2013 is the 16th National Hypertension Day and the 7th World Hypertension Day. 2013 Hypertension Day theme is “Healthy Heartbeat, Healthy Blood Pressure”. The goal of this theme is to control hypertension, prevent and treat atrial fibrillation, and maintain a healthy heartbeat and healthy blood pressure.
What is hypertension? Hypertension is the most common chronic condition in which blood pressure rises. Many people have persistently elevated blood pressure, but are unaware of it. Most cases of hypertension are asymptomatic, but uncontrolled hypertension damages the body’s vital organs and arteries, leading to death from hypertension-related disease. Hypertension is the leading cause of premature death in the nation, which is why it is also known as the “silent killer”.
Hypertension is a global epidemic! A total of 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension, and 9.4 million people die from hypertension each year. There are 260 million people with hypertension in China, and 2 million deaths are related to hypertension every year. Hypertension is a major public health problem, and it is urgent to strengthen the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
1.What is Hypertension Day?
Since 1998, National Hypertension Day has been celebrated on October 8 every year. Since 2007, World Hypertension Day has been celebrated on May 17 every year. The purpose of establishing Hypertension Day is to promote the cardiovascular health of the nation and prevent cardiovascular diseases by promoting the knowledge of hypertension prevention and treatment.
2.Know your blood pressure: What is normal blood pressure?
High blood pressure is often associated with atrial fibrillation. Take regular measurements of your blood pressure at home with an (upper arm) automatic blood pressure monitor. A blood pressure reading below 135/85 mmHg is considered normal blood pressure. Blood pressure should be measured after 30 minutes of quiet rest or rest after exercise, with a suitable cuff tied around your upper arm, feet naturally on the floor, sitting in a seat with a backrest, and taking your blood pressure once in the morning and once in the evening on the same day, recording the blood pressure values faithfully. If your blood pressure is normal, it will help maintain a healthy heart rhythm.
3. Know your heart rhythm: What is a healthy heartbeat?
Do you know if your heartbeat or heart rhythm is normal? While measuring your blood pressure, you should also measure your pulse. If your heartbeat is greater than 100 beats per minute, it is considered to be too fast. A normal heart rhythm is a regular, even beat. Irregular heartbeats or rhythms should be promptly tested with an electrocardiogram. People with high blood pressure are prone to arrhythmias. Symptoms of an irregular heartbeat can include chest discomfort, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting, but some people can be asymptomatic. Having an ECG test is the best and easiest way to screen for and diagnose atrial fibrillation.
4.What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias, causing the heart to pump very irregularly or usually too fast. Some patients with atrial fibrillation may not experience any discomfort and may be detected when feeling for a pulse or during a health check-up. In addition to causing an absolutely irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation can also cause cardiac decompensation, blood clotting in the heart and clots leading to stroke. Atrial fibrillation can be paroxysmal episodes or persistent atrial fibrillation.
5. Why is there an association between high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation?
Hypertension is the most common cause and risk factor for atrial fibrillation. High blood pressure often causes the heart to enlarge and leads to atrial fibrillation. The coexistence of atrial fibrillation and hypertension can significantly increase the risk of stroke, and some studies suggest that the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation is 3-5 times higher than in those without atrial fibrillation.
6, the prevention of hypertension and atrial fibrillation methods:.
(1) Adhere to exercise: maintain moderate physical activity can prevent hypertension and atrial fibrillation, physical activity including daily labor, walking, housework, qigong, taijiquan, etc.
(2) Limit salt intake: A high salt diet can kill 3 million people worldwide each year, and WHO recommends a salt intake of <5 grams per person per day. Eat more vegetables and fruits as appropriate. Eat vegetables and fruits at the beginning of the meal.
(3) Reduce the fast food diet: reduce the fat, sugar and salt content in food. Avoid fast food, try to eat at home, can control the intake of fat, salt, sugar.
(4) Limit alcohol consumption: Do not drink alcohol or drink small amounts of alcohol.
(5) Stop smoking: smoking is hazardous to health, smokers quit smoking as soon as possible.
7, treatment of atrial fibrillation.
There are two treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation: one is to control the rhythm, and the other is to control the heart rate. The doctor will decide the treatment according to your condition. To restore and maintain a normal, regular heartbeat, rhythm control includes the use of medications, and some patients need to electrically reset the heart rhythm. Heart rate control can be achieved with medications that slow down the heart rate. Many drugs (such as ? -receptor blockers, etc.) can be effective in controlling the heart rate.
Patients with hypertension should use antihypertensive medications appropriately under the guidance of a physician to effectively control your blood pressure over time. Most hypertension requires long-term drug treatment. Do not believe in products recommended by small advertisements. There is no panacea in the world that can cure hypertension with a few courses of treatment. Lifestyle improvements have a mild effect on lowering blood pressure, but they are not a complete substitute for antihypertensive medication. Most health products have no therapeutic effect on hypertension, some may only play a certain auxiliary role, and can never replace antihypertensive drugs. Good control of high blood pressure is good for the prevention of atrial fibrillation.
Healthy blood pressure, healthy heartbeat, healthy body!