High blood pressure, a common chronic disease, is becoming a global health problem, and it is like an invisible killer, quietly eroding people's health.
High blood pressure, as the name suggests, is when the pressure on the walls of blood vessels is consistently higher than normal as blood flows through them. If this condition persists for a long time, it can cause serious damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, and even endanger life.
The causes of high blood pressure are varied, ranging from genetic factors to lifestyle factors. Genetic factors mean that people who have a family history of high blood pressure are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
Lifestyle influences include poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, etc. These poor lifestyle habits can lead to disorders in the body, which can lead to high blood pressure.
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The symptoms of high blood pressure are often subtle and easy to ignore, and common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, etc. However, not everyone with high blood pressure will experience these symptoms, so regular blood pressure checks are key to preventing and controlling high blood pressure.
Hypertension is a serious chronic disease that requires our attention. By improving our lifestyle, checking our blood pressure regularly, and actively cooperating with treatment, we can effectively prevent and control high blood pressure and protect our health.
01
Diagnostic criteria for hypertension:
The diagnosis of hypertension is based on the measurement of blood pressure. According to the World Health Organization, hypertension is diagnosed if systolic blood pressure is consistently higher than 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure is consistently higher than 90 mm Hg on multiple measurements. This standard is not arbitrary, but has been developed through extensive clinical research and scientific validation.
The diagnosis of hypertension is not just a matter of numbers, it is a complex medical judgment process. When diagnosing hypertension, doctors will take into account a variety of factors such as the patient's age, gender, family medical history, and lifestyle habits. These factors can all affect the results of blood pressure measurements, so doctors need to evaluate and analyze these factors thoroughly.
At the same time, the diagnosis of hypertension also needs to rule out other factors that may be causing an increase in blood pressure. For example, certain diseases, medications, and psychiatric factors may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, which needs to be identified and ruled out at the time of diagnosis.
The goal of diagnosing hypertension is to better treat and manage the disease. Although high blood pressure is common, its health hazards cannot be ignored. Through timely diagnosis and treatment, blood pressure can be effectively controlled, the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease can be reduced, and the quality of life of patients can be improved.
02
Is blood pressure over 140/90 high blood pressure? Doctors refute rumors: Many people are misdiagnosed with high blood pressure
First, we need to clarify the diagnostic criteria for hypertension. Typically, blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg is considered a cut-off for hypertension.
However, this is only a rough reference range, and the actual diagnosis needs to be comprehensively evaluated based on various factors such as the patient's age, gender, and family medical history. Therefore, just one blood pressure measurement above this range does not directly determine that hypertension is generated.
Secondly, the diagnosis of hypertension requires multiple measurements over different time periods to ensure the accuracy of the results. If the measurement is high by chance, it may be due to a variety of factors such as mood, environment, and physical condition at the time. Therefore, doctors often advise patients to take multiple measurements over different time periods to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
In addition, some people experience the phenomenon of "white coat hypertension" when their blood pressure is measured. This is due to feeling nervous or anxious in front of a doctor, resulting in a temporary increase in blood pressure. In this case, your doctor may recommend a home self-test or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to rule out this interference.
03
How to measure blood pressure correctly?
First of all, we need to choose a suitable blood pressure monitor. There are two types of blood pressure monitors: electronic and mercury, of which electronic blood pressure monitors are popular because of their easy operation and accurate measurement. When purchasing, we should choose certified brands and models and calibrate them regularly to ensure their accuracy.
Next, we need to master the correct measurement posture. Before the measurement, you should sit quietly for 5 minutes, allowing your body to relax, with your feet flat on the floor and your back against the back of the chair. The arms should be placed on the table, in the same level position as the heart. The cuff should be tightly wrapped around the upper arm, but not too tightly so as not to affect the measurement results.
During the measurement, we should be quiet and avoid talking or moving our body. After pressing the start button of the blood pressure monitor, the blood pressure monitor will automatically inflate, deflate, and record blood pressure data. At the end of the measurement, we should record key data such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate.
04
When it comes to stabilizing blood pressure levels, 4 things are key
First and foremost, a healthy diet is the cornerstone of stabilizing blood pressure. We should focus on eating foods that are low in salt, fat, and fiber, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
At the same time, reduce your intake of foods high in salt, fat, and sugar, such as processed foods, fast food, and sugary drinks. Proper food combination to ensure balanced nutrition can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Secondly, moderate exercise is an effective way to stabilize blood pressure. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc., can enhance heart and lung function, promote blood circulation, and help lower blood pressure.
In addition, exercise can also help control weight and reduce the adverse effects of obesity on blood pressure. It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Third, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is an important measure to stabilize blood pressure. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are important risk factors for elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and limiting alcohol intake can also help control blood pressure at normal levels. For the sake of our own health and that of our families, we should resolutely quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.
Finally, it's equally important to maintain your mental health. Long-term negative emotions such as stress, anxiety and depression can lead to an increase in blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, we should learn to regulate our emotions and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude. You can relieve stress and improve your mental health through relaxation training, social activities, hobbies, etc.