Why Hypertension?
Aug 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
This may be related to dietary factors. Salt intake among Chinese residents far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended standard, and high sodium intake is a major contributor to hypertension. For instance, regularly consuming pickled vegetables and spicy sauces with high salt content can lead to hypertension. Lifestyle factors also play a role—irregular daily routines, frequent late-night activity, smoking, and emotional anxiety are all associated with increased risk.
The primary approach to managing hypertension is maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. First, engaging in moderate physical activity can help regulate blood pressure. Additionally, dietary improvements and preventive measures are essential—particularly avoiding alcohol, ensuring adequate intake of calcium and potassium, consuming low-fat and low-sodium foods, and maintaining a positive mental attitude. But what causes hypertension?
Causes of Hypertension
Dietary factors may play a significant role. The average salt intake among Chinese residents far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limit; excessive sodium consumption is a major contributor to hypertension. For example, regularly consuming pickled vegetables and highly salted, spicy sauces in daily meals can increase the risk of developing hypertension. Lifestyle-related factors—including irregular daily routines, frequent late-night activity, smoking, chronic anxiety or stress, and obesity—are also key contributors. Genetics also influence susceptibility: children of parents with hypertension have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. In contrast, secondary hypertension has relatively well-defined underlying causes, such as carotid artery stenosis, intracranial vascular stenosis, or chronic kidney disease—all of which can elevate blood pressure. Treating the underlying condition often effectively manages secondary hypertension.
Once the underlying disease is successfully treated, blood pressure may return to normal spontaneously—or, even if it does not fully normalize, it may become significantly more responsive to treatment than before. Especially for newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, identifying the specific cause of hypertension is crucial. If no identifiable cause is found, long-term oral antihypertensive medication is necessary to maintain stable blood pressure control.
In daily life, individuals should adhere to a disciplined diet—avoiding spicy and stimulating foods, refraining from binge eating, and preventing late-night activity. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
