Hypertension is a serious health problem worldwide. First, it is prevalent across countries, ages, and social levels, affecting a large number of people. Hypertension is a chronic disease that can have a serious impact on the patient’s overall health if not managed promptly and effectively.
Long-term hypertension poses a major threat to the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, arteriosclerosis and other diseases. These complications may lead to a decline in the patient’s quality of life or even endanger their lives. Hypertension may also cause damage to important organs such as the kidneys and eyes, further increasing the health burden on patients.
In addition to its impact on individual health, hypertension also places a huge burden on global healthcare systems and economies. High medical costs, treatment and rehabilitation expenses all need to be taken into account. Therefore, effective prevention and management of hypertension has become an important measure to maintain public health and economic sustainability.
Globally, paying attention to the health issue of hypertension and taking active prevention and treatment measures can help reduce the occurrence of related complications and improve people’s overall quality of life.
Normal blood pressure
Normal blood pressure refers to the state in which the pressure of blood on the blood vessel wall in the circulatory system is maintained within the normal range. Blood pressure is usually expressed in two numbers, in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). These two numbers are diastolic pressure and systolic pressure.
– Diastolic Pressure : The first digit of blood pressure, which indicates the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest. The normal range is generally between 60 and 80 mmHg .
– Systolic Pressure: The second number of blood pressure, which indicates the highest pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. The normal range is usually between 90 and 120 mmHg .
Therefore, normal blood pressure is usually based on “120/80 mmHg”, but it can fluctuate within this range. Normal blood pressure is important because it reflects the health of the cardiovascular system. Persistent high blood pressure may lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney problems, etc.
Check heart function
Each of these cardiac examinations has its own unique advantages and is used to evaluate the heart’s structure and function, as well as to detect any potential problems. Here is a brief explanation of some common cardiac examinations:
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This is a non-invasive test that evaluates heart function by measuring the heart’s electrical activity. It can show the rhythm of the heartbeat, the size of the heart, and detect problems such as arrhythmias.
2. Treadmill Test: Also called an exercise test or exercise stress test, it combines physical exercise and electrocardiogram monitoring to evaluate the heart’s response under load. This helps detect potential coronary heart disease or arrhythmias.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is a highly detailed, radiation-free examination that creates a three-dimensional image of the heart through a magnetic field and harmless radio waves. MRI can be used to evaluate heart structure, function, and blood flow, and has a high sensitivity for problems such as myocardial lesions.
4. Computed Tomography (CT Scan): A cardiac CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images for examining the coronary arteries, heart structures, and other heart-related problems. It is useful in evaluating coronary artery calcification and coronary artery stenosis.
These tests are usually selected by the doctor based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and condition. Combining multiple test methods can provide a comprehensive heart evaluation to help the doctor develop an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
In addition to EKG, exercise EKG, MRI, and CT Scan, there are other methods used to examine the heart. Here are some of them:
1. Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound waves to generate images of the heart to evaluate heart structure and function. This is very useful for detecting heart valve problems, myocardial abnormalities, etc.
2. Cardiac Catheterization: This is an interventional examination. By introducing a catheter into the coronary artery, the doctor can observe blood flow and detect problems such as coronary artery stenosis and blockage.
3. Holter monitoring: This is an electrocardiogram monitoring for 24 hours or longer that is used to detect ongoing arrhythmias, especially those that occur infrequently.
4. Angiography: By injecting contrast agents, doctors can observe images of the heart and blood vessels through X-rays to diagnose problems such as coronary artery disease.
5. Cardiac MRI: Similar to regular MRI, but focuses on heart structure and function, providing high-resolution images.
The choice of these tests depends on the doctor’s advice, the patient’s symptoms and medical history, and specific medical needs. The doctor will consider the patient’s condition and choose the test that is most appropriate for the patient.
symptom
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it can exist without any obvious symptoms and go undetected for a long time. However, some people may experience some of the following symptoms of high blood pressure:
1. Headache: Headaches caused by high blood pressure usually occur at the back of the head and may be accompanied by a throbbing sensation.
