Hypertension (hypertension)

According to statistics, 30% of the adult population experiences high blood pressure and is almost always a sign of an independent disease, also known as primary hypertension. Our country ranks 49th in the world in the number of people with this disease.

Without treatment, complications of hypertension will occur:

• heart attack;
• stroke;
• Acute heart failure;
• hypertensive crisis.

The insidiousness of the pathology is such that in half of the cases the patient does not even suspect that he has a dangerous disease, so he does not take any action, and hypertension begins to manifest itself with symptoms. uncomfortable. Many countries have introduced prevention programs to combat the disease. New safe medications are being developed to control blood pressure levels. At the same time, only 1/3 of hypertensive patients receive adequate treatment and good health care.

Doctors around the world believe that every home should have a blood pressure measuring device, along with a thermometer. This is especially true for families with relatives who have had cardiovascular disease.

Causes of high blood pressure

Currently, the exact cause of hypertension has not yet been determined. The main risk factor is prolonged or severe psycho-emotional stress. Other causes of pathology include:

• excess body weight: with excess weight, each kilogram increases blood pressure by two mmHg;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• eat canned foods, smoked meats, fatty foods, sharp cheeses;
• Using too much salt in cooking;
• frequent stress;
• smoking - harmful substances contained in cigarettes contribute to mechanical damage to the arterial walls;
• busy work schedule;
• alcohol consumption;
• very tall or too short stature in men;
• physical and nervous fatigue;
• Consume animal protein, unlimited.

Risk factors also include genetic predisposition. High blood pressure in first-degree relatives ensures a high risk of disease.

It is worth noting age, after 35 years old, men are at higher risk of developing this disease. In women, the pathology is associated with the onset of menopause.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Usually there are no signs of pathology, but sometimes the following symptoms can be observed:

• headache;
• fast or weak heart rate;
• dizzy;
• swelling of the eyelids, legs and arms, facial puffiness;
• memory decline;
• numb fingers;
• blush;
• chills;
• increased sweating;
• worry;
• internal tensions;
• reduced performance;
• irritability;
• the appearance of midges before our eyes.

All of these symptoms do not bother the patient continuously but only occur for a certain period of time. This is a silent progression of the disease, so if the above symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor for advice. If treatment is not started promptly, over time the disease will begin to progress and can lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is important to control blood pressure. For this purpose, there are now many special tonometers available, from conventional mechanical devices to fully automatic models. Operating a blood pressure monitor with a phone is more difficult, it is not always possible to distinguish pulsating sounds, but after a period of training and practice, almost anyone can learn this. This.

Before measuring your blood pressure, you should not smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, and take a few minutes to rest. Measurements are carried out in a sitting position, the cuff should be fixed slightly above the elbow, where the pulse is most clearly felt. Typically, aneroids (lever and inflatable types) and automatic devices are used to determine pressure. In outpatient settings, devices that can monitor pressure changes during the day are used.

Each age has its own blood pressure standards:

• 16-20 years old – pressure 100/70 – 120/80;
• By the age of forty, the norm is 120/70 - 130/80;
• from forty to sixty – up to 135/85;
• After sixty years, normal blood pressure is considered up to 140/90.

In case the measurements exceed the norm for several days in a row, this is a reason to visit a doctor, even if there are no other symptoms besides the data from the device. A competent doctor will give lifestyle recommendations for hypertension in the early stages, which will help avoid complications.

Hypertension - classification

During the study of this disease, many different classifications were developed with divisions: according to causes, patient manifestations, stability and degree of pressure, reasons for increase, natureof developments. Some of them are still used by doctors today.

The first classification of hypertension divided it into red and pale. The patient's appearance plays a decisive role in this department. With the pale form, the patient has cold extremities and an unhealthy complexion, which is caused by blood vessel spasm. With red hypertension, when blood pressure increases, the patient's face, on the contrary, becomes red and covered with spots.

In fact, one of the most important classifications is dividing diseases by origin. There is a primary or essential form, which occurs as a separate pathology. At the same time, there are no diseases of other organs and systems.

Secondary forms are pathological symptoms of organs involved in regulating blood vessel tone. These include the kidneys, endocrine and nervous systems.

There is no unified system for hypertension, but as a rule, doctors use the classification recommended by the World Health Organization. It is characterized by increased pressure.

