What are the symptoms of long-term high blood pressure

The symptoms of long-term high blood pressure include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, fatigue, etc. In severe cases, it may lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Controlling blood pressure requires medication treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring. The etiology of hypertension involves multiple factors such as genetics, environment, physiology, trauma, and pathology.

1. Genetic factors

Hypertension has a significant familial clustering, and individuals whose parents have hypertension have a higher risk of developing the disease. Genetic factors may lead to decreased vascular elasticity or abnormal kidney function, resulting in elevated blood pressure. For individuals with a family history, it is recommended to regularly monitor blood pressure from a young age and take preventive measures.

2. Environmental factors

High salt diet, lack of exercise, long-term mental stress and other environmental factors are important causes of hypertension. High salt diet will lead to sodium ion retention in the body and increase blood volume; Lack of exercise can cause a decrease in vascular elasticity; Long term mental stress may trigger sympathetic nervous system excitation, leading to elevated blood pressure. Reducing salt intake, increasing aerobic exercise, and learning stress reduction are effective preventive methods.

3. Physiological factors

Aging, obesity, metabolic abnormalities, and other physiological factors can also lead to hypertension. As age increases, blood vessels gradually harden; Obesity can increase the burden on the heart; Metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia may accelerate atherosclerosis. Controlling weight, regulating blood sugar and lipid levels are important measures to improve blood pressure.

4. Trauma and pathological factors

Head or kidney trauma may affect blood pressure regulation mechanisms, leading to secondary hypertension. Pathological factors such as kidney disease, endocrine disease, and cardiovascular disease can also cause elevated blood pressure. For hypertension caused by trauma or illness, treatment should be targeted at the primary disease and accompanied by antihypertensive drugs.

5. Medication therapy

Hypotensive drugs are important means of controlling hypertension, commonly used drugs include diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as enalapril. The choice of medication should be determined by the doctor based on individual circumstances, and patients should follow the doctor's advice to take the medication and undergo regular check ups.

6. Lifestyle Adjustment

In terms of diet, it is recommended to adopt a low salt, low-fat, and high fiber diet pattern, and consume more potassium rich foods such as bananas and spinach. In terms of exercise, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining sufficient sleep, and learning to relax can also help control blood pressure.

7. Regular Monitoring

Hypertensive patients need to monitor their blood pressure regularly. It is recommended to measure it once a day in the morning and once in the evening, and record the data. For populations with significant or difficult to control blood pressure fluctuations, dynamic blood pressure monitoring devices can be considered to gain a more comprehensive understanding of blood pressure changes. Long term high blood pressure not only affects quality of life, but may also lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, kidney damage, etc. Through medication treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring, blood pressure can be effectively controlled and the risk of complications can be reduced. For patients with hypertension, early detection and intervention are key, while maintaining good lifestyle habits and a positive attitude.