Five silent health killers you may not know about
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Not all deadly illnesses come with pain, fever, or obvious symptoms. Some creep in quietly, doing serious damage long before you notice a thing. These are often called silent killers.
Here are five common but often-overlooked ones you should watch out for:
1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Often dubbed the “silent killer”, hypertension can damage your heart, arteries, kidneys, and eyes without showing any symptoms.
Why it is deadly: It increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Stay safe: Get your blood pressure checked regularly, reduce salt intake, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that more than 1 in 3 adults worldwide live with high blood pressure, many without knowing it.
2. Type 2 Diabetes (High Blood Sugar)
You might feel fine for years while your blood sugar silently damages your nerves, eyes, and organs.
Why it is deadly: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage.
Stay safe: Limit sugar and refined carbs, eat balanced meals, stay active, and get routine blood sugar tests, especially if you’re overweight or have a family history.
Health experts warn that millions are pre-diabetic and don’t even know it.
3. High Cholesterol
You can’t feel high cholesterol, but it quietly clogs your arteries over time.
Why it is deadly: It contributes to heart attack and stroke when fatty deposits block blood flow.
Stay safe: Get a lipid profile test, eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid fried and processed foods.
Doctors call it silent because the first symptom is often a heart emergency.
4. Fatty Liver Disease
This condition happens when excess fat builds up in your liver, even if you don’t drink alcohol.
Why it is deadly: It can progress to liver inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), and liver failure.
Stay safe: Maintain a healthy weight, avoid sugary and fatty foods, and go for regular checkups if you’re overweight or diabetic.
The liver has no pain nerves, so it can be badly damaged before you notice anything.
5. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Your kidneys can lose function quietly over months or years without any sign.
Why it is deadly: When kidney damage becomes advanced, it can lead to waste buildup in the body, requiring dialysis or transplant.
Stay safe: Stay hydrated, monitor blood pressure and sugar, and avoid overusing painkillers or unprescribed drugs.
Experts say early screening can save your kidneys before it’s too late.
