In the process of managing hypertension, in addition to paying attention to the blood pressure itself, heart rate control is also very important. There is a strong link between heart rate and blood pressure, and too fast a heart rate can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This article will explore how people with high blood pressure can manage their heart rate and within what range it is safe to control it.
The relationship between high blood pressure and heart rate
Effect of heart rate on high blood pressure
The increased heart rate is a direct manifestation of the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is an important part of the pathogenesis of hypertension.
An increase in heart rate increases the load on the heart and accelerates the process of arteriosclerosis, thereby exacerbating the damage of high blood pressure to the cardiovascular system.
The normal range of heart rate
The heart rate range of a normal adult at rest is 60~100 beats/min. However, for people with high blood pressure, heart rate control is more stringent.
It is generally recommended that patients with hypertension have a resting heart rate of less than 80 beats per minute, and some patients may require a lower heart rate control goal.
Risk of rapid heart rate in people with high blood pressure
A fast heart rate not only exacerbates the burden on the heart, but also increases the risk of myocardial ischemia, leading to arrhythmias, and may even lead to serious consequences such as heart failure.
Patients with high blood pressure
The dangers of a fast heart rate
1. Increased burden on the heart:
A fast heart rate means that the heart needs to pump blood faster, which increases the workload of the heart and can lead to an enlarged heart in the long run.
2. Difficulty in blood pressure control:
An increased heart rate can exacerbate high blood pressure, making it harder to control and creating a vicious cycle.
3. Risk of arrhythmia:
A fast heart rate may cause the heart to beat irregularly and cause arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.
4. Increased risk of cardiovascular events:
Rapid heart rate is an independent risk factor for serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
5. Myocardial ischemia:
A fast heart rate increases the heart's demand for blood, which can lead to myocardial ischemia if the blood supply is insufficient.
6. Arteriosclerosis:
An increased heart rate may also accelerate the progression of arteriosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
7. Decline in quality of life:
Rapid heart rate may cause symptoms such as palpitation, chest tightness, and fatigue, which may affect daily life and work.
How to control your heart rate if you have high blood pressure
1. Regular exercise:
Moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can help boost heart function, and long-term adherence can be effective in lowering resting heart rate.
2. Healthy eating:
Reducing salt and fatty foods and eating more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits can help control weight and blood pressure, which in turn can help with heart rate control.
3. Emotion management:
Learning stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness exercises, can help relax your body and mind and slow your heart rate.
4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol:
Both tobacco and alcohol increase heart rate, and quitting smoking and limiting alcohol have significant effects on lowering heart rate and improving cardiovascular health.
5. Medication:
Under the guidance of your doctor, medications such as β blockers can help lower your heart rate, but you should follow your doctor's instructions and do not adjust the dose on your own.
6. Regular monitoring:
Patients with hypertension should regularly monitor their blood pressure and heart rate to keep abreast of their condition and provide a basis for doctors to adjust their treatment plan.