's instructions to take medication and return for regular checkups. (Photo/Reporter Zhang Shijie)

Health crisis awareness lack of willpower

Dr. Zhou Shuoqu emphasized that the Chinese people have sufficient information on health awareness. It was observed that after completing a health check-up, 70% of people would actively seek treatment and follow-up after receiving the doctor’s instructions and understanding their physical condition. As time goes by, only 30% of people will continue to maintain it. This shows that people generally have awareness of the health crisis, but lack the willpower. Therefore, the key to a successful health checkup lies in follow-up treatment actions, which is the first step in protecting your own health. However, if you ignore the results of the health checkup, all kinds of diseases will eventually come knocking on your door.