General
silent killer
What does silent killer mean?
A condition (classically hypertension) that progresses and damages the body before producing noticeable symptoms.
"Hypertension's the silent killer — no warning until the stroke."
Origin
Public-health/clinical shorthand.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'silent killer'?
A condition that progresses and damages the body before producing noticeable symptoms — hypertension is the classic example.
Which diseases are called silent killers?
Hypertension is the classic one, but the label is also applied to conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning and certain cancers that stay symptomless until advanced.
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