• Stage 1 hypertension is a mild form, characterized by blood pressure from 140/90 to 159/99 mmHg.
• Grade 2 hypertension - moderate hypertension, pressure increases to 79/109 mm Hg. Art. Sometimes doctors diagnose "stage 2 at-risk 2 hypertension, " which means there are one or two risk factors and the possibility of complications.
• Grade 3 hypertension is characterized by a severe course, with an increase in pressure to 180/110 mm Hg. Art. and even higher. If during the examination the doctor diagnoses "hypertension, stage 3, risk 4", then you need to start treatment immediately and seek help at the hospital. In this case, the likelihood of complications increases by 30%.

The organs most susceptible to complications from hypertension are:

• brain – DEP, dementia, stroke, dementia;
• kidney – the development of chronic renal failure;
• heart - heart failure, heart attack, coronary death;
• ships;
• eye.

Doctors classify the disease depending on the damage to the above organs. Stages of hypertension:

• Stage I – the function of the cardiovascular system is not impaired, the patient usually does not complain about his condition.
• Stage II – left ventricle enlarges, blood pressure increases. Localized narrowing of retinal blood vessels may be observed.
• Stage III - signs of organ damage appear: chronic kidney failure, angina, hypertensive encephalopathy, disorders that an ophthalmologist can detect when examining the fundus (neurospermia)vision, hemorrhage), aortic aneurysm.

When classifying, options for increasing pressure will be taken into account. In this case, the following forms are distinguished:

• diastolic – lower blood pressure increases;
• systolic – only the above indicators increase;
• systolic-diastolic;
• unstable form - in this case, the pressure increases for a short time and returns to normal without the need for special medications.

There are some types of hypertension that are not included in any classification. These are refractory hypertension and hypertensive crisis.

Heat-resistant hypertensionis arterial hypertension that is not controlled by medication. The pressure does not decrease even when using more than three drugs. Sometimes this form of the disease is incorrectly diagnosed when the drug is chosen incorrectly or even the diagnosis is incorrect.

Hypertensive crisis is a condition in which blood pressure increases to critical levels. Because of this, the patient experiences dizziness, severe headaches, cerebral circulation is impaired, and cerebral hyperthermia may occur.

High blood pressure during pregnancy

In a healthy woman, blood pressure should remain within normal limits throughout pregnancy. However, starting from the 20th week, some patients may develop a pregnancy infection, which occurs due to vasospasm. The result is increased blood pressure, swelling and nausea. In severe cases, high blood pressure threatens stroke, which is dangerous for both children and women.

Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to regularly monitor their blood pressure. If blood pressure increases, you must inform your doctor about this, he will choose a suitable and safe method of treating hypertension during this period.

If you notice similar symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent disease than to deal with the consequences.

Diagnose

Depending on the level and stage of hypertension, choose the treatment method. Before starting treatment, the doctor will certainly prescribe diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the disease.

Laboratory tests include: general blood and urine analysis, Nechiporenko urinalysis, biochemical blood tests, and bacterial cultures.

The mandatory diagnostic program includes:

• Clinical examination;
• take a history;
• Measure body weight and waist circumference;
• measure blood pressure in both arms;
• ECG and FCG;
• fundus examination.

Treatment of hypertension

Stage 1 hypertension, symptoms and treatment

Stage 1 hypertension is characterized by periodic increases in pressure, which after a while return to normal on their own. In this case, the patient may feel headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and "spots" may appear before the eyes. In the early stages of the disease, your doctor will tell you how to treat hypertension without special medications. Patients need to adjust their lifestyle, monitor their weight, stop drinking alcohol and smoking, exercise regularly, and review their diet and try to avoid stress and overexertion.

Treatment support includes: acupressure, massage, physical therapy, herbal therapy.

The drug is rarely prescribed, only in cases where other treatments have proven ineffective and the disease moves to the next stage of development.

Hypertension 2 degrees, symptoms and treatment

As a rule, the disease does not develop in a short period of time. Several years pass before hypertension progresses to stage 2. Symptoms of the condition include:

• nausea;
• dizzy;
• headache;
• numbness of fingers and toes;
• Tired;
• heart muscle.

When blood pressure increases persistently, your doctor will prescribe special medications to treat hypertension. They must be used continuously, regardless of the tonometer readings. It is recommended to take diuretics, which help remove excess fluid from the body.

In some cases, it is decided to prescribe ACE inhibitors, which narrow blood vessels. They may enhance the effects of diuretics by reducing aldosterone production.

Drugs that reduce blood viscosity as well as drugs that lower cholesterol levels are used.

A large selection of drugs makes it possible to choose individual treatment for each patient. At the same time, do not forget about non-medicinal and auxiliary means. Combination therapy gives positive results.

Hypertension 3 degrees, symptoms and treatment

Doctors can diagnose stage 3 hypertension when there is target organ damage. Since blood pressure levels can be successfully regulated with medication today, people pay less attention to blood pressure levels.

In most cases, the cause of the development of this degree of the disease is a late approach to the doctor and insufficient treatment. Modern diagnostic capabilities help to detect even the slightest changes in the activity of the cardiovascular system. Often the patient himself neglects the opportunity to see a specialist. Using medication (pills) to treat hypertension at certain stages of the disease helps achieve normal physiological levels, not just limited to "working blood pressure". This allows patients to avoid the third stage of the disease and significantly improve their quality of life.

Signs of organ damage are added to the symptoms of the disease. Most often, vascular and structural damage to the central nervous system is diagnosed in the brain. The risk of myocardial infarction and the development of hemodynamic instability increases significantly. The kidneys are affected, problems related to retinal damage appear.

It is important to understand that when organs are damaged, a vicious cycle occurs. New diseases appear that make hypertension worse, making it very difficult to treat.

As in other cases, treatment should consist of several stages. These are physical activities and recreational activities. Patients need to maintain a work and rest schedule, establish a healthy diet and not forget medication treatment.

Treatment of hypertension in the elderly

Older adults with this disease constitute a distinct patient group that requires a special treatment approach. Antihypertensive drugs in the elderly have their own characteristics.

Standard therapy is not always suitable for patients over 60 years old, but this is not a reason to abandon treatment. Here it is important to individually select effective drugs and adjust for a positive result.

In cases where the elderly do not experience complications, treatment with a thiazide diuretic should be initiated. Their effectiveness increases with the age of the patient, so after the age of 55, these drugs are much more effective than at an earlier age. It is important to remember that diuretics are prescribed in small doses, since increasing them can increase cholesterol. In case the patient has low potassium or sodium levels, potassium-sparing drugs should be used.

If the patient cannot take diuretics for objective reasons, beta blockers will become the drug of choice.

In low-renin forms of hypertension, calcium antagonists are prescribed to support cerebral and renal blood flow. Additionally, these medications are effective remedies for angina and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers and ACE inhibitors are not as effective as the above medications but can be used when other medications do not have the desired effect. Strong medications are rarely prescribed because they cause drowsiness, depression, and low blood pressure even when standing.

Combination medications to treat hypertension have been shown to reduce blood pressure more effectively than taking one drug in increased doses. So, in modern medicine, combinations of drugs are prescribed:

• diuretics and calcium antagonists;
• Beta blockers have a diuretic effect;
• ACE inhibitors with calcium antagonists;
• ACE inhibitor diuretics.

When a hypertensive crisis occurs, the patient needs rehabilitation. Usually this problem is solved in the sanatorium. The following measures are recommended for patients:

• physical therapy;
• dietary nutrition;
• medicinal bath;
• hardware physical therapy;
• phytotherapy;
• aromatherapy;
• oxygen cocktail;
• courses of drug treatment.

As maintenance therapy, patients are recommended to use electrosleep, laser therapy and electrophoresis. Thanks to electrical impulses, blood pressure decreases, kidneys and heart become healthier.

With the help of sulfide and carbon dioxide baths, the function of the immune system improves and blood pressure is normalized. The choice of procedures is determined by the patient's age and stage of disease.

Folk remedies in treatment

Treatment of hypertension must be comprehensive, along with traditional dosage forms, you can use traditional medicine, which has many effective recipes.

1. Red clover decoction. The plant is brewed in the same way as regular tea, then drink half a cup at night. Only fresh decoction should be used, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
2. Honey and garlic. You need to take half a glass of honey, crush 5 cloves of garlic and grate one lemon along with the peel. Mix everything well and leave in a dark place for a week, after which the composition should be stored in the refrigerator, in a sealed jar (you can wrap it in cloth or foil). Take a teaspoon three times a day.
3. Vegetable juice. Mix a glass of carrot, black radish and beetroot juice with a glass of honey and the juice of one lemon. Take one tablespoon three times a day before meals. The duration of the course is one and a half months.
4. Rosehip infusion can be drunk without restrictions.
5. Seeds. Pour washed, unpeeled sunflower seeds into the pan. Pour one and a half liters of cold water and boil for about two hours over low heat. The broth must be thoroughly filtered, then drink one glass during the day.
6. Golden mustache. Finely chop the dark purple knees and pour in 0. 5 liters of vodka. Leave for twelve days in a dark place, gently shaking the contents every three days. Take a dessert spoon half an hour before meals.
7. Lemon Mix 1 cup of white onion juice and 1 cup of honey and add 50 grams of crushed lemon peel. The infusion container will be stored tightly closed and placed in a dark place. Take one teaspoon after meals, two to three hours later. Or mix a spoonful of grated lemon in a 1: 1 ratio with chopped cranberries, add half a spoonful of fresh rosehip (can be ground through a meat grinder). Add the mixture to a glass of honey and drink a spoonful in the morning and evening.
8. Honey. Mix five hundred grams of May honey with half a liter of vodka and heat until foam appears. In this case, the mixture must be constantly stirred. Let it brew. For the second ingredient, you need to mix a pinch of the following herbs in a liter of water: chamomile, cudweed, valerian, knotweed, motherwort. Let the broth brew, then strain and mix with the first mixture. Place the tincture in a dark place for three days. During the first week, the composition is taken twice a day, one teaspoon, the next week, one tablespoon, until the decoction runs out. Treatment in this way is long-term, with a break of 7–10 days.

Diet for people with high blood pressure

Proper and balanced nutrition for people with hypertension is the key to successfully fighting this disease. It is worth remembering that each additional kilogram increases the numbers on the tonometer. The main task is to reach the optimal weight if it does not reach the standard. To normalize blood pressure, the following recommendations must be followed.

• Reduce salt intake. Because sodium retains water in the body, blood circulation increases, affecting blood pressure. The amount of salt will be about 4 grams. Ideally, there is no need to add salt to food during cooking.
• To normalize metabolism, you need to drink a sufficient amount of liquid, about 1. 5 liters per day. Priority should be given to clean water, rosehip decoction as well as "healthy" soups.
• Eliminate coffee, strong tea, and alcohol from your diet.
• Small meals. It's important to space out your diet so that you eat even portions five to eight times a day.
• Reduce the amount of meat and animal fat you consume. Patients should choose lean meat - turkey, veal, chicken, rabbit. It's best to cook without oil. If you find the meat is bland, you can add herbs and lemon juice to replace salt. You should add smoked meats, sausages and avocados to your diet as little as possible.
• It is important to increase the amount of vegetables and foods rich in potassium and magnesium consumed: cereals, beets, carrots, dried apricots, cabbage.
• Confectionery products with high sugar content should be avoided, giving preference to dried fruits, honey and whole grain products.
• People with high blood pressure should not fast. Fasting and strict dieting are contraindicated.

Disability due to high blood pressure

Hypertension is a dangerous disease, in some cases patients are considered disabled. It is usually given to patients who are in the second or third stages of the disease or are continuously progressing.

In case of stage 1 hypertension, the medical labor commission should support employment, as increased stress, night work and work involving exposure to toxic substances should be avoided.

When determining disability, a special medical commission evaluates the condition of the impairment, the presence of complications and the history of hypertensive attacks. Sometimes, already in the second stage of hypertension, a third group can be diagnosed.

Disabilities of the second group can occur in patients with malignancy, which in most cases is inactive.

In patients with stage 3 hypertension, the first disability group can be identified in the case of:

• steady progress;
• severe heart failure;
• severe disorders in the functioning of organs;
• Patients cannot take care of themselves and have limited mobility and communication.

Prevent high blood pressure

Primary prevention should eliminate risk factors that contribute to hypertension:

• maintain normal body weight;
• Limit the use of table salt;
• get rid of bad habits - smoking, drinking alcohol;
• Try to avoid physical and nervous stress;
• prevent physical inactivity;
• treatment of chronic diseases.

Secondary prevention includes choosing medications that help stabilize blood pressure as well as choosing a variety of supportive measures.