Blood pressure is the pressure generated by the flowing blood against the walls of the blood vessels when the heart contracts. It is the presence of blood pressure that makes it possible for blood with oxygen and nutrients to flow throughout the body, providing for the normal metabolism of organs and tissues. Blood pressure is generally measured by a sphygmomanometer, and can be measured as systolic pressure (blood pressure when the heart is contracting) and diastolic pressure (blood pressure when the heart is relaxing). The normal range of systolic blood pressure is 90 to 139 mmHg and the normal range of diastolic blood pressure is 60 to 89 mmHg, often noted as systolic/diastolic. When the measured value exceeds the high limit of the normal value, it is called hypertension; if it is lower than the low limit of the normal value, it is hypotension, and too high and too low blood pressure are abnormal. In recent years, the prevalence of hypertension in the population has been increasing year by year due to increased competition in urban work and faster pace of life. The rising number of various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications caused by hypertension has made it one of the key diseases of increasing concern.
1.Clinical manifestations
When a person’s blood pressure exceeds 140/90 mmHg in two consecutive measurements or three non-same-day measurements in a quiet state, it can be considered hypertension. The performance of early hypertension is not outstanding, only some symptoms such as dizziness, headache, blurred eyes, tinnitus, general weakness, memory loss, insomnia, irritability and irritability. In addition, the instability of blood pressure is also one of the characteristics of early stage. About 50% of early hypertensive patients can be completely asymptomatic, but asymptomatic hypertensive patients mostly suggest a slow and persistent rise in blood pressure, to which the patient is no longer sensitive and easily neglected. In the middle and late stages of hypertension, blood pressure will continue to increase and cause damage to small arteries in various organs throughout the body, resulting in complications such as fundus bleeding, angina pectoris, stroke, decreased kidney function, etc. Serious cases can also be life-threatening.
2, the cause of the increase in blood pressure
Hypertension is a chronic disease, from the occurrence to the diagnosis has often been a long time, during which there are many factors may work together to participate in the occurrence of hypertension. According to scientific research confirmed that the more common factors are.
①Gender and age: before the age of 35, there are more men than women; after the age of 35, the incidence increases significantly in women.
②Heredity: Those with a family history of hypertension have a significantly higher incidence than the average patient.
③Eating habits and hobbies: people who usually prefer “heavy mouth” are prone to hypertension. Drinking a lot of alcohol and smoking every day can increase blood pressure, because tobacco contains nicotine and alcohol in wine, both have a sympathetic excitation, constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Too much time, can also cause arteriosclerosis.
Obesity: obese people are prone to hypertension, according to statistics, the chances of getting the disease than normal people 2 to 4 times higher. Obesity with hyperlipidemia, the possibility of hypertension is greater, because hyperlipidemia can cause atherosclerosis of small arteries.
⑤ Psychological factors and occupation: mental tension, bad stimulation, insomnia, anxiety and fear can cause hypertension, and the incidence of hypertension is also higher in people who are engaged in long-term mental labor will work under tension.
(6) related diseases: diseases like uremia, adrenal tumors, renal artery stenosis often cause malignant hypertension.
3, the prevention and treatment of hypertension
(1) pay attention to the combination of work and rest. To prevent and control the harm caused by hypertension, the main link also lies in early prevention, otherwise it will be too late when complications arise, prevention is the most effective way to deal with hypertension. Overall, about 41% of people with blood pressure greater than the normal high limit (systolic blood pressure of 130-139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of 85-89 mmHg) will develop long-term hypertension within four years. Therefore, people with blood pressure greater than the high limit of normal should also receive antihypertensive treatment. Since excessive cortical tension is an important factor in the occurrence of hypertension, it is recommended that in life hypertensive patients should arrange rest and activities appropriately in relation to their condition, keep 8 hours of sleep with appropriate lunch breaks every day, and take relaxing walks with family members in boulevards, creeks and parks, which is appropriate for the majority of hypertensive patients. Of course, appropriate radio gymnastics and tai chi are also very beneficial to maintain physical strength and promote blood pressure recovery. For mild and moderate hypertension patients cycling, swimming is also not uncommon. Pay attention to keep bowel movements smooth, to develop the habit of regular bowel movements, for the elderly and patients with severe hypertension is best to arrange activities under the guidance of a doctor, do not try to win, greedy for a moment of pleasure and cause lifelong regret. For some diseases that can cause hypertension, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible for treatment.
