In daily cooking, Aunt Zhao is always very cautious, especially in her restrained use of salt. However, it is perplexing that she has developed high blood pressure.
Recently, Aunt Zhao has been experiencing frequent dizziness and headaches. She initially thought it was due to lack of rest and didn’t pay much attention to it. However, even after sufficient rest, she still felt dizzy and uncomfortable, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
This raised Aunt Zhao’s awareness, and she took a whole day to go to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up. The results showed that her blood pressure was alarmingly high at 210/130mmHg, diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Faced with the doctor’s prescription for lowering blood pressure, Aunt Zhao was puzzled. She believed that her lifestyle habits were good, and her daily cooking focused on lightness, so logically she should be immune to high blood pressure. Everyone said that excessive salt intake is the cause of high blood pressure, but Aunt Zhao was puzzled: since she did not excessively intake salt, what is the real culprit behind high blood pressure?
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Unveiling the mysterious hand behind high blood pressure: What exactly is the culprit that triggers high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, a seemingly common disease, is actually a common chronic disease in modern society that significantly affects people’s health and quality of life. So, what are the exact reasons that trigger high blood pressure?
1. Genetic factors: The “innate genes” of high blood pressure.
Genetic factors play a significant role in the onset of high blood pressure. Studies have found that high blood pressure tends to run in families, and if there is a history of high blood pressure in the family, the risk of offspring developing high blood pressure will increase significantly. This genetic tendency may be related to gene mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, which lead to an imbalance in blood pressure regulation and consequently trigger high blood pressure.
2. Lifestyle: The “postnatal promoter” of high blood pressure.
1. Improper diet: The intake of high-salt, high-fat, and high-calorie foods is an important factor in triggering high blood pressure. Long-term consumption of such foods can lead to increased pressure inside the blood vessels, resulting in elevated blood pressure. Particularly, a diet high in salt can cause an accumulation of sodium ions in the body, leading to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
2. Lack of exercise: Inadequate physical activity can cause metabolic disorders in the body, obesity, insulin resistance, and other problems, all of which are important risk factors for high blood pressure. Moderate exercise can enhance cardiopulmonary function, improve blood vessel elasticity, and lower blood pressure.
3. Mental stress: Prolonged periods of mental tension, high stress, and anxiety can activate the sympathetic nervous system, raising blood pressure. Therefore, relieving mental stress is crucial for preventing high blood pressure.
4. Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and alcohol consumption are important risk factors for high blood pressure. Nicotine in tobacco and alcohol can elevate blood pressure, and smoking and alcohol consumption can exacerbate the effects of other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, etc.
3. Environmental factors: The “external assistant” of high blood pressure.
1. Climate change: Climate change has a certain impact on blood pressure. When the temperature is high, blood vessels dilate, causing a relative decrease in blood pressure; when the temperature is low, blood vessels shrink, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, individuals with high blood pressure need to adjust their lifestyle during climate changes.
2. Air pollution: Prolonged exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Studies have shown that particulate matter pollution, such as PM2.5, can lead to increased blood pressure, possibly related to inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and other mechanisms.
4. Disease factors: The “complications” of high blood pressure.
1. Obesity: Obesity is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure. Obesity can cause an increased burden on the heart, leading to elevated blood pressure. Thus, weight control is crucial for preventing high blood pressure.
2. Diabetes: Diabetes is closely related to high blood pressure. Diabetic patients, due to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders, can develop high blood pressure.
3. Kidney diseases: Abnormal kidney function can lead to sodium and water retention, resulting in high blood pressure. Therefore, individuals with kidney diseases are more prone to developing high blood pressure.
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The culprit of high blood pressure finally exposed, it’s not salt! Experts advise: Avoid this substance, beware of the hidden “killer”
The culprit of high blood pressure finally exposed, it’s not salt!
In the past, salt was considered the main factor causing high blood pressure. The sodium ions in salt can cause blood vessel constriction, leading to increased blood pressure. However, with further research, scientists have found another more dangerous factor than salt—trans-fatty acids.
Trans-fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fatty acid found widely in fried foods, processed foods, fast food, and other consumables. They can disrupt cell membrane fluidity, affect lipid metabolism, and raise blood pressure. Studies have shown that the intake of trans-fatty acids is positively correlated with the incidence of high blood pressure, and its impact on blood pressure is more significant than that of salt.
Trans-fatty acids, the hidden “killer”
Trans-fatty acids not only raise blood pressure but also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Here are a few harms of trans-fatty acids to human health:
1. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases: Trans-fatty acids lower the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol) while increasing the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol), causing abnormal blood lipids and raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. Impacts on cellular functions: Trans-fatty acids disrupt cell membrane fluidity, affect cell functions, potentially leading to insulin resistance, diabetes, and other diseases.
3. Increased risk of obesity: Trans-fatty acids interfere with fat metabolism, causing fat accumulation in the body and increasing the risk of obesity.
4. Impacts on reproductive health: Trans-fatty acids may affect sperm quality and reduce female fertility.
Experts advise: Avoid this substance, beware of the hidden “killer”
To reduce the risk of high blood pressure, experts offer the following recommendations:
1. Reduce the intake of trans-fatty acids: Avoid consuming fried foods, processed foods, fast food, and other items containing trans-fatty acids. When buying food, check the nutrition facts label and avoid choosing products that contain trans-fatty acids.
2. Maintain a healthy diet: Consume more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and other foods rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants to help lower the risk of high blood pressure.
3. Control weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight contributes to lowering blood pressure.
4. Regular check-ups: Regular blood pressure monitoring helps you understand your blood pressure status, allowing for timely identification and treatment of high blood pressure.
5. Maintain good lifestyle habits: Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, get adequate sleep, reduce stress; these habits help lower the risk of high blood pressure.
In conclusion, the culprit of high blood pressure is not salt but trans-fatty acids. To safeguard one’s health, everyone should be cautious of this hidden “killer,” adopt a proactive lifestyle, and establish healthy eating habits to diminish high blood pressure risks. Let’s join forces to protect health and stay away from the troubles of high blood pressure.
