Hypertension is a common chronic disease characterized by sustained elevation of arterial blood pressure. Typically, normal blood pressure should be around 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), while hypertension is defined as blood pressure persistently exceeding 140/90 mmHg.
Hypertension is a highly prevalent condition, affecting approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide, with over 300 million patients in China alone. Hypertension not only increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases but also affects the health of multiple organs such as the kidneys and eyes. Therefore, prevention and treatment of hypertension are crucial.
Classification of Hypertension
Hypertension can be classified into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension based on its etiology. Primary hypertension refers to hypertension without an obvious cause, accounting for over 90% of all hypertensive patients. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is caused by certain diseases or medications, such as kidney diseases and endocrine disorders.
During a physical examination, a friend’s blood pressure was slightly elevated during the initial measurement, but normalized after waiting for some time before re-measurement. Despite feeling worried, the doctor assured them that occasional elevation of blood pressure does not necessarily indicate hypertension and advised follow-up observation. Hypertension requires blood pressure measurements on at least two separate occasions, with systolic pressure greater than or equal to 18.7 kPa and diastolic pressure greater than or equal to 10 kPa for diagnosis. Individuals at risk of hypertension include those with a family history of hypertension, those with high salt, low potassium, low calcium, and low animal protein diets, overweight and obese individuals, smokers, heavy drinkers, and manual laborers. To avoid hypertension, it’s important to pay attention to a lighter diet, reduce salt intake, drink less alcohol, and engage in regular exercise. Other relevant information: – This sentence is the core content of the article and should be highlighted. – Despite slightly elevated blood pressure during the initial measurement, the doctor advised patience and observation, thus there is no need to worry. This article primarily discusses a friend’s experience during a physical examination where their blood pressure was initially slightly high but they were convinced by the doctor to patiently wait for observation. It also discusses the diagnostic criteria for hypertension and the populations at risk of developing hypertension. The article emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise in avoiding hypertension.
Hazards of Hypertension
Hypertension poses significant risks and can lead to the occurrence of various diseases, including:
Cardiovascular diseases: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and can lead to conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke.
Kidney diseases: Prolonged hypertension can damage the kidneys, potentially leading to renal insufficiency or even kidney failure.
Eye diseases: Hypertension can cause eye diseases such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.
Other diseases: Hypertension may also trigger peripheral vascular diseases, aneurysms, and other conditions.
Treatment of Hypertension
The treatment of hypertension requires comprehensive consideration of the patient’s specific situation, including blood pressure levels, coexisting diseases, lifestyle habits, etc. Common treatment methods include:
Medication therapy: Common antihypertensive medications include diuretics, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, etc.
Non-pharmacological therapy: This includes lifestyle improvements, dietary control, increased exercise, etc.
Surgical treatment: In some special cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, such as kidney transplantation or heart transplantation.
Conclusion:
Hypertension is a serious disease that requires adequate attention and treatment. Through proper treatment and lifestyle changes, hypertensive patients can effectively control their blood pressure, prevent or delay the occurrence of complications, and improve their quality of life.
