Issue 536 – Actively Managing the Three Highs for a Healthier Life

Uploading Health Check Data to the Health Passbook for Better Visualized Management

According to the 2017–2020 National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted by the HPA, the prevalence rates of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia among adults aged 18 and above are 27%, 11%, and 26%, respectively. Through various health examinations—such as employee health checks, civil servant health checks, and adult preventive health services—individuals can better understand whether they have risk factors related to the “Three Highs” (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids).

To strengthen prevention and control of the Three Highs, the National Health Administration has expanded adult preventive health services starting January 1, 2025. Individuals aged 30 to 39 are now eligible for one free preventive health check every five years. This policy helps detect abnormal health conditions early and enables timely intervention and treatment.

To enhance self-management of health data, the National Health Administration encourages individuals to sign consent forms during health examinations, allowing medical institutions to upload Three Highs–related health data to their personal Health Passbook (NHI Express App). With a smartphone, individuals can easily review their health data anytime. Even when changing jobs, users can access their historical health examination records through the Health Passbook, track changes in their health indicators, and present these records to physicians for better medical evaluation.

Director-General Shen Jing-Fen of the National Health Administration encourages the public to make full use of available health examination services, practice effective health management, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to the Three Highs.

Integrated Care Programs Help Reverse Risks and Delay Chronic Diseases

If health examinations reveal issues related to the Three Highs, medical institutions may connect patients with appropriate health management programs. Patients diagnosed with chronic conditions can be enrolled in chronic disease care programs provided by the 中央健康保險署.

Individuals identified with metabolic syndrome may also seek assistance from participating clinics. Metabolic syndrome is defined as having three or more of the following five risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Abnormal blood lipids
• Excessive waist circumference
• Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol

Participating clinics provide guidance on healthy lifestyle behaviors to improve individuals’ ability to manage their own health. Such programs can reduce and delay the development of chronic diseases associated with the Three Highs.

Three Health Principles to Prevent the Three Highs

To reduce the health risks associated with the Three Highs, individuals should adopt healthy lifestyles, including smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and routine health checkups. The following three principles are recommended:

1. Regular Health Checkups

In addition to using the free adult preventive health services provided by the National Health Administration, individuals should take advantage of various health examination opportunities such as workplace and civil servant health checks. Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid levels regularly helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2. The 722 Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Method

• 7 – Measure blood pressure for seven consecutive days
• 2 – Measure twice daily (once in the morning after waking and once before bedtime)
• 2 – Take two measurements each time

Regular monitoring helps individuals better understand blood pressure changes and improve self-management.

3. Balanced Diet and Regular Exercise

Follow dietary principles of low oil, low salt, low sugar, and high fiber. Consume appropriate amounts of fruits and natural foods, and engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week to establish a consistent exercise routine.

Source: Health Promotion Administration (HPA), MOHW, Taiwan –https://health99.hpa.gov.tw/health99/Subject/Detail/11341?nodeId=10