Hypertension, which can even cause death if untreated, continues to threaten one out of every 3 people in our country! According to the data of the World Health Organization; There are more than 1.5 billion hypertensive patients in the world and approximately 7 million people die each year due to diseases caused by high blood pressure. Moreover, there is an increase in hypertension patients due to the pandemic.
Acıbadem Dr. Sinasi Can (KadıköyHospital Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Metin Gürsürer pointed out that the increased stress due to reasons such as the anxiety of getting sick during the pandemic process, loss of relatives and financial difficulties is an important factor in the increase in hypertension cases, “Stress appears to be a triggering factor, although it is not a permanent cause of hypertension alone. "Some lifestyle changes such as smoking and alcohol use, unhealthy diet, weight gain and inactivity due to stress caused by the adverse conditions of the pandemic can lead to hypertension. So what should be done and what should be avoided to keep blood pressure under control in a pandemic? Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Metin Gürsürer explained the 7 rules that we should pay attention to against hypertension during the pandemic process; made important suggestions and warnings.
Stay at the ideal weight
The relationship between obesity and hypertension is still a subject that continues to be investigated. It is thought that the negative effect of obesity on chemical reactions in the body triggers hypertension.
Do not smoke and drink alcohol
Smoking creates a hypertensive effect, especially by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. It has negative effects on central blood pressure due to its effects that increase vascular stiffness and pulse wave velocity.
Restrict salt
"Salt increases blood pressure is due to the sodium in it," said Professor. Dr. Metin Gürsürer continues as follows: “The excess sodium taken causes an increase in the volume in the vein. After a while, this situation leads to an increase in blood pressure. Be careful to consume all foods that contain sodium, not just salt. "
Eat a heart-friendly diet
A healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining the body's functions better. Adequate intake of essential nutrients in the body is necessary for a healthy chemical reaction.
Exercise regularly
Although there is no clarity on what mechanism of regular exercise reduces blood pressure, in the studies conducted; It was observed that blood pressure values were lower in active people who exercised regularly. 5-6 days a week, 30-40 minutes of brisk walking will meet the exercise needs of your body.
Pay attention to your sleep patterns
Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Metin Gürsürer stated that sleep affects the autonomic nervous system functions and physiological events that affect blood pressure in the body, "Especially in middle-aged people, a relationship has been observed between decreased sleep time and increase in blood pressure." says.
Manage stress
Although stress does not directly lead to hypertension, blood pressure may increase temporarily during stressful periods. Hormones secreted in our body during the stressful process increase our cardiovascular risk by damaging the vessels. In addition, stress can lead to faulty life habits such as smoking and alcohol use, unhealthy diet, weight gain and inactivity, which are risk factors for hypertension. Therefore, it can be a triggering factor for hypertension. Stress-reducing activities help reduce blood pressure by relaxing our body.
Do not stop your medication
Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Stating that there is no relationship between hypertension and the risk of getting Covid-19, Metin Gürsürer said, “The connection between hypertension and Covid-19 continues to maintain its complexity. It is not yet clear how much hypertension alone has on the course of Covid-19, and how other health problems accompanying or due to hypertension affect the course of the disease. " says. In addition, it has been shown by studies that there is no increase in the risk of getting Covid-19 due to the drugs used by patients receiving hypertension treatment, and it has been approved by hypertension associations. Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. For this reason, Metin Gürsürer stated that hypertension patients should continue to use their medications regularly during the pandemic process, saying, “Because disruption of drug treatment can cause serious pictures”.
One measurement is not enough
When our heart contracts, it creates a pressure and with this pressure, blood is sent to the body through the arteries. The results of two forces are seen in blood pressure measurement. First, when blood is pumped from the heart to our body, the pressure exerted on the vascular wall is systolic pressure (high blood pressure); the other is the pressure value on the vascular wall, diastolic pressure (small blood pressure) when the heart relaxes. A value seen in blood pressure measurement above 2mmHg / 130mmHg is called “hypertension”. Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Metin Gürsürer continues his words as follows: “In order to make a diagnosis, a blood pressure holter device is usually used by your doctor to measure your blood pressure at regular intervals for 80 hours. Your high blood pressure in all measurements indicates that you may be suffering from hypertension. "
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