Campaign Week for Prevention of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Many in Their 20s to 40s Unaware They Are Patients
Early Awareness of Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol Levels Is Essential
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced that it will launch the "Know Your Vascular Numbers, Red Circle Campaign," which aims to help people in their 20s to 40s-many of whom may be unaware they are patients-recognize cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases early and manage them to prevent progression to severe conditions.
On August 31, the agency stated that it will carry out the "Know Your Vascular Numbers, Red Circle Campaign" nationwide in cooperation with local governments to mark Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Prevention and Management Week (September 1-7). The Red Circle symbolizes "healthy blood vessels" and the campaign, initiated in 2014, encourages people to check their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels in advance to prevent and manage cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. For example, in Gwangjin District, Seoul, residents can measure their blood pressure and blood sugar levels and receive self-management education. The campaign also provides information on early symptoms and coping strategies for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as prevention messages. In addition, interactive programs such as health quizzes and health pledge declarations will be offered.
The agency emphasizes that people in their 20s to 40s need to recognize and manage cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia early to prevent them from progressing to severe conditions. As with other diseases, early recognition is crucial for effective treatment and management, but many people in their 20s to 40s are unaware that they are patients. In fact, for hypertension, 87.1% of those in their 70s and older were aware they had the condition, while only 50.7% of those in their 40s, 24.8% in their 30s, and 19.3% in their 20s knew they had hypertension.
If conditions such as hypertension are not properly managed, the risk of developing other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction or stroke, increases. Additionally, various complications such as chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, and nerve damage may occur.
Lifestyle guidelines for preventing and managing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases include: ▲ not smoking ▲ avoiding alcohol as much as possible ▲ exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day ▲ maintaining an appropriate weight and waist circumference ▲ regularly checking blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Im Seungkwan, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases account for four out of the top ten causes of death among Koreans, so knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels is the first step in health management for people in their 20s to 40s. Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes can develop in younger people due to worsening lifestyle habits, so it is important to manage your health from an early age."
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