2. Dizziness and dizziness: Some patients may feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing or sitting up.
3. Nausea and vomiting: When high blood pressure rises to a certain level, it may cause nausea and vomiting.
4. Vision problems: Damage to blood vessels may cause some eye problems, such as blurred or sudden vision changes.
5. Shortness of breath: Some people may experience shortness of breath, especially during exercise or activity.
6. Chest pain: In extreme cases, high blood pressure may cause chest pain, which may be a sign of heart problems.
Please note that these symptoms are not specific and may also be a manifestation of other medical conditions. Therefore, if you suspect you have high blood pressure or experience the above symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor for further evaluation and confirmation. It is important to measure your blood pressure regularly, as early detection and management of high blood pressure is crucial to preventing complications.
Heart disease and stroke
Hypertension is a persistent increase in blood pressure, and its adverse effects are mainly reflected in serious complications such as heart disease and stroke. First, high blood pressure makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively, resulting in an increased burden on the heart. In addition, to adapt to this burden, the heart may undergo hypertrophy and thickening, but this may lead to myocardial stiffness and ventricular hypertrophy. At the same time, high blood pressure can also damage the coronary arteries, leading to coronary artery atherosclerosis, the formation of arterial plaques, limiting the blood supply to the heart, and ultimately causing heart disease.
Second, high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, a process that involves the rupture or formation of blood clots in an artery, interrupting blood flow to the brain. High blood pressure makes the arteries in the brain more likely to rupture or clot, and damage to small arteries may gradually trigger small ischemic events that eventually accumulate to cause brain damage.
Therefore, high blood pressure makes the heart and brain vulnerable to damage by increasing the burden on the cardiovascular system and directly damaging blood vessel walls, which may ultimately lead to heart disease and stroke.
Symptoms and Signs
- Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side)
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Blurred or impaired vision
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Severe headaches with no apparent cause
High insulin: a major cause of heart disease
In recent years, more and more studies have shown that high insulin levels may be one of the main causes of heart disease. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Its main function is to help cells absorb and use glucose to provide energy. In addition, insulin can regulate the metabolism of fat and protein. However, when insulin levels are abnormally high, that is, hyperinsulinemia, it can have a variety of harmful effects on the body and increase the risk of heart disease.
Effects of Insulin
Insulin plays a key role in maintaining blood sugar balance. When we consume food, especially foods containing carbohydrates, blood sugar levels rise. The pancreas secretes insulin to help cells absorb glucose, thereby maintaining blood sugar levels within a normal range. If cells become less responsive to insulin, known as insulin resistance, the pancreas will secrete more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels, resulting in hyperinsulinemia.
The link between high insulin and heart disease
- Atherosclerosis High insulin levels can promote fatty deposits in artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis. Such deposits can harden and narrow arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- High blood pressure High insulin levels can cause sodium and water retention, increasing blood volume and blood pressure. In addition, high insulin increases activity in the sympathetic nervous system, further raising blood pressure. These factors can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Dyslipidemia High insulin levels are associated with high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This dyslipidemia increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
- Inflammation High insulin levels can cause systemic inflammation, and chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Inflammation can damage blood vessel walls, further promoting the development of atherosclerosis.
- Obesity High insulin levels are closely associated with obesity, especially abdominal obesity. Obesity itself is a major risk factor for heart disease. High insulin levels promote fat storage, leading to weight gain, creating a vicious cycle.
Hyperinsulinemia can increase the risk of heart disease through multiple mechanisms, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and obesity. Therefore, managing insulin levels is critical to preventing heart disease. This can be achieved through healthy lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as medication when necessary.
Understanding and actively managing insulin levels can not only help prevent heart disease, but also improve overall health and quality of life. Maintaining healthy insulin levels through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help us move towards a healthier future.
Vascular calcification
Calcium is a mineral that the body needs to carry out important functions and maintain good health. Calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong and is also involved in heart function. However, sometimes calcium deposits can also have negative effects on health.
Coronary artery calcification occurs when calcium builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup can lead to coronary artery disease and increase the risk of a heart attack.
Coronary artery calcification is most common in older adults, with calcium accumulation beginning around age 40. Studies estimate that by age 70, 90% of men and 67% of women have developed coronary artery calcification.
