According to the report of the National Health Commission, the prevalence of hypertension in China is as high as 33.5%, with a population exceeding 300 million. Rounding off, in a population of 1.5 billion, it is very likely that one out of every five individuals may have hypertension.
Hypertension, as a chronic disease, requires the control of blood pressure through the use of antihypertensive medications. If left untreated, blood pressure is likely to soar, posing a life-threatening risk, especially for the middle-aged and elderly population, where the number of hypertension patients remains high.
Recently, there have been rumors circulating online about the imminent release of a “hypertension vaccine,” with some even suggesting that healthy individuals who receive this vaccine will no longer develop hypertension, and those already suffering from hypertension can bid farewell to antihypertensive drugs after vaccination. Is this claim accurate? Let’s explore together.
The topic of hypertension vaccines first surfaced in a report published in The Lancet in 2008 and was first addressed in China in 2016. The Director of the Cardiovascular Department at Tongji Medical College affiliated with Union Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Liao Yuhua, announced that the hypertension vaccine is expected to be on the market within the next six years. However, as of now, no organization or team has announced the launch of a hypertension vaccine, so it is advisable not to blindly believe the claims.
Researchers from Liao Yuhua’s team stated that in animal trials, the blood pressure-lowering vaccine demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing blood pressure and provided a certain degree of organ protection.
Once introduced into the human body, hypertension vaccines, as a new type of medication, will swiftly impact various organs, stabilizing blood pressure levels with the antibodies produced by the vaccine. Even if such hypertension vaccines are truly launched, they are expected to be challenging to schedule and cost-prohibitive. This treatment method may not be convenient or affordable for ordinary families or the elderly.
Contrary to the mysterious claims circulating on the internet, a single shot would not suffice to eliminate hypertension permanently. After receiving the first dose of the hypertension vaccine, individuals will need to follow up and possibly receive a second dose within one to three months, depending on their condition.
As of 2022, hypertension vaccines are still in the clinical trial phase and have not yet achieved successful market entry. However, temporary relief from medication control for complications such as metabolic hypertension and primary hypertension is still a significant advantage.
The 5 major risks of hypertension should not be overlooked!
1. Heart Damage
Patients with long-term high blood pressure are prone to atherosclerosis, narrowing the coronary arteries, affecting blood supply to the heart muscle, leading to coronary heart disease. Prolonged pressure on the heart can cause compensatory hypertrophy and enlargement, resulting in hypertensive heart disease. Severe cases may lead to sudden heart attacks, causing sudden cardiac death or heart failure.
2. Kidney Damage
The kidneys and blood pressure are closely linked and mutually reinforcing. The kidneys, as excretory organs composed of numerous blood vessels, are closely connected to blood pressure. Renal insufficiency can affect blood pressure, while high blood pressure can lead to renal insufficiency. Any impairment of renal regulation or substantial kidney damage can have dire consequences.
3. Sudden Death
Sudden death is the most urgent clinical condition, characterized by sudden respiratory and cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, and often death within an hour. Increased left ventricular pressure due to hypertension can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, making individuals susceptible to arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, and a high risk of sudden death. Coronary heart disease accounts for about 90% of all cardiovascular sudden deaths.
4. Endocrine Imbalance
Prolonged high blood pressure places the body in a stressful state, prompting the endocrine system to produce large amounts of hormones to regulate blood pressure balance. Prolonged stress on the endocrine system can lead to hormonal imbalances, resulting in a cascade of endocrine-related problems.
5. Eye Damage
Clinical evidence suggests that in the early stages of hypertension, retinal examinations are usually normal. As hypertension advances, retinal arteries may experience spasmodic constriction, narrowing of arterioles, and central reflex constriction. With disease progression, retinal hemorrhages, exudates, edema may occur, with severe cases developing optic disc edema. These exudates may accumulate on the retina, leading to radial wax-like yellow spots, causing visual impairments such as blurred vision, distorted vision, or reduced vision.
4 Common Ways to Treat Hypertension:
1. Mustard Foot Soak
Mustard powder is commonly available and can be procured easily from local stores. Take about 80 grams of mustard powder and add it to half a basin of hot water. Mix well and let it cool slightly before soaking your feet. Do this once in the morning and once in the evening for three consecutive days to lower blood pressure. For better results, this method can be supplemented with medication without any side effects.
2. Herbal Tea for Lowering Blood Pressure
Using herbal teas to lower blood pressure is a commonly adopted method. Herbal teas such as chrysanthemum tea, lotus leaf tea, and hawthorn tea are popular choices. Chrysanthemum tea has detoxifying properties and helps regulate liver function, aiding in relieving symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus caused by high blood pressure. Lotus leaf tea can help in lowering blood pressure and aids in weight loss, suitable for obese individuals with hypertension. Hawthorn tea promotes digestion, appetite, lowers blood fat levels, and can be consumed for a prolonged period by individuals with hypertension, offering significant benefits.
3. Regular Exercise
Patients with hypertension should engage in regular physical activity, opting for moderate exercises like jogging, brisk walking, or tai chi to minimize stress on the blood vessels and heart. Moderate exercise facilitates improved blood circulation, helping unclog blocked blood vessels. Therefore, it is essential for lowering blood pressure effectively.
4. Proper Diet
Many individuals with hypertension develop symptoms due to poor dietary habits, making correct nutrition crucial. Avoid high-salt, high-oil, and high-sugar foods. Instead, include foods rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other essential micronutrients such as tomatoes, spinach, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, and potatoes in your diet. These foods are suitable for individuals with hypertension and help in lowering blood pressure effectively.
