The “Healthy China Action (2019-2030)” promulgated by our country and the “2018 China Cardiovascular Disease Report” released by the National Cardiovascular Center show that there are currently 270 million hypertension patients in our country, with a prevalence of hypertension among residents aged 18 and above at 25.2% and showing an upward trend.
Hypertension is a high-risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, significantly increasing the incidence of complications such as stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, posing a serious threat to the health of our residents.
Experts indicate that actively preventing and controlling hypertension is the core strategy to stem the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in our country. Correct lifestyle interventions can effectively increase awareness, treatment rates, and control rates of hypertension, with individuals being the main force in hypertension prevention and control.
Hypertension is a common chronic disease. Apart from the need for long-term medication, managing blood pressure and active daily care are also necessary.
Issues to be aware of in blood pressure management:
Standardized blood pressure measurement: The method for measuring blood pressure with a mercury column sphygmomanometer has already been standardized in diagnostic foundations. However, in actual clinical practice, there are significant measurement errors due to various non-standard aspects such as the time of blood pressure measurement, exposure of limbs, position of the cuff, position of the stethoscope, which need to be emphasized for improvement because blood pressure measurement is a prerequisite for blood pressure management.
White coat hypertension: In outpatient blood pressure measurements at hospitals, attention needs to be paid to the effect of the white coat hypertension phenomenon, and also to the alert response of patients during initial blood pressure measurements.
Impact of dynamic blood pressure measurement on patient rest: Whether a patient’s blood pressure throughout the sleepless night can truly reflect the actual nighttime blood pressure, and poor sleep at night can affect daytime blood pressure. Therefore, ensuring patient sleep during dynamic blood pressure measurement is a very important issue to consider.
Selection and calibration of blood pressure monitors: In recent years, the use of electronic blood pressure monitors has been increasing. Hence, selecting accurate blood pressure monitors is crucial.
It is advisable to exclude the impact of bladder filling on morning blood pressure measurements: Some elderly individuals have high blood pressure in the morning, but their blood pressure quickly returns to normal after urinating.
Peripheral blood pressure versus central aortic pressure: Although some clinical trials have found differences between peripheral blood pressure and central aortic pressure and different effects of various medications, the lack of accurate and convenient methods to measure central aortic pressure in clinical practice makes peripheral blood pressure still the most important reference index.
Experts state that if hypertension patients can care for their bodies correctly, they can not only prevent the recurrence of hypertension but also achieve better results than drug treatment. However, many patients overlook the importance of caring for hypertension, leading to inadequate control of the condition.
So, how can hypertension patients care for themselves on a daily basis? Remember these 3 things, they are more important than taking medication.
Hypertension patients should pay attention to self-mental adjustment
Long-term mental stress and depression are important factors causing hypertension and other chronic diseases. Proper psychological adjustment is the first step in self-care.
For hypertension patients, negative mental states can affect their daily lifestyle, pushing them into unhealthy habits like alcohol consumption, smoking, etc., which directly diminish the effectiveness of hypertension treatment.
Methods for mental adjustment:
Method one: If in doubt, consult a doctor. Hypertension patients should actively seek medical advice when they have doubts about their health to avoid unnecessary worries.
Method two: Feel the love from family members. Positive encouragement and care from family members can give patients the strength to live, and patients should try to appreciate the goodwill around them and lead an active and optimistic life.
Method three: Take a break when necessary.
Hypertension patients should watch their weight
Most hypertension patients are obese, with obesity being one of the causes of hypertension. Therefore, obese hypertension patients should control their weight. As the weight of hypertensive individuals decreases to a reasonable level, their blood pressure will also decrease appropriately.
Methods for weight loss:
Method one, food intake should follow three principles: low fat, low salt, and low carbohydrates.
Method two, eat less but more frequently. It is not advisable for hypertensive patients to consume excessive food in one meal; they can eat until they are 70% full. If hungry, patients can have a moderate additional meal.
Hypertension patients should engage in appropriate exercise
During self-care, hypertension patients should incorporate appropriate physical activities. Moderate exercise not only prolongs life but also maintains healthy blood pressure levels.
It is worth noting that hypertension patients must decide their exercise type, intensity, frequency, and duration according to their physical condition.
Specific activities that hypertension patients can choose include: walking, jogging, Tai Chi, gateball, Qigong, and disco, among others.
There are many methods for self-care in hypertension, ultimately requiring control in psychological, physiological, and dietary aspects.
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