Fatal complications High blood pressure, stop medication?

Hypertension is a common disease in adults caused by vascular aging and is difficult to detect because the first symptoms do not appear clearly. If left unaddressed, it can lead to serious complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, kidney failure and blindness.

Professor Byun Jae-ho, a specialist in cardiovascular medicine at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea, said: “Blood pressure is an important signal from our body. However, it’s rare for people to immediately feel uncomfortable just because their blood pressure is a little high. “He explained that hypertension is a disease that progresses quietly and leads to life-threatening complications and suddenly turns our lives upside down.”

Hypertension is diagnosed when the standard adult systolic blood pressure is 140 mmHg or higher, or when the diastolic blood pressure is 90 mmHg or higher.

Most cases of hypertension are due to essential hypertension, that is, aging, lifestyle and genetic factors, without any specific cause. This should be managed with medication as well as lifestyle improvements. In some patients, secondary hypertension may occur due to distinct causes, such as renal vascular disease or abnormalities in hormone secretion. In this case, it is necessary not only to take medications for hypertension, but also to treat the underlying disease.

The first step in managing hypertension is to improve a stable lifestyle. The most important thing is regular aerobic exercise. Doing exercises that get your heart rate up, such as brisk walking and cycling, more than five times a week, for more than 30 minutes a day, will help stabilize your blood pressure.

Improving your eating habits is also essential. Reducing sodium intake is fundamental. The quantity of soup dishes should be reduced, and the use of high-salt condiments such as salt, soy sauce and red pepper paste should be limited. Instead, it’s important to eat healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grains evenly. The habit of avoiding overeating and eating bland foods is the basis of prevention and management of high blood pressure.

Smoking and drinking are also enemies of blood pressure management. Smoking damages blood vessels and accelerates the progression of hypertension. Even though it is difficult to quit smoking, you should keep trying. Alcohol consumption should be moderately controlled, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly increase blood pressure. Additionally, relieving mental tension through stress management is also an important coping method. Finding psychological stability through meditation or hobbies has a positive effect on blood pressure control.

Professor Byun Jae-ho said: “In order to prevent and manage high blood pressure, we must first maintain appropriate weight and waist circumference. » Being overweight or obese not only negatively affects high blood pressure, but also increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. ” he said.

If blood pressure is not controlled through lifestyle improvements alone, medication may be necessary.

Hypertension medications are effective in lowering blood pressure, but do not apply equally to all patients. If there are side effects or insufficient effects when taking medications, consult a specialist.

Additionally, starting treatment does not mean you will have to take it for the rest of your life. If you can maintain normal blood pressure through constant effort, it is also possible to stop taking medications.

Regular blood pressure measurements are the starting point for managing hypertension. In order to measure blood pressure correctly, you must rest for at least one to two minutes and avoid smoking, drinking, caffeine, and exercise. It is important to accurately determine your blood pressure status by measuring twice in the morning and in the evening, for about a week.

Professor Byun Jae-ho said, “High blood pressure can be overcome through proper lifestyle and constant management. However, if it is difficult to maintain normal blood pressure only with non-drug treatment, it is recommended to take medications for hypertension. “High blood pressure is a disease that can no longer be neglected. Early detection and appropriate care should enable a healthy life,” he declared.