Men experience coronary artery calcification earlier than women, about 10 to 15 years earlier. Researchers believe this is because estrogen has a protective effect against calcium deposits.
In addition to some rare medical conditions that can cause calcification in young people, some chronic conditions may increase your risk. For example:
- Metabolic syndrome
- hypertension
- Diabetes (Insulin Resistance)
- Abnormal lipid metabolism (abnormal cholesterol levels – high triglycerides)
- obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
Smoking is also a risk factor for coronary artery calcification.
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Hypertension and sudden death
There is a close relationship between high blood pressure and sudden death, especially when high blood pressure is not effectively managed. First, long-term high blood pressure puts a constant burden on the heart, leading to myocardial hypertrophy and heart enlargement, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. This excessive heart burden may cause serious cardiovascular problems, leading to the sudden end of life.
Secondly, arrhythmia caused by high blood pressure is another factor leading to sudden death. Heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia may lead to cardiac arrest, which in turn leads to sudden death. This disordered heart rhythm may be directly related to long-term high blood pressure.
In addition, arteriosclerosis and blood vessel damage caused by high blood pressure is also an important mechanism. Hardened arteries are more likely to rupture and form blood clots, which can block normal blood flow. This can lead to sudden cardiac death, especially when blood clots form in critical blood vessel locations.
Overall, high blood pressure is not only a major risk factor for complications such as heart disease and stroke, but also increases the risk of sudden death.
Why do hypertensive patients who take medication regularly still die suddenly?
Although high blood pressure can be effectively controlled by taking medication regularly, sudden death may still occur, which may involve the following factors:
1. Irregular medication use: Some patients may not use hypertension medications regularly as prescribed by their doctors due to negligence or other reasons, resulting in blood pressure fluctuations and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
2. Medication side effects: Some high blood pressure medications may cause adverse reactions, especially when starting a new treatment. This may lead to problems such as arrhythmias and increase the risk of sudden death.
3. Comorbidities: Hypertensive patients usually have other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. These comorbidities may work together with hypertension to increase the risk of sudden death.
4. Undetected complications: Even if blood pressure is controlled, patients may still suffer from undetected cardiovascular complications such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, etc., which may inadvertently lead to sudden death.
5. Individual differences : Human physiological and genetic differences may make some hypertensive patients more susceptible to sudden death, and the risk remains even under drug treatment.
High-sugar and high-carb diets lead to high blood pressure
High-sugar and high-carbohydrate diets may have an impact on hypertension, and this relationship can be attributed to multiple mechanisms. First, excessive sugar and carbohydrate intake may lead to insulin resistance, reducing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which in turn causes increased blood sugar and vascular constriction, thereby increasing blood pressure. Second, a high-sugar diet may lead to problems with sugar metabolism, which is closely related to metabolic syndrome and hypertension.
In addition, a high-carbohydrate diet leads to weight gain, especially when accompanied by foods high in sugar and calories. There is a clear link between obesity and high blood pressure, as excess fat tissue may release substances that cause vasoconstriction. In addition, a high-sugar diet may trigger low-grade chronic inflammation, which may be associated with high blood pressure, leading to vascular damage and vasoconstriction.
Finally, some people are more sensitive to high-carbohydrate and high-sugar diets, which may increase the effect of salt on their blood pressure. Excessive carbohydrate intake may increase salt sensitivity and lead to increased blood pressure.
Effects of Omega 6 on Blood Pressure
Omega-6 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and excessive intake has been linked to high blood pressure. Here are some mechanisms that explain why high intake of omega-6 fatty acids may lead to high blood pressure:
1. Pro-inflammatory effects: Omega-6 fatty acids are converted into a number of biologically active metabolites in the body, some of which may have pro-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is considered a potential factor in hypertension because it may cause damage and tightening of blood vessel walls.
2. Imbalance with omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids need to be balanced in the body, which is essential for maintaining normal physiological functions. However, modern Western diets are often rich in omega-6 and relatively low in omega-3. This imbalance may lead to increased inflammatory responses, thereby affecting blood pressure regulation.
3. Vascular reactions: Some metabolites of omega-6 fatty acids may have a direct effect on blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction. This constriction may increase blood pressure, especially in the presence of other risk factors.
4. Oxidative stress: Excessive omega-6 intake may increase oxidative stress, leading to excessive production of free radicals. Oxidative stress may lead to damage to endothelial function, which is essential for normal vasodilation and blood pressure control.
It is important to note that omega-6 fatty acids are not harmful in themselves, but beneficial to health when consumed in appropriate amounts. The problem is that modern diets generally have too much omega-6 intake and low omega-3 intake, which may lead to an imbalance. Therefore, maintaining a moderate balance of omega-6 and omega-3, by consuming foods rich in omega-3 (such as fish, flax seeds, etc.), helps maintain cardiovascular health and normal blood pressure levels.
Plaque formation
Plaque is a deposit formed in the arteries, which is mainly composed of cholesterol, fat, collagen and other cellular components. The formation of vascular plaque is a gradual process involving multiple steps:
1. Endothelial damage : Plaque formation usually begins with damage to the arterial endothelium (the lining of the blood vessels). This damage can be caused by high blood pressure, inflammation, smoking, etc.
2. Cholesterol deposition : Once the endothelium is damaged, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) can penetrate and accumulate in the damaged area. These cholesterol particles are deposited within the arterial wall, forming deposits called plaques.
3. Plaque formation : Fat cells and other cell types are lured into the damaged area and begin to form plaques. Collagen is also synthesized and deposited in the plaque, causing it to gradually grow larger.
4. Calcium salt deposits : Over time, calcium salts and other minerals may be deposited in the plaque, making it harder and more unstable.
5. Plaque rupture : Inflammation and increased pressure within the plaque may cause the plaque to rupture. Once ruptured, platelets in the blood may aggregate in the damaged area and form a blood clot.
6. Thrombosis : The formation of blood clots may further block the arteries and lead to serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.
Don’t be afraid of cholesterol. See how cholesterol improves blood vessels
The formation of vascular plaque is related to cholesterol levels, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) play different roles in this process.
LDL and plaque formation: LDL is primarily responsible for transporting cholesterol to tissues, including blood vessel walls. When LDL is excessive, oxidized, or damaged, it can deposit in the damaged endothelium and become a component of plaque.
The mechanism of LDL repairing blood vessels:
✅ Cholesterol Supply:
LDL carries cholesterol, providing the cholesterol needed to maintain the structure and function of cell membranes. When tiny injuries occur in the vascular endothelium, LDL delivers additional cholesterol to support the repair of the damaged sites.
✅ Inflammatory Response:
LDL may participate in the inflammatory response when the vascular wall is damaged or inflamed. This includes attracting immune cells to the injured area as part of the repair process.
✅ Formation of Repair Plaques:
LDL and other substances may form plaques at the site of injury, facilitating the repair of the vascular wall. These plaques help fill in the damaged areas and prevent further inflammation and injury.
HDL and plaque removal: HDL is called a “good” cholesterol carrier because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. HDL can capture excess cholesterol from the blood vessel walls and transport it to the liver, which then eliminates it from the body. Therefore, adequate HDL levels help prevent excess cholesterol from being deposited on the artery walls and reduce the formation of vascular plaque.
Therefore, low HDL levels may be associated with the formation of vascular plaques because lower HDL leads to insufficient clearance of excess cholesterol, making it more likely that LDL will deposit on the blood vessel walls. Maintaining appropriate HDL levels is essential for cardiovascular health, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and choosing a diet rich in healthy fats can help increase HDL levels, thereby helping to reduce the formation of vascular plaques.
The mechanism of HDL repairing blood vessels:
✅ Reverse Cholesterol Transport:
HDL is known as “good” cholesterol mainly because it helps transport excess cholesterol in reverse — from arterial walls and other tissues back to the liver for metabolism or excretion. This process helps clear excess cholesterol and maintain the health of the arterial walls.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Effect:
HDL has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the vascular walls. By suppressing inflammatory responses, HDL helps prevent further damage to the blood vessel walls.
✅ Antioxidant Effect:
HDL provides antioxidant protection, reducing the impact of oxidative stress on the vascular walls. Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to vascular damage and hardening.
