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"Don't be reckless, if you go on like this, you will bear the consequences!" Dr. Zhang's words echoed through the examination room on an ordinary weekend afternoon.
The patient in front of him, Mr. Li, was a middle-aged postman, dressed in uniform and with a sad face. Mr. Li was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, but he didn't seem to care much about it, and even drank heavily at a friend's party, believing that it would relieve work stress.
On weekdays, Mr. Li rides his bicycle through the busy streets to deliver letters to recipients one by one. He is always optimistic, but he has his own set of "theories" about health.
He believes that as long as he doesn't feel unwell, he doesn't need to pay too much attention to health issues, especially when it comes to drinking.
Dr. Cheung knew that it would not be easy to change Mr. Lee's mind. He decided to explain in detail why people with high blood pressure should not drink alcohol from a medical point of view, and the science behind this.
First of all, Dr. Zhang pointed out that the effects of alcohol are very scary. Regular alcohol consumption can also affect the function of other organs in the body, which in turn affects the stability of blood pressure.
Dr. Zhang then explained in detail how alcohol affects blood pressure. He mentioned that alcohol can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing a rapid heart rate, short-term thinning of blood vessels, and increased blood pressure.
Dr. Zhang also highlighted the impact of alcohol consumption on the efficacy of medications. He explained that drinking alcohol can interfere with the absorption and metabolism of high blood pressure medications, reducing the effectiveness of the drugs and making it more difficult to control blood pressure.
Finally, Dr. Zhang mentioned the relative risks of drinking alcohol in patients with high blood pressure. For example, people with high blood pressure who drink more than the standard amount of alcohol per week have more than twice the risk of heart disease and stroke as non-drinkers.
After hearing this, Mr. Li seemed to be a little touched, but he still had questions: "Then if I drink a little wine occasionally, will there not be such serious consequences?"
Dr. Zhang patiently replied: "Occasional drinks may not have much effect, but the key is to control the amount. For people with high blood pressure, the 'small amount' is usually lower than the average person's standard. Most importantly, you need to monitor your blood pressure closely and follow your doctor's instructions. ”
"I have a medical record here, a patient with high blood pressure because he couldn't suppress drinking, and Mr. Li couldn't suppress his desire to drink, which led to the failure of blood pressure control and eventually had to be hospitalized. This medical record details his journey from light alcohol consumption to uncontrollable and how this process gradually exacerbated his high blood pressure condition, which had a serious impact on his health. ”
Seeing Mr. Li's doubts and confusion, Dr. Zhang decided to change his approach and continue to explain in more life-like language: "You can understand it this way, drinking alcohol is like adding fuel to the fire for high blood pressure. Your veins are already under high pressure, and the stimulation of alcohol is like blowing up in a balloon that has already been inflated, and it can explode at any moment. ”
"Also, when you drink alcohol, you can become unconscious, you may forget to take your medications, or you may behave in behaviors that are not conducive to blood pressure control, such as eating foods high in salt and fat, which can make your blood pressure control plan fall short. ”
Mr. Li nodded, expressed understanding, and asked his own question: "Then how should I adjust my lifestyle habits to control my blood pressure without suppressing myself too much?"
Dr. Teng replied, "The key is to find a plan. There are other ways you can try to relieve stress, such as going for a walk or learning some relaxation techniques. ”
"As for drinking, if it is really difficult to quit completely, it should be controlled within a very limited range, such as no more than once a week, and no more than one glass of wine at a time. At the same time, keep your blood pressure monitored regularly, take your medications on time, and maintain good communication with your doctor. ”
Mr. Li felt a little relieved, he understood that he needed to make a change, and he also understood that this change is not achieved overnight, but needs to be taken one step at a time. He thanked Dr. Zhang for his patient explanation, stood up, adjusted his postman uniform, and walked out of the consultation room with a little newfound determination.
What do you think about whether patients with high blood pressure can drink less alcohol? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!