In addition to taking regular antihypertensive medications, dietary management is also crucial in the daily life of people with high blood pressure. Because certain foods may interact with antihypertensive medications, affecting the efficacy of the drugs and even causing blood pressure fluctuations. Therefore, it is important for patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time to know which foods to avoid in order to keep their blood pressure stable.
Salt is the natural enemy of people with high blood pressure. Consuming too much salt will lead to an increase in sodium ions in the body, which in turn will cause water and sodium retention, increase the burden on the heart and increase blood pressure. Especially for patients who are already taking antihypertensive medications, a high-salt diet may weaken the antihypertensive effect of the drugs and even make it difficult to control blood pressure.
Therefore, patients should try to avoid high-salt foods such as preserved foods, processed meats, and salted fish, reduce the amount of salt used in cooking, and choose a low-salt diet.
High-fat foods not only increase the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body, leading to atherosclerosis, but also affect the absorption and metabolism of antihypertensive drugs. Long-term intake of high-fat foods will make the blood vessel walls thicker and the elasticity of blood vessels will decrease, which in turn will aggravate the condition of hypertension. Therefore, patients should avoid high-fat foods such as fried foods, fatty meats, and animal offal, and choose a low-fat, light diet.
Irritating foods such as chili, ginger, garlic, etc., although they have certain medicinal properties, may cause blood pressure fluctuations for patients with high blood pressure. These foods can stimulate the sympathetic nerves, causing a higher heart rate, constriction of blood vessels, and higher blood pressure.
In addition, some patients may also have allergic reactions to certain irritating foods, which can further affect the stability of blood pressure. Therefore, patients should try to avoid or moderate the consumption of irritating foods in their daily diet.
In addition to the above three types of food, patients should also take care to avoid alcohol. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, causing blood pressure to drop, but long-term heavy drinking can damage vascular endothelial cells, worsen atherosclerosis, and eventually lead to an increase in blood pressure.
In addition, alcohol may interfere with the metabolism of antihypertensive drugs and affect the efficacy of medications. Therefore, people with high blood pressure should try to avoid alcohol or drink it in moderation.
In addition to dietary management, patients taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time should pay attention to the following:
Take your medication regularly: Take your medication strictly according to your doctor's instructions, and do not change the dose or stop taking it at will. If you feel unwell or in doubt, you should consult a doctor promptly.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure: Regular monitoring of blood pressure can keep abreast of changes in the condition and the efficacy of medications, which can help adjust the ** regimen.
Exercise: Exercise can help control weight, strengthen heart and lung fitness, improve blood circulation, and help lower blood pressure.
Maintain a good work and rest routine: Maintaining adequate sleep and regular work and rest habits can help regulate endocrine and stabilize blood pressure.
In conclusion, dietary management is a very important task for hypertensive patients who have been taking antihypertensive drugs for a long time. By avoiding the intake of high-salt, high-fat and irritating foods, as well as paying attention to the moderate amount of alcohol consumption, it can effectively assist the antihypertensive drugs and maintain the stability of blood pressure.