Nearly 300 million people in our country have been infected. How can we stay away from this "silent killer"?

Hypertension is a common and frequently occurring disease worldwide, which seriously affects the health and quality of life of patients. Hypertension is an important risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease.

Many patients with hypertension feel nothing in the early stages. Hypertension is like an invisible killer, quietly eroding people's health. Relevant survey data show that there are more than 270 million hypertensive patients in my country, that is, 1 in every 5 adults suffers from hypertension. Hypertension involves a wide range of aspects. It is not only a health and medical problem, but also has a significant impact on society. Clinically, hypertension is mainly divided into two categories: primary and secondary. In my country, about 95% of hypertension is primary hypertension, and its occurrence is closely related to many aspects such as genetics, age, mental stress, environmental factors, unhealthy life and eating habits. Only by taking multiple measures can we effectively prevent and treat hypertension.

01. Several important values ​​to pay attention to

There are slight differences in the formulation of hypertension standards between different countries or regions. The World Health Organization's clinical diagnostic standard for hypertension has always been 140/90 mmHg, which can be further divided into the following 5 categories (for reference).

02. How to determine whether you have high blood pressure?

In the absence of antihypertensive drugs, hypertension can be diagnosed if systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg measured in the clinic three times on different days.

If blood pressure is measured continuously and regularly at home for 5 to 7 days and the average blood pressure is ≥135/85 mmHg, it is considered hypertension and medical treatment is recommended.

The "China Cardiovascular Health and Disease Report 2021" shows that there are 245 million people suffering from hypertension in my country. If patients can control their blood pressure in time at an early stage, they can minimize the impact of high blood pressure on the body.

03. Take medication as directed by your doctor as soon as possible rather than later

Antihypertensive drugs are usually divided into five categories, including diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), calcium channel blockers (CCB) and beta-blockers. Because the dosage and specifications of each antihypertensive drug are different, and each person's blood pressure is also different, taking antihypertensive drugs requires specific analysis of the specific situation.

Antihypertensive drugs are not addictive and need to be taken for a long time. If the effect of a single drug is not obvious, you can consider combined use of drugs. While taking antihypertensive drugs, hypertensive patients should also actively improve their lifestyle habits. If you have any questions, you should consult a doctor in time. Do not change the dosage without permission, and do not change or stop the drug at will.

04. Six measures to prevent hypertension

1. Keep exercising

Exercise is good medicine. Regular physical activity can prevent and control high blood pressure, such as brisk walking, swimming, Tai Chi, square dancing and housework.

2. Limit salt intake

Excessive intake of sodium salt can easily cause water and sodium retention in the body, leading to increased blood volume and, in turn, increased blood pressure. It is recommended that adults consume no more than 5 grams of salt per day and eat less pickled vegetables and other foods.

3. Eat less high-fat and high-sugar foods

Excess energy is not good for your health, so limit the use of cooking oil, eat less high-fat and high-sugar foods, and eat more vegetables and fruits.

4. Eat less fast food

Fast food is rich in oil and sauce, and frequent consumption is not good for health. Try to eat at home as it helps control the intake of fat, salt and sugar.

5. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

The harmful substances in tobacco can stimulate vasoconstriction, damage vascular endothelial tissue, reduce vascular elasticity, and increase the risk of hypertension. The same is true for alcohol. As the amount of alcohol consumed increases, ethanol enters the bloodstream and acts on the nerve center, which can easily cause high blood pressure in the long run.

6. Get enough sleep

Long-term insomnia can lead to overexcitement of the sympathetic nerves, causing abnormal increases in heart rate and blood pressure. In daily life, we should develop good work and rest habits, avoid staying up late for a long time, and maintain a good attitude.