Introduction: Statistics in March 2022 show that the number of people suffering from hypertension in mainland China has soared to 130 million, reflecting the seriousness and urgency of the problem of hypertension.
It is worth noting that the main age group for hypertension is between the ages of 45 and 65, and young people under the age of 35 are also at high risk.
Although medical technology has advanced and many of the once incurable diseases have been solved, there is still no cure for this common disease.
In the process of treating high blood pressure, in addition to following the doctor's guidance and taking medication on time to regulate blood pressure, lifestyle intervention is also crucial.
By adjusting our lifestyle habits, we can effectively control blood pressure, protect targeted organs, and reduce the occurrence of complications. However, to achieve this, we first need to know our blood pressure levels.
It is worth noting that the new blood pressure standard has been announced, which is no longer the 120/80mmHg of the past. This means that we need to take a fresh look at our blood pressure so that we can identify problems and act accordingly.
Therefore, I strongly recommend that you do a self-check to see if your blood pressure level is within the normal range. By doing so, we can better manage our health and reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
What causes blood pressure to rise?
Age factor
As we age, blood vessels harden and become less elastic, leading to an increase in blood pressure. In addition, genetic factors are also an important influencing factor. If there is a family history of high blood pressure, then the risk of developing high blood pressure increases accordingly.
Unhealthy lifestyle
Many cases of high blood pressure can be prevented and controlled. Among them, an unhealthy lifestyle is one of the main factors that lead to an increase in blood pressure.
For example, bad habits such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can all contribute to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent and control high blood pressure.
Mental stress
Long-term exposure to high-pressure work, mood swings, anxiety and other negative emotions can lead to endocrine disorders in the body, which in turn leads to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, learning to regulate emotions and reduce mental stress is also an important means to prevent and control hypertension.
Chronic illness
Some chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity can also cause elevated blood pressure, which can affect the body's metabolic and endocrine systems, which in turn can cause vascular lesions and increased blood pressure. Therefore, timely treatment of these chronic diseases is also an important measure to prevent and control hypertension.
What harm will long-term high blood pressure bring to the body?
Affects brain health
High blood pressure can seriously affect the health of the brain, and constant high pressure can lead to hardening of cerebral blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke. Stroke can not only lead to the loss of bodily functions, but can even be life-threatening in severe cases.
Damage to the kidneys
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function and, in severe cases, kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to sustain life.
Affects eye health
Long-term high blood pressure can lead to retinopathy, which can affect vision and in severe cases, may even lead to blindness.
Causes cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Hypertension may also trigger cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, and studies have shown that hypertension is significantly associated with cognitive decline and the incidence of Alzheimer's disease.
Brings diabetes
High blood pressure also increases the risk of diabetes, and high blood pressure and diabetes often go hand in hand, causing each other a cause and effect, which brings great distress to the patient's life.
Affects bone health
Long-term high blood pressure can also affect bone health and increase the risk of fractures, as high blood pressure can lead to hardening of the arteries, affecting the blood supply to bones and weakening them.
The "new blood pressure standard" was announced, and it is no longer 120/80mmHg, so it is recommended to understand it clearly
In general, a healthy blood pressure level is generally considered to be between 100 and 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) in systolic and between 60 and 80 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.
This range is widely accepted and considered to be the ideal goal of blood pressure control, but with the progress of society and the continuous improvement of people's quality of life, the state has made adjustments and recommendations for blood pressure health standards that keep pace with the times.
Nowadays, the diagnostic criteria for hypertension are no longer 120/80 mmHg in the past, but have been updated to 130/85 mmHg. This means that systolic blood pressure between 130 and 139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 85 and 89 mmHg have been redefined as normal blood pressure ranges.
Under this new standard, if your blood pressure is maintained in this range for an extended period of time, then it is comforting to say that your blood pressure is not high and that you are enjoying a healthy blood pressure level.
This adjustment reflects the deepening and progress of the medical community's understanding of blood pressure health, and also reminds us that with the change of lifestyle and the intensification of the aging trend of the population, the attention and management of blood pressure health is particularly important.
Let's actively embrace this new standard, maintain our blood pressure health with a scientific attitude, and pursue a higher quality of life together.
When these 4 symptoms appear, it is also necessary to be alert to whether blood pressure is elevated
Persistent headaches
This headache usually occurs near the back of the head or temples and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If you are experiencing frequent headaches and there is no other obvious reason to explain, then you should consider having your blood pressure measured.
Blurred vision or eye strain
High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can affect vision. If you suddenly notice that your vision has become blurry, or you often experience eye strain, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Chest tightness or chest pain
High blood pressure increases the burden on the heart and causes the heart muscle to thicken, which can cause chest tightness or chest pain. If you are constantly experiencing chest tightness or chest pain and have no other noticeable symptoms, then you should consider having your blood pressure checked.
dyspnea
High blood pressure may cause a decrease in heart function, which can affect the proper functioning of the lungs and respiratory system. If you often experience breathlessness, especially during sports or physical activity, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Doctor's reminder: Do the following 5 points to help lower blood pressure
Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, etc., can help lower your blood pressure and strengthen your heart and lungs. At the same time, exercise can also reduce stress, improve mood, and help control blood pressure fluctuations.
Maintain a healthy diet
Diet has a very large impact on blood pressure. We should reduce salt intake and increase the intake of potassium, calcium, magnesium and other elements in moderation.
It is recommended to eat more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and eat less high-fat, high-calorie foods. At the same time, it is necessary to control alcohol consumption and quit smoking, and avoid excessive intake of stimulants such as caffeine.
Control your weight
Obesity is one of the important risk factors for hypertension. Maintaining a healthy weight is effective in lowering blood pressure. It is recommended to control your weight and avoid obesity through a reasonable diet and moderate exercise.
Manage stress
Stress is one of the important factors that lead to an increase in blood pressure. Learning to manage stress effectively can help us keep our blood pressure stable. It is advisable to try some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, etc., to relieve stress and relax the body and mind.
Check your blood pressure regularly
Regular blood pressure checks can detect elevated blood pressure and intervene accordingly. It is recommended to measure your blood pressure at least once a year or get regular tests as recommended by your doctor.
Read more: How high is blood pressure that I need to take blood pressure medication?
When blood pressure is high to a certain level, it is true that antihypertensive drugs should be considered to control it. However, the decision to start medication does not depend solely on blood pressure values, but also on several factors, such as age, gender, overall health, and other chronic medical conditions.
In general, for most adults, if blood pressure is persistently higher than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), your doctor may recommend starting medication. This is because at this blood pressure level, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly.
However, for certain populations, such as older adults or people with serious chronic medical conditions, doctors may consider medications to prevent potential complications even if their blood pressure is slightly higher.