A retired teacher in his fifties who has been battling hypertension for many years has been relying on medication for a long time and neglecting lifestyle adjustments, which eventually leads to erratic blood pressure. This teacher's story is not an isolated case, but a true portrayal of many people with high blood pressure. Today, we will uncover the four major misunderstandings about blood pressure reduction, take you out of the misunderstandings, and master the correct way to reduce blood pressure scientifically.
误区一:误认药物为万能钥匙
Relying on drugs alone is not smart enough
Many people with high blood pressure think that as long as they take the medication prescribed by their doctor, they can eat and drink with confidence and boldness. This is an extremely dangerous misconception. Although drugs can control blood pressure, they do not change the lifestyle habits that cause blood pressure to rise, and it is difficult to effectively control blood pressure in the long term.
Lifestyle modifications include a sensible diet, regular exercise, reduced salt intake, alcohol restriction, and avoiding prolonged psychological stress. Studies have shown that blood pressure can be significantly reduced by adjusting diet and increasing exercise. According to the American Heart Association, getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day can help lower blood pressure levels in people with high blood pressure in the long term.
Scientific adjustment, stay away from misunderstandings
A combination of medication and lifestyle modification is the best strategy for managing hypertension. Ignoring either party is irresponsible for your health. For example, even while taking antihypertensive drugs, blood pressure often remains difficult to control within the ideal range if a patient continues to eat a high-salt diet.
Myth 2: Partial eating of "antihypertensive food" can cure high blood pressure
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Common so-called "antihypertensive foods" on the market include celery, garlic, bananas, etc., although these foods contain nutrients that can help lower blood pressure, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. The potassium in celery and the sulfide in garlic help regulate blood pressure, but that doesn't mean that high blood pressure can be cured by eating these foods in large quantities.
According to the American Journal of Cardiology, although these foods help with blood pressure control, they cannot be used as a primary treatment. People with high blood pressure need a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medications, lifestyle modifications, and mental health management.
Manage holistically, not rely on it alone
It is unscientific to think of a particular food as a treatment for high blood pressure. The right thing to do is to incorporate these foods into a balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle. For example, adding whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and plenty of fruits and vegetables are all effective ways to control blood pressure.
Combined with the recommendations of modern medicine, patients should stick to a regular diet, maintain an appropriate intake of dietary fiber and protein, limit the intake of high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar foods, and properly control alcohol intake.
Myth 3: Stopping the drug is not the same as curing it - normal blood pressure also needs to be vigilant
Many people with high blood pressure often mistakenly believe that the disease has been cured after seeing their blood pressure return to normal, so they decide to stop taking the drug without authorization. However, this practice not only ignores the chronic and recurrent nature of hypertension, but is more likely to lead to serious health risks.
Why can't I stop taking the drug abruptly?
The treatment of high blood pressure is not a sprint, but a protracted battle. Even temporary control of blood pressure within the ideal range is part of the drug's effect. Blood pressure medications help adjust the body's blood pressure regulation mechanisms, which can quickly become unbalanced once the drug is stopped, resulting in a sudden rebound in blood pressure, even higher than it was before treatment. In addition, rapid fluctuations in blood pressure are a huge burden on the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to serious consequences such as heart disease or stroke.
The correct way to stop the drug
In any case, the adjustment of hypertension medication should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. If the drug needs to be stopped or the dose adjusted, the doctor will make a plan to taper the dose based on the person's overall health, blood pressure control, and concomitant medical conditions. In addition, regular monitoring of blood pressure changes is essential to ensure that any adverse effects can be dealt with promptly.
Myth 4: Mild high blood pressure is not a "trivial matter" – don't ignore it
When blood pressure is slightly high, many people think that there is no need to worry too much, and this seemingly innocuous condition is actually a potential health concern. If left unmanaged, mild elevated blood pressure can gradually evolve into severe hypertension, causing long-term damage to the heart, cerebrovascular vessels, and other vital organs.
Risk of mild hypertension
Even mild elevations in blood pressure (eg, 130-139/85-89 mm Hg) have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Long-term mild elevation of blood pressure can accelerate the aging of blood vessels, promote arteriosclerosis, and increase the incidence of heart disease, stroke and even heart failure.
How to deal with mild high blood pressure
Lifestyle modifications: Moderate physical activity (e.g., brisk walking, swimming), healthy diet (limiting sodium intake, increasing fruit and vegetable intake), and weight loss can all help lower blood pressure.
Regular monitoring: Continuously monitor changes in blood pressure to ensure that any elevation can be detected and treatment strategies adjusted.
Professional consultation: When you encounter an increase in blood pressure, consult a doctor in time, and may need medication according to the individual situation.