The Truth About 'I'm Fine' That No One Talks About

Today let's talk about hypertension. The one happening between matatu rides, monthly bills, late-night fast foods, and "we'll change our lifestyle soon" promises.

Because honestly, hypertension isn't only for older adults, big-bodied uncles, or celebrities who trend for health scares. Right here in our neighbourhoods, stress, lifestyle habits, and genetics can combine faster than mobile money deductions.

Last Thursday opened my eyes.

I was meeting my cousins in town for lunch. Nothing serious, just good vibes, laughter, and catching up. As I walked from the bus station to our meeting spot, I noticed my heart beating faster than usual. It wasn't due to exercise, I was simply walking at a normal pace. I paused, pretended to check my phone, and took slow breaths… But in my mind I wondered, "Is this just anxiety or is something else going on?"

At the restaurant, food arrived, pilau rice, fried meat, and of course very cold soda. Halfway through, I felt a mild but persistent headache around my temples, not severe enough to panic, but consistent, like it was trying to pass a message. I brushed it off, thinking, "maybe I didn't sleep well." We laughed, talked politics, jokes, and the usual Nairobi drama.

Later, I passed by a pharmacy to pick something small and overheard someone being advised to reduce salt, alcohol, stress, and late-night eating. The person responded, "I'm fine, I feel okay," and walked out. The pharmacist sighed and said quietly, "Hypertension is invisible but it kills silently."

That line stayed with me.

On Friday, we then visited a relative. A calm, humble man, rarely complains, hardly falls ill. But he casually mentioned he had collapsed a few weeks ago because his blood pressure rose dangerously without warning. No pain, no signs, just pressure silently rising like unga prices.

"Feeling fine is not a diagnosis."

He now has to watch his salt intake, walk daily, stop late-night junk food, manage stress better, and check his blood pressure regularly.

Hypertension does not need you to feel sick, it can be happening quietly. And by the time it becomes obvious, the consequences can be serious, stroke, kidney damage, or heart failure.

So maybe it's time we stopped saying "I'm fine, I'm just tired."

Sometimes, the pressure is not just in your life, it's in your body.