high blood pressure (hypertension)

According to statistics, 30% of the adult population suffers from hypertension, and almost always this is a sign of an independent pathology or the so-called primary hypertension. Our country ranks 49th in the world in terms of the number of patients with this disease.

Without treatment, complications of high blood pressure occur:

• Heart attack;
• Stroke;
• acute heart failure;
• hypertensive crisis.

The insidious thing about pathology is that in half of cases patients do not even suspect that they have a dangerous disease, so they do not take any action and hypertension begins to manifest itself with unpleasant symptoms. Many countries have launched prevention programs to combat pathologies. New safe medications are being developed to control blood pressure. At the same time, only 1/3 of hypertensive patients receive appropriate therapy and take care of their health.

Doctors around the world believe that in every home, in addition to a thermometer, there must also be a device for measuring blood pressure. This is particularly true for families in which relatives have already suffered from cardiovascular diseases.

Causes of high blood pressure

The exact causes of high blood pressure are currently unclear. The main risk factor is prolonged or severe psycho-emotional stress. Other causes of pathology are:

• Overweight: If you are overweight, every kilogram increases blood pressure by two mmHg;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• Eating canned foods, smoked meats, fatty foods, spicy cheeses;
• excessive use of salt in cooking;
• frequent stress;
• Smoking – harmful substances contained in cigarettes contribute to mechanical damage to the artery walls;
• full work schedule;
• alcohol consumption;
• very tall or too short stature in men;
• physical and nervous fatigue;
• Consumption of animal proteins, which is not limited.

The risk factors also include hereditary predisposition. High blood pressure in first-degree relatives guarantees a high risk of disease.

It is worth paying attention to age: after 35 years, men are at increased risk of developing this disease. In women, the pathology is associated with the onset of menopause.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

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

• Headache;
• fast or weak heartbeat;
• Dizziness;
• swelling of the eyelids, legs and arms, swelling of the face;
• memory impairment;
• numbness of fingers;
• facial flushing;
• Chills;
• increased sweating;
• Fear;
• inner tension;
• reduced performance;
• Irritability;
• the appearance of "mosquitoes" before the eyes.

All of these phenomena do not constantly bother the patient, but only occur during a certain period of time. This is the insidiousness of the disease. If the above symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor for advice. If therapy is not started on time, the disease progresses over time and can lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is important to control blood pressure. There are now many special tonometers for this purpose, from traditional mechanical devices to fully automatic models. Operating tonometers with a phonendoscope is more difficult; It is not always possible to distinguish the pulsation sounds, but after some training and practice almost anyone can learn to do this.

Before measuring blood pressure, you should not smoke, drink alcohol or coffee; it is advisable to spend a few minutes rest. The measurement is taken while sitting and the cuff should be attached slightly above the elbow, where the pulse can best be felt. The most commonly used are aneroid devices (lever and inflatable devices) and automatic devices for determining pressure. In the outpatient setting, devices are used that can monitor pressure changes throughout the day.

Each age has its own blood pressure standards:

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

In cases where the readings are above the norm for several days in a row, this is a compelling reason to see a doctor, even if there are no symptoms other than the device data. A competent doctor will give early lifestyle recommendations for high blood pressure to avoid complications.

Hypertension – Classification

During the study of the disease, many different classifications were developed with subdivisions: by etiology, appearance of the patient, stability and level of pressure, reasons for the increase, nature of the course. Some of them are still used by doctors today.

The very first classification of hypertension divided it into red and pale. The appearance of the patient played a decisive role in this classification. In the pale variant, the patient had cold extremities and an unhealthy complexion, which is explained by vascular spasms. In red hypertension, on the other hand, the patient's face becomes red and covered in spots as blood pressure rises.

In practice, one of the most important classifications is the division of the disease according to its origin. There is a primary or essential form that occurs as an isolated pathology. At the same time, there are no diseases of other organs and systems.

The secondary form is a symptom of the pathology of organs involved in the regulation of vascular tone. These include the kidneys, the endocrine system and the nervous system.

