2024-01-15 05:00:19
According to a study carried out by the University of Sichuan, in China, Brazil is among the elite in research on a very important subject: physical exercise and hypertension. The country occupies first place in the ranking of nations that evaluate the relationship between physical activity and condition.
“The findings offer scientific insight into exercise for hypertension research, presenting researchers with valuable information to understand the current status of research, hot spots and emerging trends for future investigations,” highlights the study published in the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine in October 2023.
Researchers retrieved 1,643 articles and reviews related to exercise and hypertension from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC). According to the literature review, Brazil carried out 420 studies between 2003 and 2023 that relate physical exercise as a treatment for hypertension.
The United States and China complete the podium of countries carrying out research on the subject.
Brazil at the forefront of research
One of the Brazilian research centers that contribute to keeping Brazil at the forefront of studies on the disease is the Catholic University of Brasília (UCB). It is the fifth institution in the world that produces the most research on the subject.
“High blood pressure is one of the main causes of global mortality, surpassing even cancer. The fact that it is silent has aroused the interest of the scientific community, especially among researchers in the field of exercise”, points out professor Milton Rocha de Moraes, who is dedicated to the field of exercise physiology and cardiovascular health at UCB.
Moraes adds that one of the main advances in science in this area is to see weight training as an important part of treating hypertension, since the practice was considered prohibited for hypertensive patients in the past and aerobic activities were seen as the best option.
“Strength training provides an increase in nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and contributes to reducing blood pressure. Studies indicate that bodybuilding, including isometric exercise, where there is no movement, can be as effective as dynamic exercise in reducing blood pressure”, says the researcher.
According to the Chinese study, the focus of future studies should be on “resistance training”, “adults”, “heart rate variability” and “hypertension and children”.
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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disease that attacks the heart, blood vessels, eyes, brain and can drastically affect the kidneys. It is caused when pressure is frequently above 140 to 90 mmHg Gizmo/ Getty Images
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Apart from the genetic issue, factors such as alcohol consumption, cigarettes, large amounts of salt, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, old age, stress and a sedentary lifestyle can also influence blood pressure levels Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images
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Dizziness, blurred vision, headache or neck pain are the main symptoms related to the disease. Generally, these discomforts appear when the pressure increases quickly Colin Hawkins/ Getty Images
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Other common symptoms in those with high blood pressure are: ringing in the ears, double or blurred vision, pain in the back of the neck and head, drowsiness, palpitations, nausea and small spots of blood in the eyes Grace Cary/ Getty Images
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High blood pressure is responsible for serious health problems such as stroke, heart failure and vision loss. When you suspect that you have the disease, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure with your own device, at home or at the pharmacy Peter M. Fisher/ Getty Images
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Despite its severity, high blood pressure can be controlled. Healthy habits such as physical exercise, healthy eating, avoiding situations that can cause stress, reducing alcohol consumption, keeping weight and cholesterol under control and avoiding drugs that increase blood pressure (such as caffeine, antidepressants and corticosteroids) can help control blood pressure Getty Images
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When presenting any symptoms, a cardiologist should be consulted. As it is a disease that has no cure and can cause cardiovascular problems, early diagnosis considerably reduces more serious and irreversible conditions bluecinema/ Getty Images
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Only a specialist is able to diagnose cases of hypertension and indicate the necessary treatment to reduce symptoms and consequences of the disease. Generally, the use of medication and rest are indicated A. Martin UW Photography/ Getty Images
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However, if the pressure remains higher than indicated, that is, 140/90 mmHg following one hour, the patient must immediately seek hospital care to take intravenous antihypertensives Luis Alvarez/ Getty Images
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0 Hypertension
Hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, is a very common chronic disease and impairs blood circulation, weakening the vessels and preventing the correct oxygenation of vital organs, such as the brain and heart.
In some cases, it does not even present symptoms, which makes treatment and research into the disease difficult.
Contrary to what many think, children are not immune to the problem. In the Brazilian scenario, according to data from the Ministry of Health (MS), it is estimated that the prevalence of hypertension in the pediatric population varies between 3% and 15%.
According to cardiologist Thomas Osterne, hemodynamicist at the Instituto do Coração de Taguatinga (ICTCor), high blood pressure in children is associated with childhood obesity, family history, physical inactivity and a diet rich in sodium.
“When secondary causes are ruled out, such as hyperthyroidism, treatment for children includes changing eating habits, exercising associated with medication, if necessary, and medical monitoring”, highlights Osterne.
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