What is high blood pressure?

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Overview of high blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the pressure of blood against the vessel walls of the circulatory system exceeds normal levels. Blood pressure is measured by two values: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts and pumps blood out, while diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

According to medical standards, high blood pressure is determined when systolic blood pressure equals or exceeds 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure equals or exceeds 90 mmHg. High blood pressure can cause many health problems, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney failure and blood vessel problems.

The causes of high blood pressure can be genetics, unhealthy lifestyle (such as improper diet, lack of exercise), obesity, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and some diseases. such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes.

To control high blood pressure, patients are often recommended to make healthy lifestyle changes, including eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and low-salt foods, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, and stopping smoking. smoke and limit alcohol consumption. Additionally, medications are prescribed to control blood pressure if necessary. Regulating high blood pressure is important to reduce the risk of related conditions and maintain overall health.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which blood pressure in the body’s arteries increases significantly, causing unwanted pressure on vessel walls and internal organs. This disease can cause serious health problems such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

Common causes of high blood pressure include:

1. Genetics : Genetic factors play an important role in determining the risk of high blood pressure. If a family member has this disease, the risk of high blood pressure is higher.
2. Unhealthy lifestyle : Unhealthy lifestyle such as unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure.
3. Weight : People who are obese or overweight have a higher risk of high blood pressure.
4. Age : The risk of high blood pressure increases with age.
5. Chromosomal and thyroid : Certain health conditions such as chromosomal and thyroid can cause high blood pressure.

Treatment for high blood pressure usually includes lifestyle changes (healthy eating, regular exercise) and medication as directed by your doctor. If you suspect you have high blood pressure, seek advice and treatment from your doctor to prevent potentially serious health problems.

Causes of high blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has many different causes. Here are some common causes of high blood pressure:

1. Genetics : Genetic factors may play an important role in hypertension. If someone in your family has high blood pressure, you have a higher risk of developing the condition.
2. Age: The risk of high blood pressure increases with age. This is partly due to the body’s natural aging process, in which blood vessels become stiffer and lose their elasticity.
3. Unhealthy lifestyle: Several unhealthy lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including:
   • Unhealthy diet, high in salt and fat.
   • Consuming too much alcohol.
   • Lack of physical activity and living a less active lifestyle.
   • Overweight or obese.
4. Other medical conditions and diseases : Several other medical conditions can cause or contribute to high blood pressure, including:
   • Kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease or autoimmune kidney disease is a common cause of hypertension.
   • Cardiomyopathy and vascular disease: Diseases such as damaged heart valves, coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular diseases can cause high blood pressure.
   • Hormones: Hormone disorders such as hyperthyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome can contribute to high blood pressure.
   • Medications: Certain medications such as birth control pills, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause high blood pressure.
5. Stress : A high level of tension and stress can affect the muscular system and cause increased blood pressure.
6. Environmental factors: The surrounding environment, including levels of air pollution and exposure to pollutants, can contribute to high blood pressure.

In addition, a number of other risk factors such as a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, smoking and tobacco exposure, high noise levels, and alcohol and drug use may also contribute. into hypertension.

Determining the exact cause of high blood pressure can be complicated and requires evaluation from a specialist. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Signs of high blood pressure

High blood pressure often does not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages, so many people do not realize they have the disease until they go for a medical check-up. However, when blood pressure is high and prolonged, some of the following signs and symptoms may appear:

1. Headaches : Frequent headaches, especially in the temples (above the ears) can be a sign of high blood pressure. Headaches can last a long time and are not easily treated with regular headache medications.
2. Dizziness and lightheadedness : Feeling of dizziness, blurred vision or feeling dizzy when changing positions quickly, such as getting up from a lying position or sitting for a long time and standing up suddenly.
3. Wheezing: High blood pressure can cause shortness of breath, shortness of breath, and wheezing due to increased pressure on the respiratory system.
4. Chest pain: Some people may experience chest pain or discomfort in the chest area due to impaired blood circulation to the heart.
5. Nausea and vomiting : High blood pressure can cause nausea and vomiting in some people.
6. Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue and high levels of fatigue can be signs of high blood pressure.
7. Vision changes : High blood pressure can cause changes in vision, including blurred vision, difficulty seeing clearly, and difficulty seeing at night.

If you have the above signs or risk factors for high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor to get tested and accurately determine your health condition.

Foods that are good for high blood pressure

There are a number of beneficial foods that can help support the management of high blood pressure. Here are some good food choices for high blood pressure:

1. Fruits and vegetables : Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and are often low in calories. Some good choices include: bananas, apples, pineapples, oranges, grapes, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and colorful leafy greens.
2. Seeds and shellfish : Chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and pomegranate seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants, which may help lower blood pressure.
3. Fish rich in omega-3 : Fish such as salmon, mackerel, mackerel, and sardine contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which have the ability to reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Whole-grain barley : Whole-grain barley is a rich source of fiber and minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
5. Low-fat milk and dairy products : Low-fat milk, yogurt and soy milk are rich in calcium and fiber, which may benefit blood pressure. However, choose products that are low in saturated fat and have no added sugar.
6. Cashews and almonds : Cashews and almonds are rich in magnesium and fiber, which can help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
7. Onions and garlic : Onions and garlic have the ability to help reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation. This may be due to their natural antibacterial and antibacterial properties.

Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet low in salt and saturated fat, consuming enough water and limiting alcoholic beverages, are also important to support the management of high blood pressure.

However, be aware that adjusting your diet is only one part of managing high blood pressure. It is always best to consult and advise from a doctor or nutritionist for advice that is specific and tailored to your health condition.

Foods to avoid for high blood pressure

When you have high blood pressure, there are certain foods that should be limited or avoided to help control blood pressure. Here are some foods you should consider:

1. Salt : Salt is the main source of sodium in the diet, and sodium has the potential to increase blood pressure. Therefore, limiting salt consumption is very important. Avoid industrially processed foods, fast foods, salty dishes, and high-sodium seasonings.
2. Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. Limit your consumption of foods such as processed meats, sausages, pastured meats, bread, MSG, sweets and fast food.
3. Alcoholic beverages : Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure and affect heart health. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages, and if you drink, limit the amount and follow your doctor’s instructions.
4. Sweets : Sweets and foods high in sugar can cause weight gain and increase the risk of high blood pressure. Limit your consumption of sugary sweets and sugary processed foods.
5. Saturated fat: Saturated fat can increase blood cholesterol levels and affect heart health. Limit consumption of foods high in saturated fats such as red meat, poultry with skin, full-fat dairy products and animal fats.
6. Caffeine : Caffeine may temporarily increase blood pressure. Limit consumption of beverages containing caffeine such as coffee, black tea, soft drinks with caffeine and energy.
7. Fatty foods and fast foods: Limit consumption of fatty foods, fast foods and fried foods. They are often high in calories, saturated fat and salt.

Remember that each person may have individual dietary requirements based on their health condition and doctor’s advice. It’s always best to discuss with a nutritionist or doctor for advice that is specific and tailored to your situation.

Medicines to treat high blood pressure

There are many medications used to treat high blood pressure. Here are some of the main medications used in the treatment of high blood pressure:

1. Drugs in the ACE-Inhibitors group (angiotensin-converting enzyme Inhibitor): Includes drugs such as enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril. They help dilate blood vessels and reduce the ability to produce the hormone that causes blood vessel constriction (angiotensin II).
2. Drugs in the ARBs group (Angiotensin Receptor blocker): Includes drugs such as losartan, valsartan, candesartan. They also dilate blood vessels by blocking the effects of angiotensin II on receptors.
3. Calcium channel blockers: Includes drugs such as amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil. They help dilate blood vessels by blocking the flow of calcium into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels.
4. Diuretics group drugs (Diuretics): Includes drugs such as hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, furosemide. They increase the excretion of water and salt through the kidneys, helping to reduce the amount of fluid circulating in the body and reducing pressure in blood vessels.
5. Beta blockers: Includes drugs such as metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol. They reduce heart rate, reduce the force of heart contractions and reduce levels of hormones that cause blood vessel constriction (adrenaline).
6. Alpha blockers: Includes drugs such as doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin. They dilate blood vessels by inhibiting the action of the vasoconstricting hormone (norepinephrine) on alpha receptors in blood vessel walls.
7. Drugs in the Vasodilators group (Vasodilators) : Includes drugs such as hydralazine, minoxidil. They dilate blood vessels directly and reduce pressure in the blood vessels.

Which medicine to use and the specific dosage will depend on the patient’s health condition and personal characteristics. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and discuss them with them to make sure you are using the right medication and dosage for your situation.

Oriental medicine and herbs to treat high blood pressure

In Eastern medicine, there are a number of herbs and formulas used to assist in the management of high blood pressure. However, please note that before using any oriental medicine, you should discuss it with a doctor or medical professional with expertise in oriental medicine for accurate advice and monitoring.

Below are some popular herbs and formulas in Oriental medicine that can be used to help treat high blood pressure:

1. Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants and flavonoids that can help reduce pressure in blood vessels and aid in lowering blood pressure.
2. Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba leaves can help improve blood circulation and reduce tension in blood vessels.
3. Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica is said to reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
4. Fish mint (Rauwolfia serpentina): Fish mint is used in Oriental medicine to reduce blood pressure by inhibiting the contractility of blood vessels.
5. Rhododendron (Codonopsis pilosula): Rhododendron is said to reduce blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health.
6. Astragalus (Scutellaria baicalensis): Astragalus has the ability to reduce inflammation and has antioxidant effects, which may assist in reducing blood pressure.
7. Oriental medicine formulas : There are many popular Oriental medicine formulas used to treat high blood pressure, such as Dan ginseng, Hoang Lien peony, Anise grass, Ginkgo biloba. However, use of this formula should be prescribed and monitored by a physician or Oriental medicine specialist.

Note that oriental and herbal medicines may interact with other medications you are taking or may have side effects. Therefore, it is very important to discuss with a medical professional before using any oriental medicine to treat high blood pressure.