Back to list 2021-01-25 15:37:25

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, contributes to the burden of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure and premature mortality and disability. Hypertension rarely causes symptoms in the early stages and many people go undiagnosed.

In China, about 270 million people have hypertension; only 13.8% of the patients have their condition under control and not everyone who has hypertension can access treatment. All adults should have their blood pressure regularly checked for hypertension so timely treatment can be administered.

MSH China decided to interview Dr. Liu Rong, cardiologist at JIAHUI International Hospital in Shanghai. Dr. Liu kindly accepted to answer our questions in order to raise awareness about hypertension and the importance of early detection.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure refers to the pressure that blood applies to the inner walls of the arteries. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other organs and parts of the body.

What is a normal blood pressure?

A normal blood pressure depends on different guidelines from different countries.

2017 US guideline:

Normal blood pressure

Less than 120 over less than 80.

Elevated blood pressure

120 to 129 over less than 80.

Hypertension

● Stage 1: 130 to 139 over 80 to 89

● Stage 2: At least 140 over at least 90

European and Chinese guidelines: normal blood pressure is under 140 over 90

What are the risk factors of high blood pressure?

Age

Advancing age is associated with increased blood pressure, particularly systolic blood pressure, and an increased incidence of hypertension.

Obesity

Obesity and weight gain are major risk factors for hypertension and are also determinants of the rise in blood pressure that is commonly observed with aging.

Family history

Hypertension is about twice as common in subjects who have one or two hypertensive parent.