In modern societies, hypertension has become a common chronic disease that seriously threatens people ‘ s health. Knowledge of hypertension is essential for the prevention and control of the disease.
I. Definition and hazard of hypertension
High blood pressure, i.e. an increase in blood pressure, is a clinical syndrome that increases the body-cycle arterial blood pressure (constrictive pressure, condensed pressure) to the main characteristic (constrictive pressure 140 mm mercury column, condensed pressure 90 mm mercury column), which can be accompanied by functional or physical damage to organs such as heart, brain, kidney, etc.
High blood pressure can’t be minimized. Long-term hypertension can place a heavy burden on the heart and can easily cause serious heart diseases such as coronary heart disease and heart infarction. The effects on cerebrovascular vessels are also significant and can lead to cerebrovascular accidents such as cerebral haemorrhage and brain infarction, while the light causes physical palsy, speech impairments and life risk. In addition, high blood pressure can damage the kidneys, gradually leading to a reduction in the kidney function or even to urine poisoning. At the same time, hypertension can cause ophthalmosis and affect vision.
II. Causes of hypertension
1. Genetic factors
High blood pressure has a certain genetic tendency. If there are hypertension in the family, there is a relatively high risk of an individual suffering from hypertension.
2. Poor lifestyle
(1) High salt diet: excessive salt intake increases the blood capacity of the human body, leading to increased blood pressure.
(2) Lack of exercise: a chronic lack of exercise slows down physical metabolism and accumulates fat, which can easily cause obesity, which is one of the major risk factors for hypertension.
(3) Excessive mental stress: prolonged stress, anxiety and stress can give the human body a sense of neurological excitement, leading to increased blood pressure.
(4) Smoking and drinking: Smoking can damage the insides of angiogenesis, reduce vascular elasticity and increase blood pressure. Overdrinking can also have adverse effects on blood pressure.
III. Symptoms of hypertension
High blood pressure may not be visible at an early stage, which is why it is called a “silent killer”. Many patients find themselves suffering from hypertension when they undergo medical examinations or when they experience complications. Some patients may suffer from headaches, dizziness, heart palpitation, ringing, insomnia, etc., but these symptoms are not specific and may be caused by other causes.
IV. Diagnosis and monitoring of hypertension
1. Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hypertension is based mainly on blood pressure measurements. The upper arm’s blood pressure is usually measured using calibrated sphygmomanometers in a quiet state. High blood pressure can be diagnosed if the condensed thorium-140 mm mercury column and/or the condensed thorium-90 mm mercury column were measured three times on the same day.
2. Frequency of monitoring
Blood pressure should be monitored on a regular basis for patients diagnosed with high blood pressure in order to adjust treatment programmes in a timely manner. In general, patients can measure their blood pressure at home on a daily basis, record the results and return to the hospital on a regular basis.
V. High blood pressure treatment
1. Improving lifestyles
(1) Low salt diet: Reduce salt intake, with a daily salt intake of less than 6 g per person.
(2) Moderate exercise: Aerobic exercise with a medium intensity of at least 150 minutes per week, such as running, jogging, swimming, etc., can also be combined with force training.
(3) Weight control: keep weight within normal limits through a reasonable diet and exercise.
(4) Prohibition of smoking: The cessation of smoking can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and limit alcohol consumption can also help control blood pressure.
(5) Reducing stress: Learn to relax and relieve stress through meditation, yoga, deep breath, etc.
2. Drug treatment
If blood pressure cannot be effectively controlled through improved lifestyles, medication is required under the guidance of a doctor. Pro-urea, beta receptor retardants, calcium route retardants, vascular stressor transformation enzymes inhibitors, vascular stressor II receptor retardants, etc. are currently used. The doctor selects the appropriate medication according to the patient ‘ s circumstances.
VI. Prevention of hypertension
1. Periodic medical examinations
In particular, high-risk groups such as high-tension family history, obesity, long-term smoking and drinking, and high-pressure mental stress should be regularly measured in order to detect hypertension at an early stage.
2. To develop a healthy lifestyle, which begins at a young age with low salt, low fat and low sugar diets, adequate exercise, abdication of smoking and alcohol, and a healthy lifestyle such as a good mindset.
References:
[1] Guide to the Prevention and Control of High Blood Pressure in China (Revised 2018), prepared by organizations such as the Chinese High Blood Pressure Union.
[2] “The risk factors of hypertension and progress in prevention and treatment studies”, Modern Preventive Medicine, by XXX, etc.
In short, hypertension is a preventable disease. By learning about high blood pressure, developing a healthy lifestyle, regular medical examinations and monitoring of blood pressure, and timely treatment, we can effectively prevent and control high blood pressure and protect our healthy lives.
