Before the New Year, I saw a young hypertension patient, 29 years old, male, Mr. Peng, who was not taking antihypertensive medication. Now, four months have passed, and his blood pressure has basically returned to normal.
By what method did Mr. Xiao Peng manage to restore his blood pressure to normal without taking antihypertensive medication?
Four months ago, Mr. Xiao Wu accidentally discovered that his blood pressure was high and came to me for help. At that time, his blood pressure was hovering around 150-160/90-100, and he did not feel uncomfortable. Like most people, he did not want to take medication but was worried about complications.
After detailed inquiry and consideration, I finally told him that he could temporarily try managing his blood pressure without medication using my methods.
He was puzzled and asked why he could avoid medication when it is commonly believed that hypertension requires medication.
I explained that guidelines and textbooks do not state that all individuals with high blood pressure must take medication.
1. You have newly discovered hypertension and do not experience any discomfort.
2. Your blood pressure falls into the category of stage 1 hypertension, not exceeding 160/100.
3. You do not have diabetes, heart, brain, or kidney diseases.
Therefore, you can initially try reducing your blood pressure without medication.
Another reason is that Mr. Xiao Peng is overweight, consumes salty and oily food, eats few fruits and vegetables, and rarely exercises, preferring to sit in front of the computer and stay up late. These unhealthy habits can affect blood pressure.
If he has strong willpower and can change these habits, his blood pressure may return to normal.
Research shows:
1. Reducing salt intake can lower blood pressure by 2-8mmHg.
2. Losing 10kg can reduce blood pressure by 5-20mmHg.
3. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure by 4-9mmHg.
4. Giving up alcohol can lower blood pressure by 2-4mmHg.
5. Sufficient sleep, avoiding staying up late, maintaining a positive mood, and other factors contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Therefore, I advised Mr. Xiao Peng to try these methods first to reduce his blood pressure, as drugs should only be taken as a last resort.
I told Mr. Xiao Peng that if he does not wish to take medication, he should exercise regularly, at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time, involving activities such as running, cycling, swimming, brisk walking, etc. He should also reduce salt intake, eat more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, lose weight, and avoid staying up late. We will monitor his progress for three months to see if his blood pressure decreases.
If he cannot adhere to these lifestyle changes, we will resort to medication.
I explained to him that, like most people, he is reluctant to take medication but was willing to try alternatives. Yesterday, during a follow-up visit, his blood pressure had dropped to around 135/85.
I emphasized the importance of consistency in maintaining these healthy habits as part of daily life rather than viewing them as a temporary treatment. This approach can help control blood pressure, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and ensure long-lasting results.
However, not all newly diagnosed cases of high blood pressure can avoid medication by using these methods.
If:
1. Newly diagnosed high blood pressure exceeds 160/100.
2. New-onset hypertension is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and headaches.
3. Newly diagnosed high blood pressure is also coupled with diabetes.
4. New-onset high blood pressure has led to organ damage such as cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, kidney diseases, etc.
In these cases, immediate antihypertensive medication is necessary to bring blood pressure to an ideal level.
Regardless of medication, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial and should be followed throughout the management of hypertension.
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