Before talking about how to deal with hypertension, let’s tell everyone that some hypertension can be cured.
However, the curable hypertension is not [primary hypertension] (commonly referred to as hypertension), but [secondary hypertension] caused by some diseases (such as renal artery stenosis).
Whether a disease can be cured depends on whether the cause of the disease is clear and controllable.
For some [hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis], the cause of hypertension is [renal artery stenosis], and this cause is usually controllable. Therefore, hypertension can be cured by relieving renal artery stenosis.
However, [essential hypertension] has no clear cause of disease, so it is labeled as [primary].
So, can primary hypertension only give up treatment without a clear cause? Of course not.
Lowering blood pressure through drugs is of course the most direct way. In addition, researchers have found through a large number of research and analysis that the onset of hypertension is closely related to heredity, diet, mental stress, smoking, weight and other factors.
Therefore, in addition to antihypertensive drugs, the main means to deal with [essential hypertension] are concentrated in these aspects.
Heredity
If both parents have hypertension, the probability of hypertension in their children is as high as 46%. However, the heredity is too profound and no treatment has been found so far.
Diet
[Eat less salt] is already a commonplace problem. Apart from drinking, potassium intake, drinking, coffee and hypertension are all related.
It is recommended that patients with hypertension [DASH] eat, a long-term healthy diet designed to prevent hypertension.
Step 1 Eat less salt
Limit the daily intake of salt to no more than 5 g (i.e. A beer lid), which can usually reduce blood pressure by 2 ~ 8 mmHg.
For people who are accustomed to [heavy taste], this is very difficult. Therefore, it can be gradually reduced to adjust the taste, or some spices such as prickly ash and cinnamon can be used instead of salt.
In addition, we should also pay attention to [invisible salt], such as cola, egg yolk pie and yogurt, which all contain sodium. Eating these is equivalent to eating salty foods.
2. Potassium supplement for fruits
Potassium deficiency is also related to the occurrence of hypertension. Therefore, it is also necessary to supplement potassium appropriately. Fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods are good sources of potassium.
Step 3 Avoid drinking as much as possible
Drinking alcohol will not only raise blood pressure, but also reduce the antihypertensive effect of drugs.
Step 4 Drink less coffee
Although the effect of long-term caffeine intake on blood pressure is still unknown, it may still slightly increase blood pressure.
To verify whether caffeine has a boosting effect on your blood pressure, you can take your blood pressure within 30 minutes after drinking caffeinated beverages. If your blood pressure rises by 5 ~ 10 mmHg, you are more sensitive to the boosting effect of caffeine.
Tobacco
In addition to raising hypertension, smoking will also make blood pressure unstable and reduce the effect of some antihypertensive drugs. In addition, smoking will also damage vital organs such as lungs and kidneys.
No matter for how’s sake, quitting smoking is necessary. Friends who have difficulties in quitting smoking can seek professional help at the [smoking cessation clinic] of the hospital.
Sports
It is also very useful to reduce blood pressure by lowering body weight to normal (i.e. BMI to 18.5 ~ 24). Studies have shown that for every 10 kg weight loss, blood pressure can be reduced by 5 ~ 20 mmHg.
In addition to diet control, exercise is also the key to weight loss.
Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes a week can reduce blood pressure by up to 4 ~ 9 mmHg.
If a person has only a slight increase in blood pressure and is in the early stage of hypertension, sports play a certain role in preventing it from developing hypertension. For patients with hypertension, regular exercise can better control blood pressure.
Pressure
Chronic stress has a great influence on the occurrence of hypertension.
Think about it, is what making you feel stressed, is it work, family, economic status, or specific diseases? Once the reason is clear, you need to consider how to eliminate or relieve this kind of pressure.
You can try:
- Adjust expectations: Give yourself enough time to do things. Learn to say [no] and do what you can. Try to accept things that cannot be changed. Solve controllable problems: When you encounter difficulties at work, you can discuss with your boss. When confronted with family problems, Talk to your family. Understand the stressors: Try to avoid people and things that are stressful to you. For example, stay away from people who interfere with you and avoid rush hour traffic while driving. Relax and take appropriate activities: Sit quietly and take a deep breath for 15-20 minutes every day. Enjoy the activities that make you relax slowly, instead of completing the so-called “relaxation activities” at a fast pace nervously.
Get the support of others
The support of family and friends helps stabilize blood pressure. In addition to family and friends, if you need more psychological support, consider joining the group of patients. They can not only cheer you up, but also provide feasible solutions to your problems.
Responsible Editor: Hugh