Many serious health conditions develop with few to no warning signs,underscoring the importance of proactive and regular medical checkups. physician Jorge Tartaglione warns of several “silent” diseases – including fatty liver, high blood pressure, and hepatitis – that can significantly impact long-term health without patients being aware. His warnings come as healthcare professionals globally emphasize preventative care and early detection as key to mitigating severe outcomes.
Diseases can emerge at any point in life, and many develop silently, impacting health without noticeable symptoms. Recognizing these conditions is crucial, particularly as certain ailments are frequently encountered and often go undetected.
According to physician Jorge Tartaglione, one such silent disease is fatty liver. Approximately one in three individuals is affected by this condition, which often presents no outward signs. The development of fatty liver is generally linked to factors like excess weight, poor diet, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.
“Fatty liver doesn’t cause symptoms. Initially, it’s the accumulation of fat within the liver cells, leading to inflammation and scarring. At this stage, it can be reversed. But once cirrhosis develops, it becomes much more difficult to treat,” Tartaglione explained. He also emphasized that having this condition can be a “risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke.”
Understanding Silent Diseases
Another silent disease is high blood pressure. “In 90% of cases, hypertension doesn’t present any symptoms,” Tartaglione stated. He believes that arterial health should be monitored from childhood. “We should start checking our children’s blood pressure from age five, and as adults, at least once a year,” he advised.
When asked about symptoms of elevated blood pressure, he indicated that “it almost never presents with symptoms, but the closest thing to that is a general feeling of unease.”
This makes high blood pressure a particularly insidious threat. “To those who believe a headache or neck pain indicates high blood pressure, I say that’s a false myth. It’s always best to consult a professional,” he suggested.
Hepatitis is also considered a silent disease by the specialist: “In Argentina, 900,000 people live with hepatitis.” Within that group, one in 20 is unaware they have the condition, and 5% of those individuals have a chronic form of the disease without knowing it.
In addition to hepatitis C, there are two other types: A and B. “Hepatitis A comes from water and fecal contamination. Before 2005, it was the most common cause of liver transplants in the country. Since the vaccine became available, liver transplants have fallen to zero. Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact and blood, for example, through transfusions, tattoos, or piercings,” he explained.
Finally, mental health is a critical consideration. Prioritizing emotional well-being is essential, especially given exposure to social media platforms that often portray unrealistic standards of living. This is particularly important as mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent.
“There are more than one mental health crisis or suicide attempt requiring hospitalization daily in the city of Buenos Aires,” he noted. Of these cases, 55% involve individuals under 15 years old, and 77% are women.
He explained that “teenagers are under pressure to achieve perfection – in performance, lifestyle, body image, and academics.” He added that “they face social pressures, which are often amplified by social media.”
Many serious diseases develop without obvious symptoms, making early detection a significant public health challenge. Recognizing these “silent” conditions is vital for proactive healthcare, as they can progress undetected and lead to severe complications.
Physician Jorge Tartaglione highlights fatty liver disease as a prime example. Affecting roughly one in three people, this condition often shows no outward signs but is strongly associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor nutrition, diabetes, and lack of physical activity.
“Fatty liver doesn’t present with symptoms initially. It begins with fat accumulation within the liver cells, leading to inflammation and eventual scarring. Fortunately, this early stage is often reversible,” Tartaglione explained. “However, once cirrhosis develops, treatment becomes considerably more difficult.” He further emphasized that fatty liver can significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Four Silent Threats to Health
High blood pressure is another frequently silent disease. “In 90% of cases, hypertension doesn’t manifest with any noticeable symptoms,” Tartaglione stated, advocating for regular blood pressure checks starting in childhood. “We should begin monitoring our children’s blood pressure from age five, and adults should have it checked at least annually.”
He cautioned against self-diagnosis based on common symptoms. “The belief that headaches or neck pain indicate high blood pressure is a common myth. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and guidance.”
Hepatitis, encompassing types A, B, and C, also often progresses without symptoms. “In Argentina, an estimated 900,000 people are living with hepatitis,” Tartaglione reported. Alarmingly, one in 20 individuals with hepatitis is unaware of their infection, and 5% of those cases are chronic and undiagnosed.
He clarified the different transmission routes for each type: “Hepatitis A is contracted through contaminated water and fecal matter. Before the widespread availability of the vaccine in 2005, it was the leading cause of liver transplants in the country. Since then, liver transplant rates due to hepatitis A have dropped to zero. Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is spread through sexual contact and bloodborne transmission, including transfusions, tattoos, and piercings.”
Finally, Tartaglione underscored the importance of addressing mental health. Maintaining emotional well-being is increasingly crucial, particularly in an era dominated by social media and unrealistic lifestyle portrayals. The findings highlight the growing need for mental health support, especially among young people.
“In Buenos Aires, there are more than one mental health crisis or suicide attempt requiring hospitalization each day,” he revealed. A significant proportion of these cases – 55% – involve individuals under the age of 15, and 77% are women.
He explained that “adolescents face immense pressure to achieve perfection in all aspects of their lives – academics, appearance, and social standing – often fueled by the unrealistic expectations presented on social media.”
