Many people are surprised to find that their blood pressure is high during a routine check-up without feeling any discomfort. For this group of people, they may not see high blood pressure as a serious problem, believing that it is just a chronic condition that does not cause pain or discomfort and does not pose an immediate threat to life, so they may not take further steps even if the results of the physical examination show high blood pressure.
But is high blood pressure really just "painless" and does it need to be actively controlled?
1
What are the dangers of high blood pressure
Heart damage:
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and heart failure.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases:
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, including cerebral infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage, and may also lead to cognitive decline and dementia.
Renal damage:
High blood pressure can lead to impaired kidney function and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.
Retinopathy:
High blood pressure can damage the microvessels in the fundus, leading to vision problems and even blindness.
Arteriosclerosis:
Long-term high blood pressure accelerates the progression of arteriosclerosis, making the walls of blood vessels thicker and harder, which in turn affects blood flow.
Peripheral arterial disease:
High blood pressure can cause narrowing of blood vessels in the lower extremities, causing pain when walking and other complications.
Aneurysm:
High blood pressure can cause the weakness of the blood vessel wall to dilate, forming an aneurysm, which can rupture undetected and become life-threatening.
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How much blood pressure should be controlled
It reduces the risk of death
Blood pressure control targets
According to relevant guidelines at home and abroad, the target value of blood pressure control in adults is usually systolic blood pressure < 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg. Patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, such as older patients, diabetic patients, and patients with chronic kidney disease, may require stricter blood pressure control targets of < 130 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 80 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure <.
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular events
Several studies have shown that controlling blood pressure within these target ranges can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.
Improves prognosis
Good blood pressure control can help improve patient outcomes and improve quality of life. In patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, good blood pressure control reduces the risk of recurrence of cardiovascular events and reduces the risk of death.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease
For healthy people, keeping blood pressure within the normal range can prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of death. Paying attention to blood pressure from a young age and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of great significance for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
In summary, controlling blood pressure within a reasonable range is an important measure to reduce the risk of death. Determination of blood pressure control targets should be individualized according to the specific situation of the patient, such as age, gender, ethnicity, cardiovascular disease risk, and other factors.
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Small ways to control your blood pressure
Eat a healthy diet
Adopt a low-salt, low-fat, high-fiber diet, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and reduce your intake of processed and high-fat foods.
Exercise in moderation
Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. There are options for walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Both smoking and drinking alcohol can have adverse effects on blood pressure, so you should try to quit smoking and limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly
Check your blood pressure regularly to keep track of your blood pressure.
Take your medications as directed
If you need medication, be sure to follow your doctor's advice, take it regularly, and don't stop or change the dose on your own.
Control weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure, so you can control your weight with a proper diet and exercise.