The silent threat we can't afford to ignore

Hypertension - persistently high blood pressure - is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease worldwide. Yet it often develops without symptoms, earning the nickname “the silent killer.” The good news? Advances in AI technology are making blood pressure monitoring faster, easier, and more accessible than ever.

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What is hypertension?

Hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher. A healthy reading is typically below 120/80 mmHg.

Professor Sverre Kjelsen, former President of the European Society of Hypertension, underscores its seriousness:

“Hypertension is the strongest or one of the strongest risk factors for almost all different cardiovascular diseases acquired during life, including coronary disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, valvular heart diseases, cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, cerebral stroke and renal failure.”

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Why early detection is key

High blood pressure often develops without any noticeable symptoms. This means that by the time you feel unwell, the condition may have already begun to damage vital organs. This is why early detection and consistent monitoring are so crucial. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, hypertension can lead to:

- Heart disease: Including heart failure and arrhythmias.

- Stroke and cognitive decline: Due to damage to cerebral arteries.

- Kidney disease: From reduced blood flow and filtration.

- Vision loss: Caused by damage to blood vessels in the eyes.

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By monitoring your blood pressure consistently, you can:

- Identify hypertension early: Before symptoms arise, when lifestyle changes and medication can be most effective.

- Minimize long-term damage: By closing the gap between an elevated reading and medical intervention.

- Track trends over time: Enabling personalized and effective treatment plans.

- Empower yourself: By taking an active role in managing your health.

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The importance of accurate blood pressure measurement

To ensure a reliable diagnosis, it's essential to use proper measurement techniques. The European Society of Hypertension (ESH) recommends the following guidelines for accurate readings:

1. Rest before measurement: Sit quietly for at least five minutes.

2. Ensure correct positioning: Keep your arm at heart level, supported and free from restrictive clothing.

3. Take multiple readings: Take at least two measurements, one to two minutes apart, and calculate the average.

4. Keep consistent timing: Measure at the same time each day, preferably in the morning and evening.

5. Maintain good quality of your home monitoring: Use a clinically validated device and take measurements for at least three consecutive days for a reliable diagnosis.

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Beyond the clinic

While traditional methods like in-office measurements are still important, advancements in technology are providing more convenient and accurate ways to monitor blood pressure.

- Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM): HBPM provides a more comprehensive picture of your blood pressure trends over time, helping to minimize the "white coat effect" — a temporary increase in blood pressure due to stress in a clinical setting.

- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM): Considered the "gold standard" for blood pressure assessment, ABPM provides continuous readings throughout the day and night.

- AI-powered remote monitoring: Innovative AI-based solutions, like the Shen AI, are now enabling remote blood pressure measurement using rPPG (remote photoplethysmography). This technology analyzes light signals reflected from the skin to estimate blood pressure without a traditional cuff, opening new possibilities for accessible and proactive hypertension care.

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The takeaway

Hypertension is common, serious, and often invisible - but it’s also manageable with the right tools. Regular, accessible monitoring is not just a medical guideline, it’s a public health necessity. By combining proven methods with innovative AI-powered solutions, anyone can stay on top of their blood pressure, take preventive action, and protect their long-term health.

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