Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease commonly affecting middle-aged and elderly individuals. Generally, it cannot be completely cured but only managed. Hypertensive patients should be aware that intense emotional agitation can trigger hypertension episodes, so learning to control emotions and maintain an optimistic, calm mindset is crucial. On the other hand, excessive qi and blood can also lead to hypertension episodes, making hot spring bathing unsuitable for hypertensive patients. Below is a detailed understanding of hypertension for patients.
Treatment
1. Treatment Goals and Principles
The ultimate goal of antihypertensive therapy is to reduce the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in hypertensive patients. Blood pressure control targets should be established. Furthermore, hypertension often coexists with other cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetes, which synergistically increase cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, treatment measures should be comprehensive.
(1) Lifestyle Modifications ① Weight reduction. ② Sodium intake reduction. ③ Calcium and potassium supplementation. ④ Fat intake reduction. ⑤ Increased physical activity. ⑥ Smoking cessation and alcohol restriction.
(2) Individualized Blood Pressure Targets Due to varying etiologies and mechanisms of hypertension, clinical drug selection should be tailored to each patient, choosing the most appropriate medication and dosage to achieve optimal efficacy.
(3) Synergistic control of multiple cardiovascular risk factors: Even after blood pressure is controlled within the normal range through antihypertensive therapy, various risk factors beyond elevated blood pressure continue to significantly impact prognosis.
2. Antihypertensive Drug Therapy
(1) Types of antihypertensive drugs: ① Diuretics. ② Beta-blockers. ③ Calcium channel blockers. ④ Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.⑤ Angiotensin II receptor blockers.
(2) Treatment regimens Most patients without complications or comorbidities may use thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, etc., either alone or in combination. Treatment should begin with low doses, gradually increasing as tolerated.In clinical practice, patient factors such as cardiovascular risk profile, target organ damage, complications, concomitant conditions, blood pressure response, and adverse effects all influence antihypertensive drug selection. Patients with stage 2 hypertension may initiate dual antihypertensive therapy from the outset.
The above covers essential information for hypertension patients. Crucially, maintain a healthy sleep schedule—avoid staying up late and overexertion.Dietary choices should prioritize light, low-sodium options, as overly salty foods can exacerbate hypertension. Be mindful of potential complications like stroke. Lastly, stay warm and avoid all situations that could trigger a hypertensive crisis.