(2) Pay attention to a reasonable diet. Patients with hypertension should observe the principle of low salt, low fat and low calories in their diet, and pay attention to the reasonable combination of diet structure; diet should not be too full and too fast; it is better to avoid bad habits such as smoking and alcohol. From the perspective of hypertension prevention, we should also pay attention to the appropriate control of salt intake, and change the habit of “heavy mouth” diet. Because the research results show that about 20% of the population will get hypertension if they eat more salt, and this part of the population is medically known as salt-sensitive people. In addition, there are some foods are natural “antihypertensive drugs”, usually pay attention to the appropriate food to help lower blood pressure. They are
① Shiitake mushrooms. Studies have confirmed that shiitake mushrooms can lower blood cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis and vascular degeneration, and are the ideal food to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
② Milk. It contains hydroxyl and methylglutaric acid, which can inhibit the activity of cholesterol synthesis enzymes in the body, thus inhibiting the synthesis of cholesterol. In addition, milk contains more calcium, which can also reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body.
③Ginger. Ginger contains an organic compound similar to salicylic acid, and the dilute solution of this substance is a blood thinner and anti-coagulant, which is good for lowering blood lipids, lowering blood pressure and preventing thrombosis.
④Shellfish. It has the effect of nourishing Yin and tonic. Experiments have proved that turtle can effectively reduce cholesterol content after high-fat diet.
⑤ Kelp. Kelp contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which can remove the cholesterol attached to the walls of blood vessels. The food fiber in kelp can smooth the intestines and stomach, promote the excretion of cholesterol and control the absorption of cholesterol; the calcium content in kelp is extremely rich, which can reduce the absorption of cholesterol and lower blood pressure. The synergistic effect of these 3 substances is excellent in lowering blood lipids and has high therapeutic value.
(6) Apple. It is extremely rich in pectin, which can reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood and also has the effect of preventing fat focus. It is reported that people who eat one or two apples a day can reduce their blood cholesterol content by more than 10%.
(7) Oats. Extremely rich in linoleic acid, accounting for thirty-five to fifty-two percent of all unsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin E is also abundant and contains saponins, which can reduce the concentration of plasma cholesterol. Beijing more than 20 large hospitals after years of clinical research confirmed that oats do have a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins, and can increase serum high-density lipoprotein.
(3) Drug therapy. For those who are not effective in general preventive measures, it is necessary to actively medicate. Of course, medication is not a casual matter, but must follow the relevant principles to carry out. Patients with hypertension are advised to take their medication without interruption or intermittence, and adherence to medication can effectively reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. Due to individual differences, it is necessary to constantly explore the process of taking medication in order to obtain the smallest and most appropriate dose and obtain the best therapeutic effect. For drug selection, it is currently advocated that the combination of diuretics and β-blockers can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and morbidity and mortality in patients with diastolic hypertension. Beta-blockers alone should not be used in the elderly, unless complications require beta-blockers. Patients with early-onset hypertension or elderly patients can be treated initially with diuretics, and dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, such as Loxodren and Bexin, are also an option for systolic hypertension alone to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events seemingly as well as diuretics and beta-blockers. To ensure that blood pressure remains relatively stable throughout the day without excessive fluctuations, it is recommended that long-acting agents such as Loxodren are preferred. As there are more varieties of antihypertensive drugs, some acting on beta receptors and some being angiotensin 2 antagonists, side effects are prone to occur if not chosen properly, it is recommended that patients should still get a clear diagnosis in the hospital and follow medical advice for safer medication.
After treatment, for patients with all stages of hypertension, systolic blood pressure should be reduced to < 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg is ideal.