The Unignorable Associated Risks for Patients with Hypertension: Dyslipidemia and Synergistic Harms

Don't Ignore Hypertension: Hypertension is a common clinical syndrome, a prevalent and frequently occurring disease among middle-aged and elderly people. It has a high incidence rate, a long course, and many complications, posing a significant threat to human health. With increasing age, hypertension tends to worsen and can lead to many other illnesses. Hypertension is defined as arterial blood pressure exceeding the normal range [diastolic pressure greater than 12 kPa (90 mmHg), systolic pressure greater than 18.7 kPa (140 mmHg)]. Factors contributing to hypertension include: emotional excitement, mental stress, high salt intake, irregular eating habits, smoking, genetic factors, and occupational environment. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating should be taken seriously, as they may indicate hypertension. Hypertension can be controlled but not cured. Patients should not rely on their own feelings to determine their blood pressure level, nor should they arbitrarily stop medication simply because they feel well. Once diagnosed with hypertension and starting antihypertensive treatment, lifelong medication should be maintained. Stopping medication abruptly will cause blood pressure to rise rapidly and may lead to other complications.

The occurrence and development of hypertension are closely related to hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease. Numerous studies have shown that hypertensive patients often have abnormal lipid metabolism, manifested as significantly increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to normal individuals, and significantly decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, many cases of hyperlipidemia are also accompanied by hypertension. It has been confirmed that serum lipid and lipoprotein metabolism disorders in hypertensive patients are directly related to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Both hypertension and hyperlipidemia are major risk factors for coronary heart disease, and the incidence of coronary heart disease is much higher when both are present than when only one is present, indicating a synergistic effect. Therefore, actively preventing and treating hyperlipidemia plays a crucial role in preventing and treating hypertension and coronary heart disease.

Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are not only major culprits in arteriosclerosis, but there is also a close relationship between them. Both are more likely to occur in obese individuals, those who consume high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar diets or who are addicted to smoking and alcohol, those with irregular lifestyles, high stress, and mental tension, those with a family history of hypertension or hyperlipidemia, and diabetic patients. Numerous studies have shown that many hypertensive patients also have lipid metabolism disorders, with significantly higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in their blood compared to normal individuals. On the other hand, many cases of hyperlipidemia are also accompanied by hypertension, indicating a causal relationship between the two, although the exact cause and effect are not yet fully understood.

Statistical data from authoritative health institutions show that the incidence and mortality rates of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases in my country are increasing year by year. These diseases have not only become the leading cause of death among middle-aged and elderly people in my country but are also showing a trend of increasingly affecting younger generations. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are two important risk factors for diseases such as atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and kidney damage. Therefore, paying attention to hypertension and hyperlipidemia and actively controlling the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is of paramount importance.