There is no unified systematization of hypertension, but usually doctors use the classification recommended by the World Health Organization. It is characterized by the degree of pressure increase.

• Stage 1 hypertension is a mild form characterized by a pressure of 140/90 to 159/99 mmHg.
• Hypertension of the 2nd degree – moderate hypertension, pressure rises to 79/109 mm Hg. Art. Art. Sometimes doctors diagnose "Hypertension Stage 2 Risk 2, " meaning that one or two risk factors are present and there is a possibility of complications.
• Hypertension of the 3rd degree is characterized by a severe course, the pressure rises to 180/110 mm Hg. Art. Art. and even higher. If the doctor diagnoses "hypertension, stage 3, risk 4" during the examination, you must immediately start treatment and seek help in a hospital. In this case, the likelihood of complications increases to 30%.

The organs most susceptible to complications from high blood pressure are:

• Brain – DEP, dementia, strokes, memory loss;
• Kidneys – development of chronic kidney failure;
• Heart - heart failure, heart attack, cardiac death;
• Ships;
• Eyes.

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

• Stage I – the function of the cardiovascular system is not impaired, patients usually do not complain about their condition.
• Stage II – enlargement of the left ventricle, blood pressure increases. Local narrowing of the retinal vessels can occur.
• Stage III - signs of organ damage appear: chronic renal failure, angina pectoris, hypertensive encephalopathy, disorders that an ophthalmologist can detect when examining the fundus (swelling of the optic nerve, bleeding), aortic aneurysm.

When classifying, options for increasing pressure are taken into account. The following forms are distinguished:

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

There are certain types of high blood pressure that are not included in any of the classifications. These are refractory hypertension and hypertensive crises.

Refractory hypertensionis arterial hypertension that cannot be corrected with medication. Even when taking more than three medications, the pressure does not decrease. Sometimes this form of the disease is misdiagnosed when the medication is chosen incorrectly or even the diagnosis is incorrect.

A hypertensive crisis is a condition in which blood pressure rises to critical levels. For this reason, the patient experiences dizziness, severe headaches, impaired cerebral circulation, and brain hyperthermia may occur.

High blood pressure during pregnancy

In a healthy woman, blood pressure should remain within the normal range throughout pregnancy. However, from the 20th week onwards, some patients may experience gestosis due to vasospasm. The result is increased blood pressure, swelling and nausea. In severe cases, high blood pressure threatens to cause a stroke; this condition is dangerous for both the child and the woman.

Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to constantly monitor their blood pressure. If blood pressure increases, you must report this to your doctor, who will select an appropriate treatment for high blood pressure that is safe for this period.

If you notice similar symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent an illness than to deal with its consequences.

diagnosis

Depending on the degree and stage of hypertension, treatment is selected. Before starting therapy, the doctor will definitely prescribe diagnostic tests that should confirm the presence of the disease.

Laboratory tests include: general blood and urine analysis, Nechiporenko urine analysis, biochemical blood test and bacterial culture.

The mandatory diagnostic program includes:

• clinical examination;
• take anamnesis;
• Measurement of body weight and waist circumference;
• Measurement of blood pressure in both arms;
• ECG and FCG;
• Fundus examination.

Treatment of high blood pressure

Stage 1 high blood pressure, symptoms and treatment

Stage 1 hypertension is characterized by a periodic increase in pressure, which returns to normal on its own after a while. In this case, the patient may experience headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, and "spots" may flash before the eyes. At the first stage of the disease, the doctor will tell you how to treat high blood pressure without special medications. The patient needs to adjust his lifestyle, monitor his weight, stop drinking alcohol and smoking, exercise regularly, review your diet and try to avoid stress and excessive physical exertion.

Treatment aids include: reflexology, massage, physiotherapy, herbal therapy.

Medications are rarely prescribed, only when other methods of therapy 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 within a short period of time. It takes several years for high blood pressure to reach stage 2. Symptoms of pathology include:

• nausea;
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• numbness in fingers and toes;
• Fatigue;
• Cardiopalm.