In general, LDL and HDL together constitute the balance of blood lipid profile and provide necessary support for vascular health. Understanding and maintaining appropriate levels of LDL and HDL is an important part of preventing cardiovascular disease and promoting vascular repair. In diet and lifestyle management, focusing on balancing the effects of these two lipoproteins helps maintain overall health and the normal function of the cardiovascular system.
The relationship between triglycerides and stroke
There is no conclusive evidence that triglycerides directly cause stroke. However, high triglyceride levels are generally associated with an increased risk of several cardiovascular diseases, which are one of the main risk factors for stroke.
The relationship between triglycerides and stroke may involve the following aspects:
- Atherosclerosis: High triglyceride levels may be associated with atherosclerosis (plaques of cholesterol and other substances that form inside arteries). Hardened arterial walls increase the risk of stroke because it can cause blood clots to form or plaques to break off and block blood vessels in the brain.
- Effects on blood viscosity: High triglyceride levels may increase blood viscosity, which increases the risk of blood clots, a common cause of stroke.
- Associated risk factors: High triglyceride levels are often associated with other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity. These factors are also associated with stroke risk.
While high triglyceride levels can be an indicator of cardiovascular disease and stroke, maintaining overall cardiovascular health is critical when it comes to preventing stroke. Understanding and managing triglyceride levels is an important aspect of maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing stroke.
Is saturated fat really a bad thing?
Some people with specific medical conditions or cholesterol issues may need to watch their intake of saturated fat.
However, research results clearly show that for most healthy adults, saturated fat intake has little effect on heart disease, and some foods containing more saturated fat may even be beneficial to heart health.
Additionally, the latest research highlights the importance of considering the entire composition of foods and how they interact within our bodies, rather than just focusing on the various macronutrients they contain.
Take processed foods and raw foods, for example. Although they may both contain protein, fat, and carbohydrates, their effects on health are different.
The same concept applies to saturated fat, as fat found in nutrient-dense ingredients like milk, cheese, and yogurt has different health effects than saturated fat found in processed meats or sugary desserts.
The importance of saturated fat
Saturated fat is a type of fat in which the carbon atoms in the carbon chain are connected by single bonds, without double bonds, making the molecule saturated with hydrogen atoms. It plays many important roles in the body.
Some animal foods are high in saturated fat. Red meat, such as beef, lamb and pork. Chicken skin and egg yolks are also relatively high in saturated fat. Whole milk and dairy products, including cheese, butter and cream, are also high in saturated fat. Coconut oil and palm oil are sources of oils and fats that are high in saturated fat.
Potential heart benefits of saturated fat include:
✅ Cell Structure and Stability:
Saturated fats are a major component of cell membranes, helping maintain the structural integrity and stability of cells, which may have a positive impact on the health of cardiac cells.
✅ Hormone Synthesis:
Saturated fatty acids serve as precursors for hormone synthesis, including certain hormones that regulate heart function. Therefore, an appropriate amount of saturated fat may help maintain hormonal balance.
✅ Increase in HDL Cholesterol Levels:
Some studies suggest that moderate intake of saturated fats may be associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol levels. HDL is considered “good” cholesterol, as it removes excess cholesterol from blood vessels, thereby helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Other benefits of saturated fat to the body
- Antimicrobial Effects : Saturated fatty acids have certain antimicrobial properties that may help prevent infection, thereby reducing the potential risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Fat-soluble vitamin absorption : Saturated fat helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which are involved in heart health and the immune system.
The biological importance of saturated fat
- Cell membranes need (50%): Saturated fatty acids to keep them waterproof and function properly
- Heart: Prefers saturated long-chain 16-carbon palmitic acid and 18-carbon stearic acid (rather than carbohydrates) as an energy source
- Bones: Need saturated fat to effectively absorb calcium
- Liver: Protects against the adverse effects of alcohol and acetaminophen-like medications
- Lungs: Lung surfactant, which prevents asthma and other respiratory disorders, is composed entirely of 16-carbon palmitic acid
- Hormones: They act as signal messengers for hormone production
- Immune system: Saturated fats play an important role here. They activate white blood cells to destroy invading bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as fight tumors, while medium-chain 12-carbon lauric acid and 14-carbon myristic acid (in butter) kill bacteria and candida in the intestines.
