Hypertension science education

1. Definition of Hypertension

On August 11, 2024, the "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension in China (2024 Revised Edition)" was officially released. The definition of hypertension is:

Without antihypertensive medication, office blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg; or home blood pressure ≥135/85 mmHg;

Or 24h dynamic blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg, daytime blood pressure ≥135/85 mmHg, and nighttime blood pressure ≥120/70 mmHg.

2. Health education on hypertension

1. Dietary guidance

(1) The diet should be low in salt and fat, and eat less foods high in cholesterol.

(2) Obese people should reduce their daily calorie intake to lose weight.

(3) Eat more foods rich in potassium, such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid pickled foods. Eat foods rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins, avoid high-fat and high-calorie foods, and reduce the intake of barbecued foods.

(4) Keep a good mood, control emotions, quit smoking, and limit drinking.

2. Medication Instructions

(1) Antihypertensive drugs should be taken orally as much as possible to gradually lower blood pressure to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure from causing insufficient blood supply to the heart, brain, and kidneys.

(2) There are many types of antihypertensive drugs available. The pharmacological effects of various antihypertensive drugs are different. The use of drugs should vary from person to person and should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

(3) Change unhealthy lifestyles, exercise moderately, take long-term medications as prescribed by doctors, understand the effects and side effects of medications, monitor blood pressure regularly, do not change or stop medications based on feelings, do not adjust dosages on your own, and achieve scientific and stable blood pressure reduction in order to prolong life.

(4) When taking antihypertensive drugs, the movements should be as slow as possible when standing up from a sitting or lying position.

3. Learn to measure your blood pressure

If your blood pressure suddenly rises, you should relax your whole body, lie down and rest, and immediately take antihypertensive drugs sublingually to relieve the symptoms or go to the hospital immediately.

4. Rest and activity guidance

(1) Avoid long-term excessive work and fatigue, and ensure adequate sleep.

(2) Patients who have been engaged in mental work that requires high concentration and excessive stress, or who have been working in an environment with excessive auditory stimulation for a long time, should relax themselves and adjust their work and rest appropriately.

5. Discharge Instructions

(1) Blood pressure monitoring: By measuring blood pressure, you can understand the blood pressure situation. When measuring, you should set a fixed time, body position, location, and sphygmomanometer.

(2) Hypertension often coexists with obesity, abnormal blood lipids and blood sugar, and changes in blood lipids and blood sugar should be monitored regularly. Long-term hypertension can cause renal function impairment, and urine routine and renal function tests should be performed regularly.

References:

[1] Wei Yuan, Miao Aiwen, Wang Chunrui. How to pay attention to the diet of patients with hypertension[J]. Diabetes World, 2020, 17(1): 194.

[2] Wang Qian. Common misunderstandings about hypertension[J]. Kaijuanyi (Seeking Medical Advice), 2024, (4): 42.

[3] Yang Na, Wang Juan. Study on the impact of healthy lifestyle education on physical examination care for people at high risk of hypertension[J]. Weekly Digest·Retirement Weekly, 2024, (4): 194-196.

END
Author: Chen Wei (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jiujiang First People's Hospital)

Reviewer: Yu Hongbin (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jiujiang First People's Hospital, Standing Committee Member of the Science Popularization Working Committee of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association)

Editor: Jia Jing (Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine)