Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow", which is not only convenient for you to discuss and share, but also to share more professional health knowledge with you, so as to escort your health, thank you for your support.
"Liu Bai, you are really a man, it has been a whole year since you quit smoking and drinking!" In the clinic, Dr. Wang looked at the medical records in front of him and said with appreciation.
Liu Bai, 62, is an experienced accountant who is in charge of finance at a well-known local company. A year ago, he noticed that his blood pressure was high during a routine physical examination, and doctors advised him to quit smoking and drinking completely, and to do regular physical exercise. However, surprisingly, a year later, the physical examination report showed that his blood pressure not only did not come down, but was higher than before.
"I really don't understand anymore, Dr. Wang, what the hell is going on?" Liu Bai rubbed his temples with some anxiety. Dr. Wang picked up the report on the table and looked at it carefully, and then said, "Many people think that they can control their blood pressure 'once and for all' by quitting smoking and drinking, but in fact, the management of hypertension is a comprehensive problem. ”
At this time, Dr. Wang decided to explain the possible reasons to Liu Bai from several aspects. Quitting smoking and alcohol is indeed one of the effective measures to lower blood pressure, but they are not the only factor. Dr. Wang continued, "For example, have you made any changes to your eating habits during the year?"
Liu Bai nodded, saying that although he had reduced tobacco and alcohol, his diet had not changed much, and he still preferred heavy flavors and high-fat foods.
Dr. Wong also mentioned the importance of exercise. "Regular physical activity can be effective in lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health," he explains. Are you exercising as much as recommended each week?"
Liu Bai shook his head with a wry smile, admitting that although he occasionally walked, he sat in the office most of the time, and the amount of exercise was far from enough.
In addition to this, Dr Wong also highlighted the impact of psychological stress. He inquired in detail about Liu Bai's work and life in the past year. Liu Bai confessed that due to the restructuring of the company, he took on more work pressure, often working overtime until late at night, and his psychological pressure increased greatly.
"Stress is a big trigger for high blood pressure, especially for seniors like you. Dr. Wang explained, hoping that Liu Bai would get to know him.
Dr. Wang also mentioned the role of genetic factors. Through further understanding, it was learned that Liu Bai's parents also had a history of high blood pressure. This means that even if Liu Bai makes lifestyle changes, he still needs more detailed and professional management to control his blood pressure.
"Now, we need to recalibrate your treatment plan based on these conditions. Dr. Wang recommended that Liu Pak make more comprehensive lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise and psychological stress management, and consider appropriate use of antihypertensive medications.
Seeing that both Liu Pak and his son were a little worried, Dr Wong decided to explain the complexities of hypertension in further detail and introduce some of the latest research insights and treatment recommendations.
"Everyone knows that controlling high blood pressure is not as simple as quitting smoking and drinking," says Dr. Wang, speaking softly in an attempt to ease the anxiety of the patient's family, "In addition to the diet, exercise, and mental state that we just discussed, there is another very important but often overlooked factor – sleep." ”
Dr. Wang went on to elaborate on the relationship between sleep and high blood pressure. Lack of sleep can interfere with the balance of hormones in the body, especially hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which regulate water-salt balance and blood pressure. "Liu Bai, do you sleep well at night, do you often stay up late?" Dr. Wang asked.
Liu Bai nodded, saying that because of the pressure of work, it is often difficult to fall asleep at night, or it is difficult to fall asleep again after waking up in the middle of the night.
Dr. Wang explained that this sleep pattern may have contributed to his poor blood pressure control. He suggested that Liu Bai try to improve his sleep environment and habits, and may need to use some sleep aid methods or small devices such as white noise machines or sleep apps under the guidance of a doctor, as well as consider using mild sleep aid medications.
In addition, Dr. Wang specifically mentioned the issue of sodium intake. He pointed out that although Liu Bai has taken care to reduce salt intake, it is still necessary to pay attention to the sources of embodied sodium, such as processed foods and takeaway foods often contain high levels of sodium. Dr. Wang also mentioned the importance of potassium supplementation, which is often overlooked in blood pressure management.
At the end of the discussion, Liu Bai's son asked a question: "Dr. Wang, regarding my father's blood pressure, do you think we should consider the adjunctive treatment of Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine?" ”
Dr. Wang thought about it for a moment and then replied, "TCM treatment can be considered as an adjunct. Acupuncture and certain Chinese herbs have been reported to help adjust the physical state and relieve stress, and for some people, may indeed help with the management of blood pressure. ”。
What do you think about high blood pressure?