6 Bad Habits That Cause Hypertension

Acıbadem Maslak Hospital Cardiology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ertuğrul Zencirci warned about faulty habits that cause hypertension.

Assoc. Dr. Zencirci stated that hypertension, which is seen in 3 out of every 1 adults in Turkey, continues to be a health problem in the world, “According to the World Health Organization; There are approximately 1.3 billion hypertension patients in the world, and approximately 10 million people die each year as a result of diseases caused by high blood pressure. The reason for this is hypertension; It is one of the leading causes of serious diseases such as heart attack, heart failure, rhythm disorder, occlusion of leg vessels, kidney failure, cerebral hemorrhage, stroke and blindness. used the phrases.

Hypertension; Stating that although it causes complaints such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitation, pressure in the ears and nosebleeds, Zencirci said that patients generally do not know that their blood pressure is high. It occurs when they suffer from diseases such as kidney failure, cerebral hemorrhage and stroke. That's why hypertension has been described as the 'silent killer'." he said.

Assoc. Dr. Zencirci listed the faulty habits that cause hypertension as follows:

lead a sedentary life

“Decreased physical activity causes increased insulin resistance, stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance, oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and increased effect of leptin hormone (a protein secreted from adipose tissue). It also increases blood pressure by causing weight gain. Doing moderate dynamic exercise for about 5-7 minutes 30-60 days a week is effective against hypertension.

gaining excess weight

Due to overweight and obesity, insulin resistance and leptin levels increase, the sympathetic nervous system and the hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance are stimulated, the protein level that ensures sodium excretion from the kidney decreases, and the effect of intra-abdominal fat and pressure on the kidney occurs. All these cause hypertension by increasing the heart rate, reducing the excretion of sodium and fluid from the kidney, and increasing peripheral vascular resistance. To prevent hypertension, body mass index should be 20-25 kg/m2 and waist circumference should be 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women.

consuming too much salt

Excess sodium causes problems in the sympathetic nervous system and the hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance, increasing the resistance to blood flow. At the same time, our body raises blood pressure to remove this excess sodium through the kidneys. Hypertension develops as a result.” says. Therefore, make sure that your daily salt consumption is below 5 grams.

get into the habit of alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and the hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in our body, and can also cause vascular dysfunction by causing oxidative stress and inflammation. As a result, hypertension develops. Experts point out that alcohol consumption should be less than 14 units in men and less than 8 units in women.

To smoke

Since cardiovascular disease is one of the important risk factors, it is extremely important for hypertensive patients to give up smoking.

malnutrition

An unhealthy diet increases oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and as a result, blood pressure. Basically, foods that are low in fat and sodium, and rich in fiber and potassium, lower blood pressure. For this reason, a diet rich in vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish and unsaturated fatty acids (olive oil) and low in red meat and saturated fatty acids should be a habit.