Our country may have more hypertensive people than imagined! According to the “2022 China Cardiovascular Disease Report,” the number of cardiovascular disease patients in our country is as high as 330 million, with hypertension patients accounting for an extreme proportion, exceeding 245 million people. Within this immense group, some individuals can effectively manage their blood pressure and maintain their health, while others face risks and occasional cardiovascular crises, and in extreme cases, sudden death. Faced with hypertension, why do fates differ so drastically?
1. What kind of hypertension is the most dangerous? Let’s see what category you belong to
Long-term hypertension can lead to thickening and enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart, as well as systemic arteriolar changes, causing important tissues like the heart, brain, and kidneys to degenerate and become ischemic, forming microaneurysms. Once these microaneurysms rupture, blood clots can easily form, causing infarction, which is also a trigger for hypertension being referred to as the “silent killer.” However, many people are unaware that there are different types of hypertension, especially these 3 unique hypertensive patients, whose illness can bring significant risks to the body:
• H-type hypertension, this “H” is not to be underestimated
H-type hypertension refers to hypertension combined with elevated homocysteine levels, increasing the risk of stroke in these patients by 5-8 times compared to those with just hypertension. It is recommended that hypertension patients promptly test their homocysteine levels and consume more foods rich in folate in their daily diets, such as vegetables, animal livers, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Masked hypertension, easily missed
Masked hypertension refers to a condition where the blood pressure is normal at rest but rapidly increases during activity/mental stress. This condition significantly affects the patient’s normal life and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A study conducted in 2018 on over 16,000 adults from 11 countries stated that masked hypertension is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, kidney diseases, and all-cause mortality. Regularly measuring blood pressure can play a proactive role in detecting hypertension promptly.
• Hypertension with a large pulse pressure difference
Hypertension with a large pulse pressure difference refers to a situation where there is a significant difference between systolic and diastolic pressures. If the pulse pressure difference is >60mmHg, it must be taken seriously, or else it may easily lead to cardiovascular diseases. The “Chinese Expert Consensus on Hypertension Management in the Elderly” points out that many elderly people in China have a pulse pressure difference of 70-100mmHg, which increases the overall mortality and incidence of cardiovascular events in these patients. Additionally, the risk of developing dementia also significantly increases in these patients. For individuals with a large pulse pressure difference, it is necessary to intervene early in their daily lives, choose drugs wisely, and actively adjust their lifestyle.
2. The “culprit” behind hypertension has been identified, it’s not salt!
When it comes to hypertension, many people’s first reaction is excessive salt intake, but the primary trigger for hypertension is actually sodium. Epidemiological data shows that an increase in daily sodium intake of 5-6g can lead to a rise in systolic pressure by 3.1-6mmHg. After ingesting sodium, the body needs to excrete it through urine, feces, and sweat, with about 90% being excreted through urine. However, the body’s sodium excretion capacity is limited, and excessive salt intake cannot be promptly expelled, leading to sodium retention in the body, increasing blood volume, which in turn raises blood pressure. Moreover, excessive sodium intake can make blood vessels sensitive, further promoting a blood pressure increase, worsening the burden on the heart and kidneys, forming a vicious cycle. Besides limiting salt intake in daily diet, controlling sodium intake is also essential. Apart from table salt, these few foods should also be consumed in moderation.
1. Noodles
To ensure the taste of pasta products, manufacturers often add salt during production. Even noodles that don’t taste salty can contain up to 569mg of sodium per 100g. When purchasing, always check the ingredient list and choose those with low sodium content.
2. Canned fruit juice
Some canned fruit juices contain up to 928mg of sodium per can, making them high-sodium foods, with one bottle reaching half of the daily upper limit intake.
3. Sliced bread
Some sliced bread on the market can contain up to 500mg of sodium per 100g, especially when consumed with cheese or salted butter, increasing the sodium content further.
3. What should hypertensive patients pay attention to when taking antihypertensive medication?
For hypertensive patients, once diagnosed, it cannot be cured. When taking medication daily, pay attention to these few things.
1. Do not change antihypertensive medication without authorization
Different antihypertensive drugs suit different patients, and doctors will formulate suitable plans based on the patient’s specific condition and their tolerance to the medication. It is extremely dangerous to follow what’s effective for someone else and self-medicate.
2. Do not stop medication arbitrarily
Hypertension is a chronic disease that cannot be cured. Some people, fearing the side effects of medication, may discontinue medication after a period once their blood pressure drops. However, this can cause excessive blood pressure fluctuations, making it easier to trigger accidents.
3. Pay attention to the interactions between antihypertensive drugs and food
While taking antihypertensive medication, avoid consuming strong tea/coffee or eating grapefruit-related foods, as it can reduce the efficacy of the medication, increasing the body’s burden.
4. Avoid relying solely on medication for blood pressure control
While taking medication, it is also essential to follow healthy dietary habits, maintain a regular daily routine, and engage in moderate exercise to achieve better blood pressure control effects. Hypertension is a common chronic disease nowadays, which must be given enough attention, and preventive measures should be taken as much as possible.
References:
[1] “It’s all wrong! The culprit for hypertension is not salt, it’s this! No wonder blood pressure remains high.” Popular Science China, 17 May 2021
[2] “Public Health | H-type Hypertension, this ‘H’ is not to be underestimated.” Chinese Pharmacy, 17 April 2024
[3] “The culprit for high blood pressure is not salt, it’s this? No wonder blood pressure remains high, it’s too late to avoid it.” Health Circle, 17 May 2023
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