What is high blood pressure?
Hypertension, also known as hypertensive disorder or hypertension, is a chronic condition characterized by persistent elevated arterial blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measure of how much the heart pushes blood during contraction and diastolic and is usually represented by two numbers, such as 120 80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The first number is systolic blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure), which represents the highest pressure at which the heart pushes blood into the arteries when it contracts;The second number is diastolic blood pressure, which represents the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is diastolic.
Hypertension is generally defined as a persistent systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg. However, this definition may vary depending on individual circumstances, age, and other relevant factors.
High blood pressure is usually divided into two categories: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Essential hypertension is the most common type, accounting for about 95% of all hypertension cases. The specific cause is unknown, but it is often related to genetics, lifestyle, dietary Xi, age, and other factors. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by known diseases or medications, such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, pregnancy, etc. High blood pressure is often referred to as:"The Silent Killer", because it usually has no obvious symptoms, but it can cause serious damage to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems and other organs.
Therefore, it is very important to accurately measure blood pressure and diagnose high blood pressure early.
What are the dangers of high blood pressure.
1.Cardiovascular disease: Long-term hypertension can damage vascular endothelial cells, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and aneurysms. This includes coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, etc.
2.Cerebrovascular disease: High blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Stroke can lead to severe neurological deficits and even death.
3.Kidney disease: High blood pressure can adversely affect the glomeruli and tubules, leading to kidney damage. Long-term uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious consequences such as kidney failure, kidney failure, etc.
4.Retinal disease: High blood pressure can cause changes in the blood vessels in the fundus, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the retina or bleeding, which can affect vision and even lead to blindness.
5.Overload on the heart and kidneys: High blood pressure makes the heart need more work to resist the pressure of blood on the artery walls and increases the burden on the kidneys. Long-term stress increases may lead to myocardial hypertrophy, heart failure, and deterioration of renal function.
6.Other harms: High blood pressure is also associated with other health problems such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.
Therefore, in order to prevent and manage high blood pressure to reduce its harm, it is advisable to measure blood pressure regularly, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and follow a doctor's best protocol.
What causes high blood pressure.
Essential hypertension (major hypertension) Essential hypertension, also known as intrinsic hypertension, is the most common type, accounting for about 90-95% of all hypertension cases, but the exact cause is not entirely clear.
May be related to the following factors:
1.Genetic factors: People with a family history of high blood pressure are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
2.Age: As we age, blood vessels gradually become stiff and narrow, causing blood pressure to rise.
3.Dietary factors: Excessive salt (sodium) intake, and lack of nutrients such as potassium and calcium.
4.Overweight or obesity: Weight gain increases the burden on the heart, causing blood pressure to rise.
5.Lack of exercise: Lack of exercise can lead to lower heart efficiency, which can raise blood pressure.
6.Alcohol and tobacco use: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can cause blood pressure to rise.
7.Mental stress: Prolonged stress and anxiety can affect the health of the heart and blood vessels.
8.Sleep disorders: sleep problems such as sleep apnea syndrome.
Secondary hypertensionSecondary hypertension is caused by other medical conditions or certain medications.
The causes of this type of hypertension are well understood, including:
1.Kidney disease: The kidneys are important organs that regulate blood pressure, and any disease that impairs kidney function can lead to high blood pressure.
2.Endocrine disorders: Thyroid problems, adrenal adenomas (such as excessive adrenaline), Cushing's syndrome, etc., can cause high blood pressure.
3.Diseases of the cardiovascular system: such as aortic stenosis or arteriosclerosis.
4.Medications*** Certain medications such as birth control pills, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and certain antidepressants can cause an increase in blood pressure.
5.Pregnancy-related: gestational hypertension may occur during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
*Strategies for high blood pressure often include lifestyle changes and medications**. Secondary hypertension requires targeting of the underlying disorder**.
Those conditions should be suspected of having high blood pressure.
1.Older age: The older you are, the higher your risk of developing high blood pressure.
2.Family history: If your parents, siblings or other close relatives have high blood pressure, you are also at increased risk of high blood pressure.
3.Obesity: Being overweight and obese is one of the main risk factors for high blood pressure.
