High blood pressure: silent killer
High blood pressure, also known as the “silent killer”, is a common chronic disease that silently affects the health of hundreds of millions of people around the globe. High blood pressure is the continuous increase in blood pressure beyond normal levels, which may result in damage to important organs such as the heart, brain, kidney, etc. This paper will provide you with comprehensive science on hypertension, including its definition, cause, symptoms, hazards, diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures.
What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure on the vascular wall when the blood moves in the vein. High blood pressure means that the pressure continues to exceed normal levels. Normal blood pressure is usually defined as a constriction pressure (pressure when heart shrinks) below 120 mm mercury column (mmHg) and a constriction pressure (pressure when heart stretches) below 80 mm mercury column. High blood pressure is usually defined as a constriction pressure that lasts more than 140 mm of mercury or a constriction pressure that lasts more than 90 mm of mercury.
High blood pressure can be attributed to high blood pressure in both primary and secondary categories.
• Primary hypertension: Most hypertension patients fall into this category for unknown reasons, but may be related to genetic, environmental factors (e.g. diet, lifestyle) and age.
• Responsive hypertension: caused by other diseases or conditions, such as kidney diseases, endocrine diseases (e.g. hyperthyroidism) and drug side effects.
Symptoms of hypertension are often referred to as “silent killers” because they are often not visible at an early stage. As the condition evolves, the following symptoms may occur:
Headaches
• Dizziness
• Heartbreak
• Respiratory rush
• chest pain
• Nasal bleeding
However, many high blood pressure patients do not have symptoms even when they have high blood pressure, which is why regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential.
High blood pressure is the main risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and loss of sight. The following are some of the specific health problems that may result from hypertension:
• Heart disease: high blood pressure increases the heart burden, leading to a thick heart and coronary artery disease.
• Typhoon: hypertension is the main risk factor for stroke, as it can cause cerebrovascular rupture or congestion.
• Renal diseases: high blood pressure can impair the renal filtration function, leading to kidney failure.
• Visual problems: hypertension can cause retina damage and affect vision.
The diagnosis of hypertension by hypertensive is mainly dependent on blood pressure measurements. Doctors may suggest:
• Monitoring of household blood pressure: periodic measurements of blood pressure using household sphygmomanometers.
• Clinical blood pressure measurements: multiple measurements were carried out in the doctor’s office to exclude “white haemopressure” (higher blood pressure at the doctor’s office but normal at home).
• 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring: an equipment to monitor blood pressure changes 24-hour in a row.
The treatment of hypertension for hypertension is aimed at reducing blood pressure to target levels to reduce the risk of complications. Treatment includes:
Lifestyle change:
• Healthy diet: reduced salt intake and increased consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Weight management: weight loss, especially abdominal fat.
• Regular motion: aerobics at least 150 minutes a week.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol.
• Medicinal treatment: For patients whose lifestyle changes are ineffective, doctors may prescribe a prescription of depressive drugs such as urea, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium route retardants and beta retardants.
The key to high blood pressure prevention is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The following are preventive measures:
• Healthy diet: follows diets with low salt and high potassium, such as the DASH diet (for high blood pressure).
Maintaining a healthy weight: Weight control through healthy diet and regular exercise.
• Regular motion: at least 150 minutes of aerobic medium strength per week.
• Stop smoking: smoking can significantly increase the risk of hypertension.
• Limiting alcohol consumption: men do not drink more than two cups a day and women do not drink more than one cup a day.
• Managing stress: managing stress through meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques.
High blood pressure is a controllable disease that can effectively reduce blood pressure and the risk of complications through healthy lifestyles and appropriate medical interventions. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and timely action are key to maintaining cardiovascular health. Let us work together against this “silent killer”.
