This article is consulted by Cao Thanh Tam MSc,MD - Cardiovascular Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Many research studies have shown the role of ginseng in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and supporting blood pressure control. However, there are still many different views on the use of ginseng for people with high blood pressure, causing concern for patients.
1. What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a medical condition that occurs when the pressure of blood against the artery walls becomes too high. This is a dangerous medical condition and is considered a "silent killer" as the entire disease progression can occur silently without any symptoms until the artery walls are damaged due to prolonged high pressure, leading to some dangerous complications such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
Regular blood pressure measurement is an effective way to control and prevent hypertension. If blood pressure shows abnormally high levels for several days, patients need to go to medical facilities for examination and detection of hypertension to have appropriate treatment to prevent dangerous complications that may occur.
Some signs of hypertension include:
- Frequent headaches, chest pain, or dizziness.
- Feeling shortness of breath even when not exercising.
- Decreased vision.
- Nosebleeds.
In addition, if there is a family history of hypertension, blood pressure should be checked regularly.
2. Can People with High Blood Pressure Use Ginseng?
Ginseng has long been considered a precious medicine with the ability to support the treatment of many diseases. Studies on the effects of ginseng have been conducted for a long time and show that it has some effects such as:
- It has a strong antioxidant capacity. It is effective in treating inflammation, improving health, and slowing down the aging process.
- Improves concentration and enhances cerebral circulation.
- Supports the treatment of erectile dysfunction and enhances physiological function for men.
- Enhances the body's resistance, and has a very good effect on people with thin bodies or frequent minor illnesses.
- Many studies have also shown that ginseng has the effect of preventing abnormal multiplication of cells, thereby being effective in cancer prevention.
- Using a little ginseng every morning can help you be full of energy for an effective working day.
- Supports very good treatment for patients with diabetes through the mechanism of stimulating pancreatic cells to enhance insulin production, contributing to balancing blood sugar.
Although it has many uses, ginseng is usually not recommended for people with hypertension. The reason is that some side effects of ginseng can worsen the symptoms of hypertension and may even push blood pressure to higher levels.
3. What should people with high blood pressure eat?
One of the most effective ways to treat hypertension is to ensure a reasonable diet. Below are some recommended diets for hypertensive patients:
- Eat more vegetables, and limit meat: A diet containing lots of vegetables, tubers, fruits, and fiber is very good for the cardiovascular system. Protein for the body can be supplemented from fish, tofu, etc., instead of meat. Blood pressure will stabilize if you regularly apply this diet.
- Reduce sodium content: People with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases need to maintain a daily sodium intake between 1,500 milligrams and 2,300 milligrams. The best way to reduce sodium content is to prepare fresh, clean food, and limit eating ready-to-eat meals, fast foods, or foods made-to-order.
- Limit sweets: Candy or sugary drinks can cause high blood pressure and worsen the symptoms of hypertension. You should eat more fruits because they are very good sources of sugar. In addition, studies have also shown that dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure.
In addition to a reasonable diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping a comfortable state of mind, reducing stress and fatigue, and limiting the use of stimulants such as alcohol, beer, and tobacco are also effective ways to help you control your blood pressure.
4. What should people with high blood pressure take?
The treatment of hypertension needs to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor. Self-treatment or incorrect use of medication will have serious consequences. Some medications for the treatment of hypertension include:
- Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers help reduce heart rate, thereby reducing the amount of blood through the arteries, and helping to limit the pressure of blood on the artery walls. It also inhibits the production of certain hormones that can raise blood pressure.
- Diuretics: Diuretics help the kidneys increase the ability to remove excess sodium from the body, helping to lower blood pressure.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Angiotensin has a vasoconstrictive effect, so ACE inhibitors have the effect of helping blood vessels dilate, thereby reducing blood pressure on the artery walls, and effectively supporting the treatment of hypertension. In addition, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can also be used. ARBs help prevent the link between angiotensin and receptors, neutralizing their effects.
- Calcium channel blockers: In some cases, calcium can enter the heart muscle, increasing heart rate and thereby increasing blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers can prevent this, helping to regulate heart rate. The drug also has the effect of vasodilation, reducing pressure on the artery walls.
- Alpha-2 agonists: The mechanism of this drug is to inhibit nerve impulses responsible for vasoconstriction, helping blood vessels dilate and reduce pressure.
In addition to medication, to stabilize blood pressure, you still need to apply reasonable diets and exercise.
Hypertension is a dangerous condition, a "silent killer," and treating hypertension is a long-term process that requires patience from the patient. If you do not have symptoms of the disease, do not be subjective and take the following measures:
- Check your blood pressure regularly.
- Maintain a reasonable diet and exercise regimen.
- Limit the use of alcohol, beer, and tobacco.
- Go to medical facilities for consultation if you detect abnormally high blood pressure for a long time.
Ginseng can be very good, however, it is not recommended for patients with hypertension, because it can cause side effects that make the disease more dangerous.
Hypertension is a disease with a silent progression, with few symptoms but can cause serious complications. Therefore, early recognition of the signs of the disease will make treatment simpler.
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Reference sources: webmd.com, healthline.com
