What should I do about premature heartbeats (extrasystoles)?
Jul 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
Primary hypertension results from the long-term interplay of multiple genetic and environmental factors. It is characterized by a prolonged disease course and slow progression, though it may suddenly accelerate. Therefore, treatment must be long-term and continuous. Treatment comprises three aspects:
1. Lifestyle management:
- Low-salt diet, with daily salt intake limited to 4–6 grams;
- Low-fat diet; avoid high-cholesterol and high-triglyceride foods such as fatty meats, pork, beef, and mutton.
The exact cause of primary (essential) hypertension remains unclear. However, exposure to certain triggers may lead to a rapid rise in blood pressure over a short period, making it a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. So, how is primary hypertension treated?
How Is Primary Hypertension Treated?
Primary hypertension results from the long-term interplay of genetic and environmental factors. It is characterized by a prolonged disease course, slow progression, and potential for sudden acceleration—thus requiring lifelong, continuous management. Treatment encompasses three key components:
- Lifestyle Modification:
- Low-sodium diet: sodium intake should be limited to 4–6 g/day.
- Low-fat diet: avoid foods high in cholesterol. Fatty meats (e.g., pork, beef, mutton) and foods rich in triglycerides contain high levels of cholesterol; lean poultry (chicken, duck) and fish are preferable.
- Regular aerobic exercise.
- Maintain body weight within the normal range; abstain from smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables; consider appropriate folic acid supplementation.
- Ensure adequate, high-quality sleep.
- Pharmacologic Therapy: Antihypertensive medications should be selected by a physician based on the patient’s blood pressure level, presence of comorbidities (e.g., diabetes), and evidence of target-organ damage. The goal is to maintain blood pressure at an appropriate level: generally <140/90 mmHg; <130/80 mmHg for patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease; and ≤150 mmHg for elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension.
- Comprehensive Risk Factor Management: Concurrently control other cardiovascular risk factors—including blood glucose, serum uric acid, and lipid levels.
We hope this information is helpful to you!
