How can people with hypertension live longer? Why can't people with hypertension live long lives? That's right! Although hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia cannot be cured in current medicine, the good news is that with proper management, these chronic diseases offer a good chance of a long and healthy life. So, how can people with hypertension live longer? It's recommended that they control their heart rate. Why? Clinically, increased heart rate is a common clinical manifestation of hypertension, and the issue of increased heart rate in hypertensive patients is increasingly attracting attention. Furthermore, heart rate is used as one of the bases for diagnosing whether a hypertensive patient has other conditions. What is the normal heart rate range for hypertensive patients? The "Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus on Heart Rate Management in Chinese Hypertensive Patients" clearly states that hypertensive patients should focus on achieving target blood pressure while also managing their heart rate. It is recommended to regularly measure resting heart rate at home, i.e., the heart rate when a person is at rest. It's important not to assume that heart rate control criteria are relaxed for people with hypertension. In fact, the standard heart rate for hypertension is the same as for normal heart rate, typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. In my country, the intervention threshold for hypertension is defined as a heart rate greater than 80 beats per minute. For individuals with comorbid conditions, such as the common combination of hypertension and coronary heart disease, the heart rate should be controlled within 55-60 beats per minute during periods of stability. For those with hypertension and hyperthyroidism (hypertension combined with hyperthyroidism), especially the elderly who are prone to chronic conditions (cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases), the heart rate range may exceed 90 beats per minute. Studies have found that the resting heart rate of hypertensive patients in my country is generally high, and related research has shown that hypertensive patients with higher heart rates also have higher rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and incidence. How can hypertensive patients control their heart rate? Firstly, regarding exercise, a sedentary lifestyle is not ideal for people with hypertension. Moderate exercise, such as aerobic exercise, can improve cardiopulmonary function. Choose exercises suitable for your individual needs, such as brisk walking, running, walking, skipping rope, and swimming. You can also incorporate strength training exercises, such as weightlifting, yoga, and sit-ups. Managing your emotions is also crucial, especially for those with high blood pressure. Avoid extreme emotions, as these can easily lead to a faster heart rate. For those who frequently experience excessive stress, stress itself can also contribute to a rapid heartbeat; it's important to learn how to release stress. While body shape doesn't have a significant impact, it's still recommended that people with hypertension maintain a healthy weight.