If a persistent increase in blood pressure develops, the doctor will prescribe special medications to treat high blood pressure. 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 affect the narrowing of blood vessels. They can increase the effects of diuretics by reducing the ability to produce aldosterone.

Medications that lower blood viscosity and medications that lower cholesterol levels are used.

A large selection of medications makes it possible to select treatment individually for each patient. Don’t forget about non-medications and aids. Combination therapy produces positive results.

High blood pressure 3 degrees, symptoms and treatment

A doctor may diagnose stage 3 hypertension if there is damage to the target organ. Since blood pressure can now be successfully controlled with medication, less attention is paid to blood pressure levels.

The reason for the development of this degree of the disease in most cases is delayed access to a doctor and the lack of adequate treatment. Modern diagnostic options make it possible to detect even the smallest changes in the function of the cardiovascular system. Patients often neglect the opportunity to see a specialist themselves. Taking medications (tablets) for hypertension at certain stages of the disease helps to achieve the level of physiological norm, not just "working blood pressure". This allows patients to avoid the third stage of the disease and significantly improve their quality of life.

In addition to the symptoms of the disease, there are signs of organ damage. Damage to blood vessels and structures of the central nervous system in the brain is most commonly diagnosed. The risk of myocardial infarction and the development of hemodynamic instability increases significantly. The kidneys suffer, problems arise associated with damage to the retina.

It is important to understand that organ damage creates a vicious circle. Newly occurring diseases worsen the course of high blood pressure and it is difficult to treat.

As in other cases, treatment should consist of several stages. These are measured physical activities and leisure activities. Patients must adhere to a work and rest schedule, eat healthily and not forget about drug therapy.

Treatment of high blood pressure in the elderly

Elderly people suffering from this disease represent a separate group of patients who require a special treatment approach. Lowering blood pressure with medication in older people has its own specifics.

For patients over 60 years old, standard therapy is not always suitable, but this is not a reason to stop treatment. Here it is important to select effective medications individually and adjust them for a positive result.

If complications do not occur in the elderly, it is recommended to start treatment with a thiazide diuretic. Their effectiveness increases with the patient's age, so these drugs are significantly more effective after 55 years than at an earlier age. It is important to remember that diuretics are prescribed in small doses, as an increase can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels. In the event that a patient has low potassium or sodium levels, potassium-sparing agents are recommended.

If the patient cannot take diuretics for objective reasons, beta-blockers are the drugs of choice.

In the low-renin form of high blood pressure, calcium antagonists are prescribed to support blood circulation in the brain and kidneys. In addition, these drugs 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 drugs mentioned above, but can be used when other drugs do not produce the desired effect. Strong medications are rarely prescribed because they cause drowsiness, depression, and low blood pressure even when standing.

Combination preparations for the treatment of high blood pressure have been proven to lower blood pressure more effectively than a single medication in increased doses. Therefore, in modern medicine, combinations of drugs are prescribed:

• diuretics and calcium channel blockers;
• beta blocker with diuretic;
• ACE inhibitors with calcium antagonists;
• ACE inhibitor diuretic.

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

• Physical therapy;
• dietary nutrition;
• medicinal baths;
• hardware physiotherapy;
• phytotherapy;
• aromatherapy;
• oxygen cocktails;
• Courses of drug treatment.

Electrosleep, laser therapy and electrophoresis are recommended to patients as maintenance therapy. Thanks to electrical impulses, blood pressure drops and the kidneys and heart become healthier.

With the help of sulfide and carbon dioxide baths, the functioning of the immune system is improved and blood pressure is normalized. The choice of procedures depends on the patient's age and stage of the disease.

Folk remedies in treatment

Treatment of hypertension should be comprehensive; In addition to traditional dosage forms, you can also use traditional medicine, which contains many effective recipes.

1. Decoction of red clover. The plant is brewed like normal tea and then drunk half a glass in the evening. It is recommended to use only fresh decoction, but you can store the medicine in the refrigerator for up to three days.
2. honey and garlic. You need to take half a glass of honey, crush five cloves of garlic and grind one lemon along with the peel. Mix everything well and keep in a dark place for a week. After that, the composition should be stored in the refrigerator in a closed jar (you can wrap it in a cloth or film). Take one teaspoon three times a day.
3. vegetable juices. Mix a glass of carrot, radish and beet 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. Add well-washed, unpeeled sunflower seeds to the pan. Pour in one and a half liters of cold water and cook over low heat for about two hours. The broth must be strained, then drink a glass throughout the day.
6. Golden mustache. Finely chop the dark purple knee and add 0. 5 liters of vodka. Leave in a dark place for twelve days, shaking the contents gently every three days. Take one tablespoon half an hour before meals.
7. Lemon: Mix 1 glass of white onion juice and 1 glass of honey and add 50 grams of pre-crushed lemon peels. Close the container in which the infusion will be stored tightly and place it in a dark place. Two to three hours later, take the infusion one teaspoon after meals. Or mix a tablespoon of grated lemon 1: 1 with chopped cranberries and add half a tablespoon of fresh rose hips (you can grind them through a meat grinder). Add the mixture to a glass of honey and take a tablespoon each 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 composition, you need to brew a pinch of the following herbs in a liter of water: chamomile, meadowweed, valerian, knotweed, feverfew. Let the broth steep, then strain it and mix it with the first mixture. Place the tincture in a dark place for three days. The first week the composition is taken twice a day, a teaspoon, the next week a tablespoon until the broth runs out. The treatment takes place over a longer period of time with breaks of 7-10 days.

Diet for high blood pressure

Proper and balanced nutrition for high blood pressure is the key to a successful fight against the disease. It is worth remembering that each additional kilogram increases the numbers on the tonometer. The main task is to achieve the optimal weight if it does not meet the standards. To normalize blood pressure, the following recommendations must be followed.

• Reduce salt intake. As sodium retains water in the body, circulating blood volume increases, which affects the increase in blood pressure. The amount of salt is about 4 grams. Ideally, there is no need to add additional salt to foods during cooking.
• To normalize metabolism, you need to drink enough fluids, about 1. 5 liters per day. It is necessary to give preference to clean water, rosehip decoction, as well as "healthy" soups.
• Eliminate coffee, strong tea and alcohol from your diet.
• Partial meals. It is important to distribute your diet so that you eat even portions five to eight times a day.
• Reduce consumption of meat and animal fats. Patients are recommended to choose lean meat – turkey, veal, chicken, rabbit. It's best to cook without oil; if the meat seems bland, you can add herbs and lemon juice instead of the salt. You should include smoked meat, sausage and butter in your diet as rarely as possible.
• It is important to increase the consumption of vegetables and foods rich in potassium and magnesium: cereals, beets, carrots, dried apricots, cabbage.
• It is recommended to avoid consuming confectionery with a high sugar content; Dried fruits, honey and whole grain products are preferred.
• Patients with high blood pressure should not fast. Strict fasting and diets are contraindicated.

Disability due to high blood pressure

Hypertension is a serious disease and in some cases patients are considered disabled. It is usually given to patients in the second or third stage of the disease or with persistent disease progression.

In the case of high blood pressure in stage 1, the occupational health commission should help with employment, as increased stress, night work and work with contact with hazardous substances should be avoided.

When determining disability, a special medical commission assesses the impairments, the presence of complications and the history of hypertension crises. Sometimes the third group can be diagnosed already in the second stage of hypertension.

Disability of the second group can occur in patients with a malignant disease; In most cases it is an illness that disables work.

In patients with hypertension of the 3rd degree, the first disability group can be established at:

• constant progress;
• severe heart failure;
• severe organ dysfunction;
• The patient cannot care for himself and is limited in movement and communication.

Prevention of high blood pressure

Primary prevention should eliminate risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of hypertension:

• maintaining normal body weight;
• Restriction on the use of table salt;
• elimination of bad habits – smoking, alcohol;
• try to avoid physical and nervous stress;
• prevention of physical inactivity;
• Treatment of chronic diseases.

Secondary prevention consists in the selection of medications that stabilize blood pressure, as well as the selection of a range of supportive measures.