140 over 90 — the limit: Kirov cardiologist dispels myths about blood pressure

      From May 11 to 17, Russia is holding a Week for the Fight Against Arterial Hypertension. The event is timed to coincide with World Hypertension Day, which is observed on May 17. Elena Noskova, a cardiologist at the emergency cardiology department of the Regional Vascular Center of the Kirov Regional Clinical Hospital, spoke about what is truly important to know about the disease.

      Myth one: Blood pressure should increase with age, and everyone has their own normal level.

      — Blood pressure can change depending on age, constitution, physical activity, and overall health, but it should not exceed 140 over 90 millimeters of mercury, — explains Elena Noskova.

      With age, pathological processes occur in the vascular wall, related to an increase in its stiffness, and consequently, the frequency of arterial hypertension is higher. However, the doctor emphasizes that this is not normal.

      Myth two: The main risk factor is heredity.

      — No, that is not the case. Hereditary predisposition is not the main risk factor for the development of arterial hypertension, — says the cardiologist. — Smoking, alcohol abuse, a sedentary lifestyle, and consuming more than 5 grams of table salt per day have a greater impact on the development of arterial hypertension.

      Additionally, among the risk factors are excess body weight, obesity, glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, early menopause, and a heart rate above 80 beats per minute.

      Myth three: If there are no symptoms, then blood pressure is normal.

      — No. In most cases, hypertension is asymptomatic and is only detected when measuring blood pressure, — replies Elena Noskova.

      Headaches, dizziness, a feeling of heat, chest pain, vision disturbances, sweating, and nosebleeds are nonspecific and can occur with other diseases. Regular preventive medical check-ups and dispensary examinations help to timely suspect arterial hypertension in a patient and prevent the development of complications such as myocardial infarction, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, chronic heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.

      Myth four: Hypertension can be cured by leading a healthy lifestyle.

      — It is impossible to cure hypertension solely by leading a healthy lifestyle. A person with an existing disease needs to take medications prescribed by their doctor, — emphasizes the doctor.

      However, leading a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity, a balanced diet, quitting bad habits, managing stress, and regular preventive medical check-ups and dispensary examinations, will improve the well-being of a patient with this disease.

      Myth five: Medications can be taken not constantly, but only when feeling unwell.

      — Yes. With arterial hypertension, it is necessary to regularly take antihypertensive medications, as missing doses increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. And even if a person feels well, they should never stop taking medications on their own, — warns Elena Noskova.