Silent Killers
Silent killer diseases are diseases that produce minimal or no symptoms and are capable of causing death or severe complications if not treated.
Part I: Hypertension (high blood pressure) – the experience of one of our members
An unsuspecting 47-year old member went to see her General Practitioner (GP) with muscle stiffness and pain in her groin after a gym session. Her GP concluded that excessive strain to these areas caused the pain and discomfort. In concluding the consultation, completely unrelated, she casually requested her GP to take her blood pressure. Imagine their shock to discover that her blood pressure reading was 178/114.
A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 (with age the range can differ). If your systolic pressure (upper number) is between 120 and 139 mm Hg or your diastolic pressure (lower number) is between 80 and 89 mm Hg, it could mean that you have pre-hypertension. This would not yet technically be considered high blood pressure, but it is outside the normal range.
Our member did not present with pre-hypertension, but with hypertension. This was not easy to explain as she is fit, weighs within the normal range, and maintains a moderate exercise regime and healthy eating habits. Nor did she have a family history of high blood pressure. The next step was to assess all aspects of her lifestyle, i.e. stress, work pressures, other medical conditions and medication that could explain the high measurement. Nothing could be pinpointed with certainty. The doctor prescribed high blood pressure medication, to be commenced with immediate effect, as she was at risk of a stroke. It took a few weeks for the blood pressure to settle and for the medication to control the condition. The condition is now regarded as chronic and the member needs to take the medication for the rest of her life. The early diagnosis will, however, prevent further cardiac complications.
This scenario is a prime example of patients living with an illness that goes undetected. Cardiac disease, diabetes, glaucoma (although not deadly, causes blindness if not diagnosed early), non-melanoma skin cancers, colon cancer, fatty liver disease and osteoporosis are some usual suspects, to mention a few. Make sure you go for regular medical checks to catch conditions early and take appropriate steps to intervene.
If your doctor diagnoses a chronic condition:
Phone 0860 222 633 (for MCP and SCP members) and 0861 665 665 (for VCP members) to confirm whether the Scheme provides funding. You will also find information about Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) conditions as well as Non-PMB chronic conditions in your Benefit Guide. If the Scheme funds your chronic condition, register your condition so the Scheme takes the risk and approved medication, tests and disease management will be funded from the correct benefit category and not from your day-to-day benefits. Registration of your chronic condition also ensures that you have access to information about your disease and the proper management support from the Scheme.