Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s 2022 statistics on the top ten causes of death in Taiwan, chronic diseases related to the three highs (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol) claimed 69,400 lives. Furthermore, the National Health Insurance Administration’s top ten diseases with the highest medical expenses in 2022 revealed that kidney disease ranked first, while diabetes, hypertension-related diseases, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases ranked third, fourth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. These conditions are all related to the three highs. This highlights the significant threat that the “three highs” pose to public health and the burden they place on the national health insurance system, making them an issue that cannot be overlooked.
According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey data from 2017 to 2020, the awareness rate of the three highs among people aged 20 and above in Taiwan is as follows: 68% for high blood pressure, 66% for high blood sugar, and 23% for high cholesterol. This means that around 40-70% of the population is unaware of abnormal levels in their three highs. Since the three highs often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, people are less likely to notice that their health may already be at risk from these silent threats.
Caring for “Three Highs” Health Data to Reduce Chronic Disease Risks
According to survey data, about 60% of the population regularly participates in health check-ups. Director-General Wu Chao-chun of the National Health Service reminds the public to take advantage of free adult health check-up services. People aged 40 to 64 are eligible for a check-up every three years, while those aged 65 and above can receive one annually (with indigenous people starting at 55 and individuals with polio starting at 35). The services include health behavior surveys, physical exams, blood tests, urine tests, and health consultations. These can effectively monitor six common health issues in the population: blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, kidney function, liver function, and body mass index. The results of the health check-up can be entered into the “Chronic Disease Risk Assessment Platform,” which estimates the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular events in the next ten years. It provides follow-up recommendations based on low, medium, or high risk levels. Those with medium or high risk should seek professional medical assistance early and improve unhealthy habits to prevent chronic diseases.
Regular Health Check-ups, Tracking Red Flags, and Reversing the “Three Highs”  
To prevent the dangers of the “three highs” (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol), it’s essential to address the issue at its source by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Regular health check-ups and tracking any abnormalities are necessary to prevent and control the occurrence of the three highs and chronic diseases. The following three points should be followed:
 Measure Blood Pressure with the 722 Principle: It is recommended that people measure their blood pressure at home using the “722” principle: Measure for “7” consecutive days, “2” times a day—once after waking up in the morning and once before going to bed at night, and “2” times each measurement to monitor their health status.
 Regular Health Check-ups: People should take advantage of health check-up services in various settings, such as adult preventive healthcare services, workplace health screenings, civil servant check-ups, or self-funded check-ups, to monitor changes in their blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar levels.
 Track Red Flags in Health Check-ups: If any red flags (abnormal results) appear in health check-ups, they should be taken seriously, and individuals should promptly seek follow-up care at medical institutions.

Data URL link：https://www.hpa.gov.tw/EngPages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=1053&pid=18642