Hypertension, one of the most common chronic diseases, is widely recognized but still misunderstood by many. Current data indicates that over 200 million adults in China suffer from high blood pressure. Despite its prevalence, misconceptions about its prevention and treatment persist.
May 17th is World Hypertension Day, and we hope these expert tips can help you avoid the troubles associated with high blood pressure.
Understanding Hypertension
Hypertension is a systemic condition characterized by elevated blood pressure. According to the National Health Commission, a diagnosis is made if blood pressure readings exceed 140/90 mmHg on three separate occasions without the use of antihypertensive medications. This diagnosis warrants lifestyle interventions and possibly medication.
Dr. Ma Wenjun, Deputy Director of the Hypertension Center at Fuwai Hospital, emphasizes that blood pressure can be influenced by individual constitution, diseases, psychological state, and genetic factors, making some people more susceptible to hypertension.
Alarmingly, the incidence of hypertension is rising among young people and even children, often due to unhealthy lifestyles. Dr. Ma notes that while hypertension in the elderly is often linked to arterial stiffness and presents as isolated systolic hypertension, younger individuals typically show elevated systolic and diastolic pressures or isolated diastolic hypertension, primarily due to lifestyle, dietary habits, and stress.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Individuals in high-stress jobs, those who consume high-salt and high-fat diets, those who lack exercise, and those who smoke or drink excessively are at higher risk. Additionally, obesity and genetic predispositions can increase the risk of hypertension in children and adolescents.
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of personal health, leading to more households keeping medical devices like blood pressure monitors. Symptoms such as persistent dizziness, headaches, palpitations, chest tightness, blurred vision, or nosebleeds may indicate hypertension and should prompt a medical consultation.
Do Hypertensive Patients Always Need Medication?
A common belief is that a hypertension diagnosis means lifelong dependence on antihypertensive drugs. However, this is not necessarily the case. Dr. Liu Longfei, Vice President of Xiangya Hospital, explains that over 90% of hypertension cases are primary hypertension with unknown causes and are difficult to cure but manageable. The remaining cases are secondary hypertension, which can be controlled or normalized by treating the underlying condition.
Experts agree that lifestyle modification is crucial in hypertension management. Dr. Guo Ming, Associate Chief Physician at the Cardiovascular Department of Xiyuan Hospital, suggests that patients with mild hypertension (below 150/100 mmHg) may manage to reduce or even eliminate the need for medication through consistent healthy habits like a low-salt diet and weight control. Dr. Cao Yu, Chief Physician at Xiangya Third Hospital, adds that newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, particularly young ones with readings under 160/100 mmHg and no significant symptoms or comorbidities, may see their blood pressure normalize through lifestyle changes.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
The "Dietary Guidelines for Hypertensive Adults (2023 Edition)" recommend increasing potassium-rich foods, maintaining a light diet, and avoiding foods high in fat and cholesterol. It also advises consuming fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of grains and tubers, and protein from sources like dairy, fish, soy, and related products.
Moreover, experts advise hypertensive patients and those with high-normal blood pressure to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and reduce stress.
Regular blood pressure monitoring and good self-management practices are also essential.
A simple, portable home blood pressure monitor can help track daily readings, providing valuable insights into one's health and enabling a more relaxed approach to managing daily life.
Joytech Healthcare, a leading manufacturer of home blood pressure monitors approved by ISO13485, is developing more and more new EU MDR certified new tensiometers.
