October 8
Marks the 27th National Hypertension Day
The theme of this years campaign is
"Healthy Weight, Ideal Blood Pressure"
Aimed at broadly promoting hypertension prevention and control knowledge
Raising public awareness about blood pressure monitoring
Encouraging better self-management of blood pressure
Controlling risk factors such as overweight and obesity
And fostering healthy lifestyle habits
Here are the key facts about hypertension you should be aware of
I. Understanding Blood Pressure and Hypertension
What is Blood Pressure
Blood pressure refers to the lateral pressure exerted on the walls of blood vessels as blood flows through them. It is the force that drives blood to circulate throughout the body.
The highest value of blood pressure occurs during heart contraction, known as systolic pressure (high pressure), while the lowest value occurs during heart relaxation, known as diastolic pressure (low pressure).
Diagnosing Hypertension
The primary basis for diagnosing hypertension is clinical blood pressure readings. According to the latest Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension (2024 Revised Edition), the diagnostic criteria for hypertension are as follows: If the systolic blood pressure (SBP) is ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is ≥90 mmHg during an initial visit, and confirmed through two follow-up readings taken on separate days within a four-week period, all meeting the aforementioned threshold, hypertension can be diagnosed. Typically, out-of-office blood pressure readings are used as supplementary diagnostic evidence.
Ⅱ. Healthy Living to Prevent Hypertension
Reduce Salt Intake
Excessive salt consumption increases the risk of developing hypertension. Therefore, it is important to maintain long-term control of salt intake.
The average daily salt intake of Chinese residents exceeds 9 grams, which is significantly higher than the World Health Organization’s recommendation of no more than 5 grams per day. It is advised to replace part of regular salt with low-sodium salt.
Reduce Fat Intake
Excessive consumption of fat, particularly foods high in saturated fatty acids, raises blood cholesterol levels, leading to arteriosclerosis and increasing the risk of hypertension.
Daily diets should limit the intake of saturated fatty acids while ensuring sufficient high-quality protein intake. Additionally, it is recommended to increase the intake of whole grains, coarse grains, and dietary fiber.
Control Weight
Overweight and obesity can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of hypertension, with central obesity potentially having a stronger correlation with hypertension.
Individuals who are overweight or obese are advised to manage their weight appropriately. For adults aged 18 and above, the body mass index (BMI) should be maintained between 18.5-23.9 kg/m² (BMI = weight in kg/height in m²). It is also important to control waist circumference, with a recommendation of <85 cm for men and <80 cm for women.
III. Behavioral Changes to Manage Hypertension
Healthy Diet
Adhering to a healthy diet can help control hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Hypertensive patients should maintain a diet primarily based on plant-based foods, with moderate intake of animal-based foods. Meals should be diverse, with an appropriate balance of the three macronutrients, and salt consumption should be kept within limits.
Regular Exercise
Maintaining regular physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior are crucial measures for managing hypertension.
It is recommended to prioritize outdoor and aerobic exercises, with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. A combination of resistance (strength) training and flexibility exercises is also encouraged.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and alcohol consumption increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are advised to quit smoking as soon as possible, including both traditional and electronic cigarettes. Patients with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases should refrain from drinking alcohol.
Maintain Mental Balance
Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can increase the risk of hypertension. It is important to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, avoid the impact of negative emotions, and actively seek support and psychological intervention when necessary.
IV. Scientific Monitoring and Hypertension Control
Blood Pressure Target Standards
For general hypertension patients without other comorbidities or complications, blood pressure should be controlled below 140/90 mmHg. For hypertensive patients with diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease with proteinuria, blood pressure should be controlled below 130/80 mmHg.
Scientific Monitoring of Blood Pressure
Home blood pressure monitoring is encouraged, and dynamic blood pressure monitoring can be done if conditions allow. Morning blood pressure should be measured after urination, before taking any antihypertensive medication, and before breakfast. Evening measurements should be taken before bedtime, with 2-3 measurements per session according to standard procedures.
Closely Monitor Blood Pressure
Blood pressure exceeding 130/80 mmHg requires close attention. If three separate blood pressure readings on different days exceed 140/90 mmHg without the use of antihypertensive medications, hypertension can be diagnosed. Lifestyle interventions should begin as soon as possible, and medication should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Patients diagnosed with hypertension should adhere to long-term medication regimens, with long-acting antihypertensive drugs encouraged to maintain stable blood pressure at standard levels.
V. A Multifaceted Approach to Hypertension Treatment
The three principles of hypertension treatment are: achieving target levels, maintaining stable control, and comprehensive management. This includes achieving the target blood pressure, maintaining stable reduction, and providing comprehensive intervention management for hypertensive patients.
The primary goal of hypertension treatment is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications and death.
All patients should adopt lifestyle interventions. Antihypertensive drugs should start with the lowest effective dose, ideally using long-acting medications and combining drugs with different mechanisms of action.
In Summary
The prevention and treatment of hypertension is a systematic process
That requires efforts from multiple aspects
Let us work together
To protect our own health and the health of our families
The content of this article is for health education purposes only
And should not be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment
If any text or images are found to be infringing or violating any regulations
Please notify us for prompt removal
Source | Hainan Center For Disease Control And Prevention
Editor | Huang Fei