What should I do if my blood pressure is high during a physical examination

Physical examination revealed high blood pressure, which can be intervened through adjusting diet, controlling weight, regular exercise, reducing sodium intake, and following medical advice. High blood pressure may be related to factors such as genetics, obesity, high salt diet, mental stress, chronic kidney disease, etc.

1. Adjust diet

Reduce intake of high-fat and high cholesterol foods, increase the proportion of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Control the daily salt intake within 5 grams and avoid pickled foods. Moderate supplementation of potassium rich foods such as bananas and spinach can help balance sodium and potassium. Avoid drinking alcohol and sugary drinks, and use skim milk as a substitute.

2. Control weight

If the body mass index exceeds 24, a weight loss plan should be developed. Losing 1 kilogram of weight can reduce systolic blood pressure by 1 millimeter of mercury. It is recommended to lose 0.5-1 kg per week through a combination of dietary control and exercise. Pay special attention to waist circumference management, men should control it below 90 centimeters, and women should control it below 85 centimeters.

3. Regular Exercise

Engage in 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. During exercise, the heart rate should be controlled within the range of (220 age) x 60% -70%. Avoid intense exercise that can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure, and warm up and relax before and after exercise. Individuals with blood pressure exceeding 160/100 mmHg need to undergo medical evaluation before developing an exercise plan.

4. Reduce sodium salt

Avoid processing foods, soy sauce, MSG and other high sodium seasonings, read food labels and choose low sodium products. When cooking, use spices instead of salt to gradually adapt to light flavors. When dining out, it is recommended to add less salt and avoid drinking soup. Pay attention to the intake of invisible salt in baked goods such as bread and cookies.

5. Medication according to medical advice

After diagnosis of hypertension, standardized medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor. Commonly used antihypertensive drugs include amlodipine besylate tablets, valsartan capsules, hydrochlorothiazide tablets, etc. Do not adjust the dosage or discontinue medication on your own. Regularly monitor blood pressure and record it. If adverse drug reactions such as dry cough and edema occur, timely follow-up should be sought.

Establish a habit of measuring blood pressure at a fixed time every day and use a certified upper arm electronic blood pressure monitor. Maintain emotional stability, avoid staying up late and overworking. Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, as nicotine can cause vasoconstriction. Pay attention to keeping warm in winter, as cold stimulation may cause blood pressure fluctuations. If the blood pressure continues to exceed 140/90 mmHg or is accompanied by symptoms such as headache and blurred vision, immediate medical attention should be sought from the cardiovascular department.