Blood pressure refers to the pressure exerted by blood on the vessel wall within the blood vessel, represented by two numbers, namely systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure (high pressure) is the maximum pressure the blood exerts on the artery walls when the heart contracts, and diastolic pressure (low pressure) is the minimum pressure the blood exerts on the artery walls when the heart relaxes.
Blood pressure is an important physiological indicator, reflecting heart pumping efficiency, vascular resistance and blood circulation status. Both high blood pressure (above the normal range) and low blood pressure (lower than the normal range) can be associated with health problems.
The unit of blood pressure is usually expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). For example, the normal blood pressure range is systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure below 80 mmHg, so it is usually recorded as 120/80 mmHg.
Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as hypertension or hypertensive cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, is a common chronic disease. It refers to the excessive pressure exerted on the arterial walls by blood flowing through the arteries. Hypertension is a latent disease that usually has no obvious symptoms, but if it is not effectively controlled for a long time, it will increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (such as heart disease and stroke).
The diagnosis of hypertension is usually based on multiple blood pressure measurements. According to the World Health Organization and other guidelines, adults are diagnosed with hypertension when their resting systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or their diastolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 90 mmHg.
The treatment of hypertension mainly includes non-drug treatment and drug treatment. Non-drug treatments include lifestyle changes, such as weight control, dietary adjustments (low-salt diet, reducing saturated fat intake, etc.), increasing physical exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, etc.
Drug treatment usually selects appropriate drugs based on the patient's blood pressure level and other related factors, such as diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, etc.
For patients with hypertension, long-term management and control are very important. Measuring your blood pressure regularly, following your doctor's advice, taking your medications on time, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are all keys to controlling high blood pressure. In addition, patients with hypertension should also undergo regular examinations (such as heart ultrasound, renal function tests, etc.) to evaluate and prevent potential complications.
The 2023 blood pressure standard has been announced. It is no longer 120/80mmHg. Your blood pressure may not be high.
The International Society of Hypertension divides blood pressure levels into the following four categories:
1. Normal blood pressure: systolic blood pressure (high pressure) is less than 120 mm Mercury (mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (low pressure) below 80 mmHg. This is when blood pressure is within the ideal range.
2. Prehypertension: systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89 mmHg. This indicates that the individual's blood pressure is already slightly above the normal range, but has not yet reached the diagnostic criteria for hypertension.
3. Hypertension (Level 1): systolic blood pressure between 140-159 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure between 90-99 mmHg. This is mild hypertension and requires control and treatment measures.
4. Hypertension (Level 2): systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 100 mmHg. This is considered moderate or severe hypertension and requires aggressive treatment and management to lower blood pressure levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blood pressure standards:
The definition of hypertension may be adjusted: Currently, WHO and AHA use systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg as the criteria for diagnosing hypertension.
How to prevent high blood pressure?
1. Healthy diet: Reduce foods high in salt, fat and cholesterol and increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
2. Moderate exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, etc. In addition, strength training can be performed to strengthen muscles.
3. Control your weight: Maintaining an appropriate weight is very important to prevent high blood pressure. If you are overweight or obese, lose weight by controlling your diet and increasing exercise.
4. Reduce salt intake: Reducing salt intake in food can lower blood pressure. It is recommended that you consume no more than 5 grams of salt per day (approximately one teaspoon).
5. Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive drinking increase the risk of high blood pressure. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce this risk.
6. Manage stress: Prolonged exposure to tension and stress can have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to reduce physical and mental stress.
7. Regular physical examination: measure blood pressure regularly to detect signs of high blood pressure promptly so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Please note that these methods are only some basic measures to prevent high blood pressure. For specific situations, appropriate prevention plans need to be formulated based on individual health conditions. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should also follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment and management.
