Do You Need Blood Pressure Medication? Your Health Risks

Is it necessary to take antihypertensive medication?

Non-smoker; irregular exercise habits with hypertension.
Dietary control: height 175 cm, weight 73 kg, BMI: 23.84 (underweight).
Flexibility: 23 (average), muscle strength: 16 (poor), cardiovascular endurance: 28.48 (poor) ---- (the above are online assessment results) ------ Hello, Doctor: I usually measure my blood pressure with an electronic blood pressure monitor, and it is mostly around 140/100, sometimes 134/90, and occasionally 150/110.
Currently, I drink red wine about four times a week, approximately 120 cc, and take health supplements containing grape skin extract.
I pay attention to a light diet.
Do I need to use medication for control? Or what improvements can I make? Additionally, when I eat overly sweet or oily foods, I experience a bloated feeling in my stomach.
What could be the reason for this? Thank you for your guidance, Doctor!

Wu Honghui, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/09/02

Dr. Xu Zhenrong reply Physical Fitness

Hello Mr.
Wu, hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure above 140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg.
Your diastolic pressure is quite high, reaching 100 or even 110.
You should consider treatment.
The management of hypertension can begin with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
It is advisable to reduce the intake of greasy foods, excessive salt, and heavily flavored dishes.
For exercise, aerobic activities are recommended, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or using a stationary bike.
Aim for more than three sessions a week, with each session lasting thirty minutes, at a moderate intensity where you feel slightly out of breath.
Aerobic exercise can improve physical fitness and lower blood pressure, potentially reducing it by 10 to 15 mmHg.
If these methods do not yield satisfactory results after 2 to 3 months, you should seek professional medical assistance at a nearby hospital.
At the age of 48, it would also be prudent to have tests for lipid levels, uric acid, and cholesterol.
Hypertension is a chronic condition and can be particularly concerning as it often presents without symptoms.
It is also associated with an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases, so it should not be taken lightly.

Reply Date: 2002/09/02

More Info

When it comes to managing high blood pressure (hypertension), understanding your health risks and lifestyle choices is crucial. Based on the information you've provided, it seems that your blood pressure readings are consistently in the range of 140/100 mmHg, with occasional spikes to 150/110 mmHg. This indicates that you are in the stage 1 hypertension category according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, which define high blood pressure as a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher.

Do You Need Blood Pressure Medication?
Whether or not you need medication to manage your blood pressure depends on several factors, including your overall health, any underlying conditions, and your lifestyle choices. Given that you have a BMI of 23.84, which is considered normal, and you do not smoke, you have some protective factors against hypertension. However, your blood pressure readings suggest that you are at risk for cardiovascular complications if left unmanaged.

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Before considering medication, it is essential to explore lifestyle changes that can help lower your blood pressure. These include:
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. This could include brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Regular physical activity strengthens your heart and improves circulation.

- Dietary Adjustments: Following a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, can significantly impact blood pressure. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while reducing saturated fats, sugars, and sodium.

- Limit Alcohol Intake: While moderate consumption of red wine (about 120cc four times a week) may have some health benefits, excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure. It’s advisable to limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help control blood pressure. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can make a difference.

- Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can be beneficial.

2. Monitoring Your Blood Pressure: Regularly monitoring your blood pressure at home can help you and your healthcare provider understand how well your lifestyle changes are working. If your readings remain elevated despite these changes, medication may be necessary.

3. Consulting with a Healthcare Provider: It is crucial to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about your blood pressure readings and overall health. They can assess your risk factors, including family history, and determine whether medication is warranted. If your blood pressure consistently exceeds 140/90 mmHg, medication may be recommended to prevent complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Addressing Dietary Concerns
Regarding your experience of feeling bloated after consuming sweet or fatty foods, this could be related to several factors:
- Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: Some individuals have a sensitivity to certain foods, which can lead to bloating and discomfort. This may be exacerbated by high sugar or high-fat meals.

- Digestive Health: If you have underlying digestive issues, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), certain foods can trigger symptoms.

- Portion Sizes: Eating large portions, especially of rich or heavy foods, can lead to feelings of fullness and bloating.

Conclusion
In summary, while your current blood pressure readings suggest that you may need to consider medication, lifestyle modifications should be your first line of defense. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and monitoring your blood pressure are essential steps. If these measures do not lead to improvement, consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and potential medication options. Remember, managing blood pressure is a long-term commitment that involves both lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication to ensure your health and well-being.

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