Hypertension, as a common chronic disease, has become one of the significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and mortality worldwide. Many people hold the misconception that hypertension is "incurable" and believe that once diagnosed, they must take medication for life.
Is this really the case? To find out, we interviewed Professor Lin Xiaoming, Director of the Cardiology Department at Hainan Chengmei Hospital.
Is hypertension truly incurable?
Many believe that hypertension cannot be cured. Lin Xiaoming stated, "In fact, a portion of hypertension can be completely cured." He further explained that hypertension is classified into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, refers to high blood pressure without a clear single cause, usually resulting from genetic susceptibility and physiological or pathological balancing due to external and internal stressors in the body.
Currently, the concept of treating primary hypertension is to manage blood pressure throughout one’s lifetime through lifestyle adjustments combined with appropriate and effective medication, gradually transitioning from a pathological state to a relatively stable physiological state, thereby preventing cardiovascular events and delaying vascular aging. However, there is no miraculous cure for it. In contrast, secondary hypertension, caused by identifiable underlying diseases or pathological conditions, can be completely cured.
Past studies indicated that primary hypertension accounts for 90% to 95% of all hypertension cases. In other words, over 90% of hypertension patients are considered "incurable."
Lin Xiaoming explained that with the advancement of modern medical diagnostic technologies, this data has significantly changed. Clinical research in several hospitals across the country has shown that the proportion of secondary hypertension, where a cause can be identified, is as high as 30% to 40%, meaning that over 30% of hypertension patients can be cured.
Which types of hypertension can potentially be cured?
Lin Xiaoming stated that theoretically, all secondary hypertension cases have the potential for cure.
There are many factors that can lead to secondary hypertension. Kidney and renal vascular diseases, endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease, adrenal tumors, polycystic ovary syndrome, the use of certain medications like steroids and oral contraceptives, as well as obstructive sleep apnea, can all contribute to secondary hypertension.
For these patients, identifying the underlying causes that trigger hypertension and providing targeted treatment may fundamentally resolve the hypertension issue.
Lin Xiaoming cautioned that most patients he encounters tend to immediately take antihypertensive medication once they discover their hypertension, without further investigation. This approach is actually unscientific. After confirming hypertension, he recommends consulting a cardiology department to identify the causes behind the hypertension and then provide targeted treatment, which is essential for ensuring health.
Common misconceptions in hypertension treatment
Although there is currently no potential for curing primary hypertension, it can be effectively managed and controlled through scientific therapy and management, thereby reducing the risk of complications, improving quality of life, and prolonging life expectancy.
The goal of hypertension treatment is to stabilize blood pressure through medication, lifestyle changes—such as reducing salt intake, healthy eating, and regular exercise—to prevent the occurrence of complications.
Lin Xiaoming noted that in his daily practice, he encounters many hypertension patients who hold certain misconceptions about treatment.
Hypertension is incurable; treatment is meaningless
Some individuals, due to a lack of understanding about hypertension, believe that it cannot be cured and therefore abandon treatment. Lin Xiaoming explains that for certain hypertension patients, achieving long-term stable control of blood pressure through effective intervention can also be considered a form of "cure."
If there are no symptoms, treatment is unnecessary
In the early stages, hypertension often presents no obvious symptoms. However, prolonged high blood pressure can damage organs such as the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys, gradually leading to more serious health issues. Lin Xiaoming states that the harm caused by hypertension to health is a process that transitions from quantitative changes to qualitative changes; once complications arise, it may be too late to regret.
Once blood pressure returns to normal, medication can be discontinued
Many hypertension patients believe that once their blood pressure is controlled, they can stop taking their medication on their own. Lin Xiaoming indicates that this carries significant risks. The treatment of hypertension is a long-term process, and stopping medication may cause blood pressure to rebound. Unless clearly directed by a physician after diagnosis and assessment, patients should not discontinue their medication independently.
All hypertension patients need long-term medication
While many hypertensive patients do require long-term medication, some individuals with mild hypertension can achieve blood pressure control through dietary adjustments, exercise, weight loss, and regular blood pressure monitoring. Not all patients must rely solely on medications; the key lies in individualized treatment. It is essential to be aware of ones blood pressure variations and engage in long-term management to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
Static View of Blood Pressure
Many individuals believe that if their blood pressure is normal based on their annual health check-ups, they do not have hypertension. They fail to understand that blood pressure is subject to dynamic changes, and even short-term significant fluctuations in blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular events. With the widespread use of electronic blood pressure monitors, it is recommended that high-risk groups, individuals with a family history of hypertension, and those over 50 years old regularly measure and record their blood pressure at home. This way, when they consult a doctor, the information will be more useful.
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Text | Liang Shan
Editor | Huang Fei