There are many patients with hypertensive encephalopathy in daily life. Frequently, symptoms such as headaches and epileptic seizures may occur. In our daily lives, we should pay attention to dietary habits. When hypertensive encephalopathy is detected, we should adopt an active treatment approach. Now, let's examine the symptoms of hypertensive encephalopathy together!

Clinical manifestations of hypertensive encephalopathy:

1. Elevated arterial pressure: Preexisting hypertension worsens before onset, with diastolic pressure reaching 16 kPa and mean arterial pressure typically between 20.0-26.7 kPa.

2. Increased intracranial pressure: Caused by cerebral edema. Symptoms include severe headache, projectile vomiting, papilledema, retinal artery spasm, flame-shaped hemorrhages, arterial spasms, and cotton-wool spots.

3. Impaired consciousness: Manifestations may range from lethargy to coma, with possible psychiatric disturbances.

4. Seizures: Generalized or focal seizures may occur, sometimes progressing to status epilepticus.

5. Paroxysmal dyspnea: Local ischemia and acidosis are caused by vasospasm of the respiratory center.

6. Other symptoms of brain dysfunction: such as aphasia, hemiplegia, etc.

Dietary Considerations for Hypertensive Encephalopathy:

1. Control energy intake

Control energy intake. Eat more complex sugars, such as starch and corn; glucose, fructose, and sucrose are monosaccharides and can easily cause hyperlipidemia.

2. Limit Fat Intake

Restrict fat consumption. When cooking, choose vegetable oil. It is advisable to eat more sea fish, which contains unsaturated fatty acids that can oxidize cholesterol, reduce plasma cholesterol, prolong platelet coagulation, inhibit thrombosis, and prevent stroke. Sea fish is also rich in linoleic acid, which increases microvascular elasticity, prevents vascular rupture, and helps avoid hypertension complications.

3. Protein Intake

Consume protein in moderation. Eating fish protein 2-3 times per week can improve vascular elasticity and permeability while increasing urinary sodium excretion, thereby lowering blood pressure. If renal insufficiency is present, protein intake should be restricted.

4. Food

Increase consumption of foods rich in potassium, calcium, and low sodium, such as potatoes, eggplant, seaweed, and lettuce. High-calcium foods include milk, yogurt, and dried small shrimp. Limit meat broths as increased nitrogen extractives in broth may elevate uric acid levels in the body, adding burden to the heart, liver, and kidneys.

5. Salt restriction

Limit salt intake. The daily intake should be below 6g, which is approximately the size of a standard beer bottle cap. Moderately reducing salt consumption helps lower blood pressure.

6. Daily vegetable intake

Consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat no less than 8 types of fresh vegetables and 2-4 types of fruits daily.

7. Increase seafood consumption

Appropriately increase the intake of seafood such as kelp, nori, and marine fish.

We are all well aware of the symptoms of hypertensive encephalopathy. We should pay more attention to our diet to prevent the condition from worsening. In daily life, we should actively cooperate with doctors in treatment. As long as hypertensive encephalopathy patients actively participate in treatment with their doctors, they will recover. Wishing patients a speedy recovery!