4.Unhealthy eating Xi: Diets high in salt, fat and cholesterol can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
5.Lack of physical activity: Lack of exercise and physical activity can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
6.High tension and chronic stress: Prolonged exposure to tension and stress can easily lead to high blood pressure.
7.Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have adverse effects on blood pressure.
8.Chronic diseases: Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease, are associated with high blood pressure.
9.Obvious symptoms: headache, dizziness, palpitations, blurred vision, etc., may indicate the presence of hypertension.
If you are concerned that you may have high blood pressure, it is advisable to have your blood pressure measured regularly and consult your doctor.
What should I do if I have high blood pressure?
1.Lifestyle changes:
Eat a healthy diet: Eat a low-salt, low-fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Weight loss: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower blood pressure. Regular exercise: Engage in moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 150 minutes per week. Limit alcohol intake: It is best to have no more than two standard drinks a day for men and one drink for women. Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the walls of blood vessels and raise blood pressure. 2.Medications**:
Your doctor may prescribe one or more antihypertensive medications depending on your condition. Take your medication correctly as directed and do not stop or change the dose on your own. 3.Regular monitoring:
Check your blood pressure regularly so you can track your results. Using a home blood pressure monitor can help monitor changes in blood pressure. 4.Stress management: Learn Xi stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, relaxation training, yoga or meditation.
5.Regular physical examination: Go to the hospital regularly for physical examination to find out and deal with the cause of the increase in blood pressure in time.
6.Patient education: Learn about high blood pressure and its possible complications and increase your ability to manage yourself.
Keep in mind that these are general recommendations and should be counselled with a healthcare professional for individualised advice before implementing any of the above recommendations. High blood pressure is a condition that can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, etc., so it must be managed strictly according to your doctor's instructions.
What to pay attention to in the diet for high blood pressure.
1.Reduce salt intake:
Limit sodium intake, with the usual recommended daily intake not exceeding 1,500 to 2,300 mg. Avoid processed foods and fast foods, as they are often higher in sodium. Use as little salt as possible when cooking, and try to use herbs and spices to add flavor to your food. 2.Increase potassium intake:
Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body and helps lower blood pressure. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, oranges, milk and other dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds. 3.Choose healthy fats:
Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, such as those found in processed meats, full-fat dairy products, and some baked goods. Use oils rich in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, such as olive, peanut or flaxseed oil. 4.Abundant fruits and vegetables: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while being low in calories.
5.Select whole grains: Use whole grains instead of refined grains, which contain more fiber and nutrients.
6.Control alcohol intake: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Heavy alcohol consumption may cause blood pressure to rise.
7.Maintain a reasonable diet and Xi:
Avoid overeating and try to maintain a regular eating schedule. Control the portion size of food at each meal and avoid overdoing it. 8.Reduce caffeine intake: Caffeine may have an effect on blood pressure in some people, discuss and observe the specific effects of caffeine on your blood pressure.
9.Read labels: Learn to read food labels to understand the sodium content of foods.
10.Stay hydrated: Proper water intake is also important to maintain stable blood pressure.
The above is only general advice and may vary from case to case.
With these measures, you can reduce your risk of high blood pressure and help maintain overall cardiovascular health. If you have any health problems or concerns, it is best to consult a doctor.
How to prevent it. 1.Maintain a healthy diet: Limit salt in your diet, avoid too much saturated fat and cholesterol, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods.
2.Regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Consistent exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and promote blood circulation.
3.Maintain a moderate weight: Losing weight is important to prevent and control high blood pressure. Work hard to maintain a healthy weight and avoid being overweight and obese.
4.Non-smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for high blood pressure. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
5.Control alcohol consumption: Drink in moderation, and it's best to avoid heavy drinking for long periods of time, as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to increased blood pressure.
6.Managing stress: Learning to cope effectively with stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, and more can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
7.Regular work and rest: Get enough sleep and try to avoid staying up late and not getting enough sleep.
8.Regular check-ups: High blood pressure is often asymptomatic, so regular check-ups are key to preventing and detecting high blood pressure early.
With these measures, you can reduce your risk of high blood pressure and help maintain overall cardiovascular health. If you have any health problems or concerns, it is best to consult a medical professional.