What is high blood pressure

High blood pressure may be caused by genetic, environmental, physiological, traumatic, or pathological factors, and needs to be controlled through medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring.

1. Genetic factors play an important role in hypertension. If there is a history of hypertension in the family, the individual's risk of developing the disease is significantly increased. Genes may affect the elasticity of blood vessel walls and the kidney's ability to process sodium, leading to elevated blood pressure. For this group of people, it is recommended to regularly monitor blood pressure from a young age and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

2. Environmental factors include high salt diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. High salt diet will lead to the increase of sodium content in the body, causing water and sodium retention, and then raising hypertension. Lack of exercise can cause a decrease in vascular elasticity and increase the burden on the heart. Smoking and drinking can directly stimulate blood vessel constriction, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Improving dietary structure, reducing salt intake, increasing vegetable and fruit intake, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and engaging in moderate exercise such as walking for 30 minutes every day or doing aerobic exercise can help control blood pressure.

3. Physiological factors such as aging, obesity, and stress can also lead to elevated blood pressure. As one ages, blood vessels gradually harden and blood pressure naturally increases. Obesity increases the burden on the heart, leading to elevated blood pressure. Being in a high-pressure environment for a long time can cause the body to secrete excessive stress hormones, causing blood vessels to contract and blood pressure to rise. By controlling weight, adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise, such as doing strength training three times a week, and relieving stress through meditation or deep breathing, blood pressure can be effectively lowered. 4. Trauma such as head injury or surgery may lead to short-term blood pressure elevation and usually require medical intervention. Pathological factors include kidney disease, endocrine disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Kidney disease can affect the water and sodium balance in the body, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes can also affect blood pressure. Cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis directly lead to elevated blood pressure. For these situations, treatment should be targeted at the primary disease, such as using antihypertensive drugs, regulating hormone levels, or performing surgical interventions.

5. Drug therapy is an important means of controlling hypertension. Common antihypertensive drugs include diuretics, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Diuretics reduce body water and lower blood pressure by promoting urine excretion. Beta blockers lower blood pressure by slowing down heart rate and reducing cardiac output. Calcium channel blockers relax smooth muscle in the blood vessel wall, dilate blood vessels, and lower blood pressure. Specific medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

6. Lifestyle adjustments are equally crucial. In terms of diet, it is recommended to adopt the DASH diet, which is a dietary pattern rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products. In terms of exercise, engage in 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Maintaining good sleep habits and avoiding staying up late can also help control blood pressure. High blood pressure requires comprehensive management, combined with medication treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and timely adjustment of treatment plans are necessary to effectively control the condition and reduce the risk of complications.