Hypertension is Becoming Increasingly Prevalent Among Young People*

*Hypertension is Becoming Increasingly Prevalent Among Young People*

（Translated from Chinese by Doubao app)

https://www.zaobao.com.sg/forum/views/story20250322-6050665

 

March 22, 2025

Lianhe Zaobao 

 

陈淮沁医生 Dr Tan Huay Cheem

 

(The author is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Singapore Heart Foundation and a Senior Consultant Physician at the National Heart Centre, Singapore)

 

For many young Singaporeans, hypertension seems to be a distant health problem, and they often think, "I'll deal with it when I'm old" — but the reality is much grimmer than they imagine. A university-wide survey conducted by the Shake The Habit team from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University showed that Singaporean university students generally prioritize their studies and social life over their health. The 2022 National Population Health Survey found that among people aged 18 to 29, 90% of those with hypertension had not been diagnosed. Since hypertension generally has no obvious symptoms, this "silent killer" may cause serious damage to health inadvertently.

 

Research shows that excessive salt intake is directly related to hypertension. In fact, we only need about 500 milligrams of sodium per day to maintain the normal functioning of our bodies, which can be easily obtained from fresh ingredients such as eggs, bread, salmon, and chicken breast (this combination of foods contains about 541 milligrams of sodium). However, in reality, most of the sodium comes from sauces, seasonings (such as monosodium glutamate and chicken essence), and various processed foods. According to the 2022 National Nutrition Survey, sodium mainly appears in the production process of foods such as seasonings, bread, and noodles, resulting in 90% of Singapore residents consuming more than 9 grams of salt per day, almost double the recommended upper limit of 5 grams of sodium.

 

High salt intake can lead to water retention in the body and an increase in blood volume, forcing the heart to work harder and causing blood pressure to rise. In the long run, it will not only increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure but may also cause irreversible damage to the body. Studies also show that for people without hypertension, reducing sodium intake can also significantly lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. In recent years, public health efforts have strongly promoted a low-salt diet, and this measure has significantly reduced the incidence of hypertension and related complications, providing strong evidence for improving health.

 

For young people, making simple and easy dietary adjustments can lay the foundation for long-term health. For example, choosing fresh ingredients instead of processed foods, reducing the intake of soup, and actively asking for "less salt" or "no sauce" when dining out are all effective ways to reduce sodium intake. Cultivating these healthy eating habits can not only prevent hypertension but also reduce the risk of serious diseases such as heart disease and stroke in the future.

 

Nevertheless, many young people ignore the importance of regular blood pressure measurement and health checks because they feel healthy. Since hypertension has no symptoms, it often makes people mistakenly think that they are "fine." In fact, unhealthy lifestyles — including high salt intake, high stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet — are constantly increasing the incidence of hypertension among young Singaporeans. According to the Shake The Habit survey, nearly half of university students consume high-salt processed foods at least three to four times a week, and about one-third of the students pay little attention to the sodium content on food labels, which undoubtedly exacerbates the hidden danger.

 

Facing this situation, it is imperative to take preventive measures. Through simple lifestyle adjustments, such as choosing products with the "Healthier Choice" logo (low sodium), reducing the intake of processed foods, and participating in the "Three-Week Reverse Your Salty Taste Buds" challenge launched by the Singapore Heart Foundation, we can help control sodium intake and thus lower blood pressure. The Singapore Heart Foundation has also been committed to promoting early physical examinations, effectively managing the risk of hypertension, providing free blood pressure measurements to the public through blood pressure stations, and popularizing knowledge about hypertension management. The blood pressure station located at the North Spine Plaza of Nanyang Technological University will be open until the end of March 2025, providing convenient blood pressure monitoring services for teachers and students.

 

In conclusion, hypertension is no longer just a problem for the elderly but has become an increasingly serious health threat to young Singaporeans. By choosing a low-sodium diet, managing stress reasonably, and having regular blood pressure checks, young people can fully safeguard their long-term health. Only by enhancing health awareness and taking proactive preventive measures can we effectively curb the spread of hypertension and create a healthier living environment for future generations.

 

The author is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Singapore Heart Foundation and a Senior Consultant Physician at the National Heart Centre, Singapore.