Overview
- Heart and circulatory diseases remain Germany’s leading cause of death, and many people do not know the current state of their heart.
- Tiefenbacher urges routine tracking of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, with optimal blood pressure under 130/80 mmHg and values over 140/90 requiring medical review.
- High blood pressure frequently goes unnoticed at first because it causes no pain, yet it gradually damages blood vessels and burdens the heart.
- Silent risk factors include chronic stress, smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets, with early, small changes such as 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise recommended.
- Family history can indicate elevated risk, so relatives in affected families should share information and seek early assessment.