1 in 4 adults has high blood pressure! He "delayed for 5 years before seeking medical treatment" and his fate was revealed: he almost lost his life
1 in 4 people over the age of 18 has high blood pressure! Is the mortality rate of “these comorbidities” higher than that of cancer?
High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic diseases in Taiwan, but most people often don’t know that high blood pressure can be fatal! According to information released by the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, approximately 5.29 million people in Taiwan suffer from hypertension. Although prehypertension has no specific symptoms, it can ultimately be life-threatening if not managed promptly. Therefore, the public should follow the three tips of “home measurement, 130/80 standard, and 722 principle” to develop the habit of correctly measuring blood pressure.
On World Hypertension Day (5/17) recently, Dr. Lin Yanhong, professor of cardiology at National Taiwan University Hospital and chairman of the Taiwan Hypertension Society, reminded that long-term hypertension is related to arteriosclerosis, which can lead to heart failure, kidney disease, stroke and other complications. The public is urged not to ignore the risks of comorbidities. For example, the mortality rate of heart failure is not only higher than that of cancer, but long-term renal hypertension may also lead to kidney dialysis.
Suffering from high blood pressure is like “boiling a frog in warm water”. Failure to control it in time may lead to “heart cancer”
Hypertension is undoubtedly a key factor affecting the health of Taiwanese people. According to statistics, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 18 in Taiwan suffer from hypertension. Dr. Robin Lin also pointed out that the prevalence of hypertension among people over the age of 65 in Taiwan exceeds 50%. In recent years, the prevalence of hypertension has become younger. The trend is related to modern people’s eating habits and stressful lifestyle.
However, high blood pressure is the main risk factor for various organ diseases. Dr. Lin Yanhong likened that high blood pressure is like putting the body in a situation of “boiling a frog in warm water”. It may be life-threatening if it is not felt for a while. For example, if high blood pressure is not controlled, it may cause myocardial hypertrophy, diastolic and systolic function of the heart. Affected, over time it develops into “heart failure”, which is also known as heart cancer.
On the other hand, long-term high pressure in the body can also cause glomerulosclerosis of the kidneys and further deteriorate into nephropathy. Dr. Lin Yanhong warned that the five-year mortality rate of severe heart failure exceeds 50%, which is higher than most cancers. Kidney disease is often among the top ten causes of death in Taiwan. It can be said that heart and kidney disease is the biggest culprit causing disability and death among Taiwanese people. This shows that people Everyone should prevent hypertension as early as possible and manage heart and kidney risks.
“There was a warning 5 years ago” but he still didn’t seek medical treatment. The middle-aged man almost lost his life due to heart failure.
Hypertension is a high risk factor for heart and kidney diseases. In recent years, the development trend in the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease also aims to take both blood pressure and organ protection into consideration during patient treatment. Dr. Lin Yanhong explained that drugs for the treatment of heart failure have ranged from common renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and sympathetic nervous system inhibitors in the past to SGLT2 inhibitors in recent years, which can simultaneously manage blood pressure. , renal disease and cardiac function.
The data also pointed out that after taking the drug, patients can reduce the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure or cardiovascular events, slow down the deterioration of renal function, reduce proteinuria, reduce mortality related to kidney disease and cardiogenic factors, and can also lower blood pressure. Dr. Lin Yanhong shared that in the past, he encountered a middle-aged man who was sent to the emergency room by his family. This patient was diagnosed with high blood pressure 5 years ago, but did not continue to follow up because he felt that he was fine. When he was sent to the hospital, his cardiac systolic function was not only low, but he even had symptoms of pulmonary disease. Edema, life-threatening.
“After examination, it was found that this patient actually had heart failure and kidney disease caused by long-term hypertension!” Dr. Lin Yanhong said that after the patient was sent to the hospital, the medical staff continued to use medication to help him lower his blood pressure and manage his heart and kidney symptoms. One year later, Only then did the condition gradually stabilize and the heart and kidneys return to normal functions. This shows how important it is for people with hypertension and initial heart and kidney disease to establish awareness of correct blood pressure measurement and prevention in their daily lives.
Don’t let high blood pressure become a major problem anymore! Experts call for: “3 measures” to be done every day
On the occasion of World Hypertension Day recently, the Taiwan Hypertension Society promotes “three tips” to help the public build awareness of correct blood pressure measurement, namely “blood pressure measurement at home”, “130/80 standard” and “722 principle” “:
Measure blood pressure at home: Blood pressure is easily affected by the environment, mood and other factors. Therefore, only by establishing a daily habit of measuring blood pressure can the correct value of blood pressure be measured. It is recommended that people purchase a generally approved blood pressure monitor every day. Home measurement habits.
130/80 standard: In recent years, the definition and control target of hypertension have been revised down from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg.
722 principle: Blood pressure measurement should be measured continuously for 7 days, twice a day in the morning and evening, with an interval of one minute between each time, and the average value is taken. Only then can blood pressure data that is stable and closer to the own state be detected.
In addition to measuring blood pressure, Dr. Lin Yanhong said that people can also maintain healthy blood pressure by establishing exercise habits, quitting smoking, adjusting diet, reducing sodium intake, losing weight or reducing alcohol consumption. The Hypertension Society also provides a series of blood pressure measurements on its official website Teaching videos and health education information encourage the public to watch online and actively establish the habit of measuring blood pressure to prevent heart and kidney disease crises as early as possible.
Further reading:
