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High blood pressure is a common chronic disease that causes long-term damage to the heart, blood vessels, and other organs in the body. Many people worry about the impact on their lifespan if they develop high blood pressure.
How much do people with high blood pressure live shorter? How can we prolong our lives?
Let's explore this together.
Uncle Li is a 65-year-old retired teacher who has a regular daily life and likes to play chess and take walks. Recently, however, he has been feeling dizzy and sometimes experiencing chest tightness. Under the persuasion of his family, Uncle Li decided to go to the hospital for a comprehensive physical examination.
After the results of the physical examination came out, Dr. Li looked at Uncle Li with a solemn expression and said, "Uncle Li, your blood pressure is on the high side, and it has reached 160/100mmHg. This value is already in the high blood pressure range. ”
Uncle Li looked surprised: "I usually feel fine, how can I get high blood pressure?" ”
"High blood pressure is known as the 'silent killer' and many patients have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Your recent experience of dizziness and chest tightness may be a sign of high blood pressure. ”
Uncle Li asked worriedly: "Doctor, I have high blood pressure, is my life expectancy shorter than that of ordinary people?" How many years will it be shorter? ”
Dr. Lee replied, "High blood pressure does affect life expectancy, but how many years it affects depends on many factors. According to research, the average life expectancy of an untreated person with hypertension may be 10-20 years shorter than normal. However, as long as timely treatment and conditioning, this gap can be narrowed to a minimum. ”
Uncle Li asked, "Then what can I do to prolong my life?" ”
Dr. Lee patiently explained, "First, we need to control our blood pressure. Your current blood pressure is grade 2 hypertension and our goal is to keep it below 140/90mmHg. Second, we should adjust our lifestyle, including a reasonable diet, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. You may need to take antihypertensive medications, depending on your situation. ”
After listening to this, Uncle Li's heart calmed down a little, but he was still a little worried: "Doctor, I heard that high blood pressure can cause many complications, is that so?" ”
Dr. Li nodded, "That's true." Long-term uncontrolled high blood pressure may lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. According to the World Health Organization, about 10 million people worldwide die each year from hypertension and its complications. Controlling blood pressure is very important. ”
Uncle Li said thoughtfully, "I understand." So what should I pay attention to at home? ”
Dr Lee advises, "In terms of diet, limit your salt intake to no more than 6 grams per day. Eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods. In terms of exercise, it is recommended that you do more than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every day, such as brisk walking, jogging, etc. Psychologically, maintain a good mindset and avoid excessive mood swings. It is also important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, and it is recommended that you measure and record your blood pressure daily. ”
Uncle Li carefully wrote down these suggestions, and then asked, "Doctor, I heard that some foods are good for high blood pressure, is it true?" ”
Dr. Lee replied, "There are indeed some foods that can help control blood pressure. For example, potassium-rich foods such as bananas, potatoes, spinach, etc., can help flush out excess sodium from the body, thereby lowering blood pressure. Magnesium-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, etc., also help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. In addition, deep-sea fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. ”
Uncle Li listened very carefully, and suddenly remembered a question: "Doctor, I heard that drinking alcohol can lower blood pressure, is this true?" ”
Dr. Li shook his head: "This is a common misconception. While drinking small amounts of alcohol may temporarily lower blood pressure, long-term heavy drinking can actually increase blood pressure. It is recommended that you try not to drink alcohol, and if you do want to drink, no more than 25 grams of pure alcohol per day for men and 15 grams for women. ”
Uncle Li suddenly realized: "I see, it seems that I will really have to quit drinking in the future." ”
Dr Lee adds, "In addition to these, it is also important to maintain a good quality of sleep. Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of high blood pressure. It is recommended that you get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. ”
Uncle Li nodded, and then asked, "Doctor, I heard that some people take blood pressure medicine for a lifetime, does this mean that high blood pressure cannot be cured?" ”
Dr. Lee explains, "Hypertension is indeed a chronic disease, and there is no complete cure. But that doesn't mean we can't do anything about it. By adhering to a good lifestyle and rational medication for a long time, blood pressure can be completely controlled within the normal range, greatly reducing the risk of complications and prolonging life. ”
After listening to this, Uncle Li felt a lot more at ease. Dr. Li continued, "Uncle Li, although high blood pressure can affect life expectancy, as long as we actively treat and manage it, we can live a healthy and long life. According to a 20-year study, people with high blood pressure who have good blood pressure have little difference in life expectancy from the normal population. ”
Uncle Li's eyes lit up: "Really? Then I'm relieved. ”
Dr. Lee smiled and said, "Yes, it's all about persistence. Together, we believe that you will be able to overcome high blood pressure and enjoy a healthy and happy old age. ”
Although hypertension is a chronic disease, it does not mean the end of life. Through scientific treatment and management, patients with hypertension can have a healthy and long life like ordinary people.
It is hoped that every hypertensive patient can take their health seriously, actively cooperate with the treatment, and develop good living habits.
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