Smoking and hypertension: How primary care physicians can effectively manage patients

Hypertension is a chronic disease that puts constant pressure on the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of serious complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Smoking, as a common lifestyle habit, interacts complexly with hypertension, posing a double threat to patients' health.

Effects of smoking on blood pressure measurements

First, smoking can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. Smoking within 30 minutes before measuring blood pressure will cause the blood pressure reading to be higher and the pulse to speed up. This is because the nicotine in tobacco stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the heart rate to increase and blood vessels to constrict, thus affecting the accurate measurement of blood pressure.

The relationship between smoking and high blood pressure

Smoking not only affects the measurement of blood pressure, but is also closely related to the pathogenesis of hypertension. Sympathetic nerve excitement caused by nicotine can lead to faster heart rate and increased release of norepinephrine, thereby increasing the load on the heart. In addition, long-term smoking can lead to increased peripheral vascular resistance, reduced arterial wall elasticity, and increased blood viscosity, which are typical manifestations of hypertension. More seriously, smoking can also damage the vascular endothelium, promote the formation of atherosclerosis, and increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Importance of smoking cessation in patients with hypertension

For patients with hypertension, quitting smoking is a key measure to lower blood pressure and improve prognosis. First, quitting smoking can reduce the increase in blood pressure and help control blood pressure. Second, quitting smoking can improve the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs because smoking affects the absorption and metabolism of these drugs. In addition, quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and reduce other health problems caused by smoking, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Can I not quit smoking if my blood pressure is normal? No.

Both first-hand and second-hand smoke can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia; even if blood pressure is normal at the moment, smoking is still a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Challenges and strategies for quitting smoking

Quitting smoking is a challenging process that requires the guidance of doctors and the persistence of patients. Primary care doctors can help patients quit smoking in the following ways:

Education and communication : Communicate to patients the specific health risks of smoking, especially its effects on blood pressure and the cardiovascular system.

Personalized smoking cessation plan : Develop a personalized smoking cessation plan for the patient, including medication, behavioral therapy, and psychological support.

Smoking cessation resources : Provide patients with smoking cessation resources such as quit lines, support groups, and medication information.

Conclusion

As primary care physicians, we play a vital role in the smoking cessation management of hypertensive patients. By deeply understanding the relationship between smoking and hypertension, we can more effectively help patients quit smoking, reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and improve their quality of life. On Hypertension Day, let us work together to create a healthier future for patients with hypertension.