Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) is a chronic disease that progresses silently but can cause many dangerous complications such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, loss of vision, and even death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high blood pressure is the leading cause of premature death worldwide.
However, most of these complications can be prevented if the patient is diagnosed early, properly managed, and maintains effective control measures.
What is the most effective way to prevent complications of high blood pressure?
The answer does not lie in a single factor, but in a comprehensive combination of healthy lifestyle changes, regular blood pressure monitoring, proper use of medication (if necessary), control of comorbidities, and compliance with regular check-ups. In particular, the most important and decisive factor is the patient’s proactive awareness and perseverance.
Here are 5 things patients should do:
1. Correctly perceive and monitor blood pressure regularly
The first and most basic thing in preventing complications is to understand the disease. Many people with high blood pressure do not feel any symptoms and often ignore blood pressure monitoring, leading to serious consequences when complications occur.
People at risk or diagnosed with high blood pressure should:
- Measure blood pressure at home: Use a reliable electronic blood pressure monitor, measure at least 2-3 times a week.
- Record the results in a monitoring book to provide information to the treating doctor.
- Detect abnormalities promptly such as sudden increase in blood pressure, dizziness, severe headache, dizziness, chest tightness, etc. for early treatment.
Regular blood pressure monitoring helps control the condition effectively and prevent serious events such as stroke or heart attack.
2. Lifestyle changes are key to preventing complications
Healthy eating: A reasonable diet not only helps control blood pressure but also protects organs such as the heart, kidneys and blood vessels from damage.
Patients should:
- Reduce salt: Do not eat more than 5g of salt per day. Reducing salt helps reduce pressure on the blood vessel walls and heart.
- Increase green vegetables, fruits and whole grains: These foods provide potassium, fiber and antioxidants that are beneficial for the heart.
- Limit saturated fat and cholesterol: Avoid fried foods, fast foods and processed foods.
- Limit alcohol and coffee: Drinking too much alcohol or coffee can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure.
Exercise regularly
Physical activity helps increase blood circulation, control weight, reduce stress and maintain stable blood pressure.
Everyone should exercise at least:
- 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week
- Choose gentle forms such as: brisk walking, cycling, swimming, yoga or dancing.
Weight loss and weight control
Overweight and obesity are leading risk factors for high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. Weight loss, even 5–10% of body weight, can significantly reduce blood pressure and the risk of complications.
Reduce stress and get enough sleep
Prolonged stress increases the secretion of hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline – which constrict blood vessels and increase heart rate, leading to high blood pressure. Maintaining a comfortable spirit and getting enough sleep 7–8 hours a night helps stabilize blood pressure naturally.
3. Take medication correctly and regularly when needed
When blood pressure cannot be controlled by lifestyle changes alone, medication is required to prevent complications.
Principles of medication use:
- Take the correct dose, on time, do not change the dose or stop taking the medication on your own even if you feel well.
- Maintain taking medication every day, even when blood pressure is stable.
- Regularly return for check-ups so that the doctor can evaluate the effectiveness and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Some people think that taking medication when blood pressure is high is enough, this is completely wrong and can lead to dangerous complications due to strong fluctuations in blood pressure.
4. Control associated diseases
High blood pressure is often accompanied by other diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, kidney failure, cardiovascular disease. If these diseases are not treated at the same time, the risk of complications will increase many times.
Therefore, patients need to:
- Have regular tests to check blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney function.
- Follow a comprehensive treatment regimen from a specialist.
5. Regular check-ups and in-depth monitoring
One of the reasons why complications of high blood pressure occur is because patients do not have regular check-ups. When patients only rely on subjective feelings (feeling healthy) without regular medical check-ups, it is easy to miss warning signs.
Patients should:
- Have a check-up every 1-3 months as prescribed by the doctor.
- Do tests such as: echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, kidney function test, fundus examination, etc.
- Update the treatment regimen if there are changes in blood pressure, cardiovascular health or related indicators.
Complications of high blood pressure are extremely serious, but can be completely prevented if patients are proactive and persistent in implementing control measures. Among these measures, lifestyle changes are the most sustainable foundation. However, to achieve the highest efficiency, patients need to combine a healthy lifestyle, take the right medication (when necessary), control underlying diseases and have regular check-ups. This comprehensive combination not only helps prevent complications but also brings a better quality of life, safety and happiness.