- Fullness signal: So you eat less, lose fat, and maintain a normal weight
- Overall health: Saturated fat intake reduces intake of unhealthy carbohydrates and polyunsaturated vegetable oils
We blamed the salt.
Sodium has long been labeled the bad guy when it comes to blood pressure. But are we treating salt fairly?
A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension analyzed data from 8,670 French adults and found that salt intake was not associated with systolic blood pressure in men and women after controlling for factors such as age.
Does salt cause high blood pressure?
One study found that increasing salt intake to eight times normal intake over a three-day period led to only a slight increase in blood pressure in people who had not been diagnosed with hypertension.
Another study found that increasing salt intake reduced physiological changes that lead to high blood pressure, which the researchers noted provides reason to “search for other mechanisms in the generation of increased global peripheral resistance and arterial pressure.”
Another study found that “moderate dietary salt restriction may have adverse effects on vascular and systemic sensitivity to insulin.” Reduced insulin sensitivity causes blood vessels to constrict, which can cause high blood pressure.
The real culprit is insulin resistance. @drstephenhussey
Not suitable for intense exercise
The main reasons why strenuous exercise is not suitable for patients with hypertension include the increased cardiovascular burden, dangerous blood pressure reactions, and lack of adaptation time that may cause problems.
First, intense exercise may increase the cardiovascular burden, requiring the heart to require more oxygen and energy. For patients with hypertension, this additional burden may overwork the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Second, intense exercise can cause a sharp rise in blood pressure in people with hypertension, which can be dangerous to their cardiovascular system. Dramatic changes in blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Finally, for people who do not regularly engage in vigorous exercise, sudden intense activity may cause the body to be unable to adapt, which may cause health problems for people with high blood pressure.
In general, in order to maintain the health of patients with hypertension, they are usually advised to choose moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling, to improve cardiovascular health without causing excessive cardiovascular burden. Any exercise plan should be carried out under the supervision of professional medical personnel and adjusted according to the individual’s health status.
Life stress leads to high blood pressure
High blood pressure caused by stress in life may not be true long-lasting high blood pressure. This phenomenon is often called “white coat hypertension” or “emotional hypertension.” In this case, blood pressure rises temporarily under stress or tension, but returns to normal levels when you relax.
Reason explanation:
- Autonomic nervous system: Life stress and tension may cause the autonomic nervous system to activate, releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This response is part of the body’s response to stress and does not necessarily indicate a true chronic high blood pressure problem.
- Measurement environment: Some people may feel nervous or uncomfortable when having their blood pressure measured in a doctor’s office or other medical setting, leading to so-called “white coat hypertension.” The elevated blood pressure in this situation may not reflect their true state in daily life.
Solution:
- Multiple measurements: To determine if true hypertension is present, doctors will usually recommend multiple blood pressure measurements, including self-monitoring in everyday settings.
- Stress management: Learning ways to cope with stress in your life, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and regular rest, can help reduce the occurrence of emotional hypertension.
- Medical Monitoring: For individuals who are often subject to stress in their lives, it is important to monitor their blood pressure regularly and stay in touch with their doctor so that any potential hypertension problems can be detected and managed promptly.
A low-carb, high-fat diet can help lower blood pressure
A low-carb, high-fat diet usually refers to reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing saturated fat intake. The theoretical basis of this diet is to control insulin levels by limiting carbohydrate intake, thereby prompting the body to rely more on fat as an energy source.
Lowering carbohydrate intake may help improve the body’s insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin secretion. This is beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels and preventing insulin resistance, a condition associated with high blood pressure and other metabolic diseases. In addition, a low-carb, high-fat diet can also help control weight and reduce inflammation in the body, which is also important for maintaining cardiovascular health.
The fat in this diet usually comes from healthy fat sources, such as animal fat, coconut oil, palm oil, etc. Fish oil, flaxseed, chia seeds, etc. These fats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective effects.
Learn about low-carb, high-fat diets
