Arterial hypertension – can it be dangerous?

Arterial hypertension doesn't cause any bothersome clinical symptoms, so many people remain unaware of their condition for years. It's becoming increasingly common in people over 40. Symptoms include morning headaches, dizziness, flushing of the face and neck, and nosebleeds. Some people experience difficulty with physical exertion. However, if hypertension is left untreated, it can lead to numerous serious organ complications.

What is blood pressure anyway? – this is a question we turn to cardiologist Dr. Piotr Flis.

Figuratively speaking, it's the force that causes blood in the vessels to flow through the arteries. This force not only moves the blood within the vessels but also presses against the vessel walls. Increased blood pressure in the vessels, i.e., hypertension, causes excessive pressure on the artery walls. The longer this situation persists, the greater the damage to the vessels, which consequently leads to dangerous changes in internal organs.

What contributes to the development of hypertension?

"There are two types of hypertension – primary and secondary. Primary hypertension, also known as idiopathic hypertension, has an unknown cause. It's caused by being over 60, being overweight, an unhealthy diet with excessive salt, a heavy diet, lack of exercise, alcohol, smoking, and stress. Hypertension often runs in families.

Secondary hypertension is the result of an existing medical condition. It can occur with kidney disease, vascular disease, heart disease, or diabetes. Therefore, a correct diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial.

A cardiologist decides on treatment and oversees the entire process. In some cases, weight loss, a proper diet, and exercise are sufficient. However, pharmacological measures are more often necessary, but this does not relieve the patient from the obligation to adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

What tests are recommended for people with hypertension?

– Because hypertension causes changes in the retina, fundus examinations by an ophthalmologist are recommended. Periodically, a general examination and urine culture should be performed, and blood potassium, sodium, and creatinine levels should be measured to assess kidney function. Monitoring of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels is recommended for all patients. Individuals with hypertension should undergo an ECG.

What recommendations would you make for patients with hypertension?

• If you have high blood pressure, check and record your blood pressure regularly. Measurements should be taken morning, noon, and evening.
• Monitor your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• Take your prescribed medications regularly. Stopping them without your consent may worsen your health.
• Increase your physical activity as recommended by your doctor.
• Quit smoking cigarettes.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.

Finally, it is worth adding that taking medication does not exempt you from maintaining a proper diet and does not end when your blood pressure returns to normal.

Hypertension and diet

Dietitians recommend, above all, a healthy and well-balanced diet. It's generally known that people with hypertension should limit their salt intake, but what should you eat to ensure a truly healthy diet?

It's recommended to consume approximately 400g of fruits and vegetables daily (three-quarters of which are vegetables). They are a source of vitamins, minerals (including magnesium and potassium, a deficiency of which can lead to cardiovascular problems, and potassium's role, among other things, is in regulating blood pressure), dietary fiber, and flavonoids, which support healthy heart function and help maintain healthy blood pressure. This has been confirmed in studies of people on a vegetarian diet, whose cardiovascular risk was lower than on a meat-based diet. And what about groats? Like vegetables and fruits, they are a source of dietary fiber, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.

Just 200g of fruit and vegetables a day reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and circulatory system disease. Leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, apples, blackcurrants, whole-grain cereals, and nuts are particularly beneficial.

We limit fatty animal products in favor of fish and vegetable oils and low-fat dairy products.

Fatty meats and animal fats are sources of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Excessive consumption of these foods can lead to increased blood cholesterol levels and vascular complications, including hypertension. Avoid processed meats.

Omega acids for hypertension

Fish and vegetable oils are sources of unsaturated fatty acids. They contain unsaturated fatty acids—omega-6, omega-3, and monounsaturated fatty acids—which lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, reduce the risk of atherosclerotic plaque buildup in blood vessels, and thus prevent vascular occlusion, which causes hypertension.

Ocean fish, a source of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA), should be consumed at least twice a week to provide adequate amounts of DHA and reduce cardiovascular risk. It is recommended to consume vegetable fats raw and as a side dish.

Dairy products are a source of protein and calcium. However, we choose those with reduced fat content. Fermented dairy products (natural yogurt, buttermilk, kefir) are worth consuming, as they contain probiotic bacteria, which have a beneficial effect on digestive health, lower blood cholesterol levels, and influence fat metabolism in the body.

Introducing all these ingredients into your daily diet has a beneficial effect on the proper functioning of the circulatory system and protects against its dysfunction.

How to maintain a high blood pressure diet

Unfortunately, following all the recommendations can be difficult and burdensome, but we're not alone in this, as .dietitians are here to helpFor example, you can use a personalized nutrition plan, tailored to your specific needs and health condition, or a ready-made meal plan. A ready-made online diet is a beneficial option because it doesn't require clinic visits, and the plan is tailored to your specific condition by an experienced dietitian. You can always consult with the specialist who prepared the diet, for example, during a teleconsultation.

By following dietary recommendations and introducing daily physical activity, you can improve the quality of your life, support the treatment of hypertension or reduce the risk of its occurrence, and effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases.