Folk remedies for high blood pressure. Magnesium is an essential mineral in the treatment of high blood pressure

The human body is designed in such a way that any deviations from the norm bring him a lot of discomfort, and in some cases intense pain.

Today, one of the dangerous and common diseases is hypertension, in which pressure rises.

Such a disease can develop at different ages, but often it appears in older patients.

At the same time, chemical pain relief treatment does not always bring effective results, so more and more people are trying to quickly bring down high blood pressure with the help of alternative medicine at home.

Causes and symptoms of high blood pressure

The daily life of a modern person is very busy, so he does not have enough time to relax and rest, which is why the body often cannot withstand strong physical and emotional stress. The causes of high blood pressure, according to which severe headaches occur, are:

1. smoking;
2. conflict and stressful situations;
3. excessive physical activity;
4. lack of sleep;
5. excess weight;
6. severe fatigue of the body;
7. inactive lifestyle;
8. malnutrition;
9. regular drinking in large quantities.

Hypertension is always characterized by headache. In this case, the discomfort may be different, but often it is concentrated in the back of the head.

Also, the disease has other manifestations, the intensity of which is interconnected with the age of the patient:

• dyspnea;
• deterioration of memory and vision;
• pain in the head that appears after sleep;
• irritability and nervousness;
• increase in heart rate;
• bad sleep;
• sometimes nosebleeds;
• tinnitus;
• dizziness (occasionally).

How to get rid of hypertension?

Hypertension is not a sentence!

It has long been firmly believed that it is impossible to get rid of HYPERTENSION permanently. To feel relief, you need to continuously drink expensive pharmaceuticals. Is it really? Let's figure out how hypertension is treated here and in Europe...

In order for high lower pressure (100 or more) or upper (160 or more) blood pressure and headaches to stop bothering, the patient needs to completely reconsider his lifestyle. First, he needs to learn not to react to stress.

So, during conflicts, you should not shout and actively prove your case, showing irritability and nervousness. After all, such an emotional state provokes various disorders in the body, as a result of which hypertension often occurs, and lower blood pressure rises to 100 mm Hg. Art.

Studies have shown that the body of a calm person almost always functions normally without failures, even in stressful situations. To learn how to overcome such situations, everything should be treated calmly and with a sense of humor.

In addition to stabilizing the emotional state, in order to forget about the headache that appears with high blood pressure, you need to take care of the normalization of weight. Since excess body weight makes the heart work intensively, delivering oxygen and nutrients along with blood to a much larger number of tissues.

Therefore, high lower (from 100 mm Hg) or upper blood pressure can be quickly lowered if you lose extra pounds, as a result of which the load on the heart decreases. And to improve blood circulation, the body needs moderate physical activity.

At the same time, hypertensive patients need to change the daily routine - devote more time to rest during the day and sleep at night and eat right. To do this, the diet should be enriched with food of plant origin and avoid fatty foods. And it is also necessary to reduce the consumption of salt, which retains excess fluid in tissues and organs.

In order to quickly lower the level of blood pressure and not suffer from a headache, it is necessary to give up addictions, namely, drinking alcohol and smoking.

If a hypertensive person adheres to all the rules described above, then his lower and upper blood pressure will almost always be normal. However, what if the symptoms of hypertension occur suddenly and their intensity is very high?

How to quickly lower high blood pressure?

The first thing to do in a hypertensive crisis in order to bring down the pressure is to calm down. Despite the fact that high lower (from 100 mm Hg) and upper pressure is a serious stress for the body, it can be normalized if competent and timely treatment is carried out in clinical or home conditions.

High blood pressure should not be brought down very quickly, because it can become even more stress for the body. In order for the well-being of hypertensive patients to improve gradually, special breathing exercises will come to the rescue.

So, to lower blood pressure, you need to take a deep breath and exhale for seven seconds. You can also use the Indian technique: inhale air for 5 seconds, hold it for 5 seconds and exhale the same amount of time. It is necessary to breathe in this way for 3 minutes, which will allow the body to slowly recover.

Even with hypertension at home, you can treat using such a folk remedy as an vinegar compress. To do this, a piece of cloth is moistened in vinegar and applied to the heels for 10 minutes.

Hypertension can also be treated with folk remedies such as medicinal plants. To reduce the level of blood pressure at home, the following recipes are used: from three herbs - valerian, motherwort, hawthorn, mixed in equal parts, a tincture is prepared. The remedy is drunk with each jump in pressure and headache, 1 tsp.

Moreover, many doctors advise hypertensive patients to regularly walk in the fresh air. So, a half-hour leisurely stroll will saturate the body with oxygen and calm the nerves, which is very important for normalizing the indicators of lower and upper blood pressure.

How to lower blood pressure with food?

The lack of various trace elements leads to various disorders in the body, including the development of hypertension, which is accompanied by headaches. It was found that to improve the elasticity of blood vessels, a person needs polyunsaturated fatty acids, magnesium and potassium - microelements that improve heart function.

You can saturate the body with such substances if you drink a special vitamin complex or include certain foods in the diet. So, olive oil and red fish abound in fatty acids. A large amount of potassium is found in:

1. buckwheat;
2. raisins;
3. pumpkin seeds;
4. dried apricots.

Magnesium can be found in oatmeal, almonds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds, all of which are high blood pressure diets.

Of no small importance for maintaining a normal level of blood pressure are vitamins E and C, which are found in spinach, citrus fruits, blueberries and strawberries. And against puffiness, watermelons help well.

High blood pressure treatment with tea

To quickly lower high blood pressure at home, traditional medicine suggests using recipes based on herbal teas. Moreover, some drugs are so effective that doctors do not even refute their therapeutic effect.

So, the causes and signs of hypertension can be eliminated if home treatment is carried out with the help of monastic tea. This is an effective tool that will help to quickly lower blood pressure and strengthen the cardiovascular and nervous system. The composition of such a drink is very simple, but to obtain the proper result, it is necessary to strictly observe the technology of its preparation:

• elecampane roots (10 g) and 0.5 cups of rose hips are placed in a five-liter saucepan;
• raw materials are poured with boiling water and boiled for 3 hours over low heat;
• then add St. John's wort and oregano (20 g), black tea (1 g) and rosehip roots (1 g);
• everything languishes for another 1 hour;
• the medicine can be drunk in any quantity, and boiled herbs are often reused.

Also, in order to quickly reduce blood pressure, treatment should be carried out using recipes based on herbs that calm the nervous system, normalize heart function and reduce body excitation. To brew a soothing tea, you need to prepare the herb, pour boiling water over it and leave for 30 minutes. In this case, hypertension is usually treated with the following plants:

1. motherwort;
2. valerian root;
3. fennel and cumin seeds;
4. mint;
5. chamomile flowers;
6. melissa leaves.

To prepare the daily dose of the medicine, you need to prepare 2 tsp. crushed plants, which are mixed in equal proportions. The resulting drink is drunk in a small amount without sugar - 0.5 cup three times a day.

Treatment of hypertension with folk remedies

To cure a disease in which high lower and upper blood pressure and headaches are noted, traditional medicine at home recommends using medicines based on berries, roots and herbs. Anyone can use these drugs to lower blood pressure.

Such recipes will not only help get rid of hypertension, but also strengthen the body, which is not always possible if the disease is treated with medication.

Berries of mountain ash (chokeberry) are often included in recipes for the preparation of all kinds of decoctions and tinctures against high blood pressure. And with a headache, they are used in a frayed form along with sugar. In addition, this remedy will be an excellent addition to the daily diet, because such treatment is not only effective in lowering blood pressure, but it also saturates the body with useful vitamins and minerals.

In order for high upper and lower blood pressure (more than 100 mm Hg) to normalize, medicines from viburnum will come to the rescue, which also cleanse the vascular system of cholesterol. It is best to make decoctions and tinctures from viburnum, and the fruits themselves should be consumed fresh.

An equally effective remedy to help lower blood pressure at home is freshly squeezed juice from:

• beets;
• carrots;
• spinach;
• parsley.

Fresh juices can be drunk separately or, as folk recipes recommend, mix them.

Herbal treatment

To quickly lower the lower (from 100 mm Hg) or upper (more than 140 mm Hg) pressure and eliminate headaches, you should drink various herbal decoctions and tinctures, and it should be noted that herbs that lower blood pressure will do an excellent job with problem.

After all, the collection, from properly selected plants, can cope not only with a headache, but also eliminate the causes of hypertension, having a complex effect on the body.

So, in equal parts, you need to mix the following plants:

1. rose hip;
2. oregano;
3. dill;
4. raspberries;
5. field horsetail;
6. Linden;
7. birch leaves;
8. plantain.

All herbs are crushed and poured with boiling water with the calculation of 1 tbsp. water for 2 tbsp. l. dry plants. The remedy is insisted for 30 minutes and filtered. The medicine is drunk three times a day, 0.5 cups after meals.

Every day for 30 days, mix 1 part of carrot powder in 250 ml of milk and add 0.5 tsp there. potato starch. A remedy for hypertension drink 1 r. a day after eating.

An equally effective way to lower blood pressure is hawthorn. To prepare the infusion 5 tbsp. l. berries or flowers of the plant are poured with 500 ml of boiling water and infused for 1 hour. Then it is filtered and drunk before meals, 50 grams each.

Folk remedies for high blood pressure at home

With questions about how to reduce pressure with folk remedies, you should contact doctors and experts in the field of alternative medicine. They will tell you which recipes to give preference to in order to improve well-being, normalize blood pressure, and also prevent their increase in the future.

Any person who does not have serious problems with the cardiovascular system and internal organs can quickly lower the pressure with folk remedies. Otherwise, these methods will not bring any result. Best of all, products that are prepared on the basis of herbal ingredients manifest themselves. Herbal medicine has collected a huge amount of positive feedback from hypertensive patients, who were able to improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels with the help of various decoctions and infusions.

Herbs such as white mistletoe, cudweed, and hawthorn help lower blood pressure with hypertension. It will be possible to achieve a decrease as a result of taking chokeberry, viburnum and lingonberry. Best of all, plants act in the form of fees, on the basis of which various therapeutic agents are prepared for oral administration.

Phytotherapy gives excellent results when used to treat hypertension that occurs in stages 1 or 2 of development. In advanced cases, this method should be auxiliary, since it will not help to achieve a decrease in blood pressure to optimal values.

In combination with each other, the beneficial properties of different plants are enhanced.

The following herbal preparations can help reduce blood pressure:

1. The first collection consists of hawthorn, wild rose, dill and chokeberry. These components must be mixed with each other in a ratio of 4:4:2:3. After 3 st. l. the resulting mixture should be poured with boiling water in an amount of 1 liter. The future medicine is required to boil for 3 minutes, and then insist for at least 3 hours. Upon completion of straining, the decoction is taken in a full glass three times a day before sitting down at the dining table;
2. To prepare this infusion, you will need motherwort grass, marsh cudweed, hawthorn fruits, lingonberry leaves, shepherd's purse grass, rowan fruits, strawberry leaves and dill seeds. In this case, the amount of the main ingredients is determined by the following ratio - 4:2:1:1:1:1:1:1. For a drink you need to take only 3 tbsp. l. ready collection. They are poured into a thermos and pour 0.5 liters of hot water. Insist the medicine for at least 6 hours. After it, you should drink 2/3 cup three times a day about half an hour before meals;
3. For the next collection, valerian roots and rhizomes, medicinal lemon balm, yarrow herb and marsh cudweed are required. The ingredients are taken in a ratio of 2:2:1:2 to each other. 1 st. l. herbal mixture pour a glass of water brought to a boil. After the medicine is insisted for about 4 hours and filtered. The finished product is drunk ¼ cup three times a day. The infusion can be taken both before and after meals;
4. Another effective collection consists of leaves of drooping birch, medicinal sweet clover, flowers of heart-shaped linden, horsetail, medicinal lemon balm, sandy immortelle, hawthorn fruits, rose hips and marsh herb cudweed. For this recipe, the ratio of ingredients is 1:1:2:1:2:2:4:4:6. Only 1 tbsp. l. the resulting mixture must be poured 0.5 boiling water. The medicine is insisted for about 2 hours, after which it is carefully filtered. Drink infusion of 2/3 cup 3 times a day about 10 minutes before meals.

It must be remembered that decoctions and herbal infusions that lower blood pressure do not give instant results. Thanks to them, a significant improvement in the condition can be achieved only if systematically taken for a long time. As a rule, the first results become noticeable after 2-3 weeks.

Herbal medicine requires patience.

Berry treatment

Berries that reduce blood pressure are useful for hypertension. They can be used fresh or dried. How to reduce lower or upper pressure with the help of such products, experts in the field of traditional medicine will tell you.

Incredibly useful for people who have high blood pressure is chokeberry. The berry can be used as a regular food product or folk medicines can be made on its basis.

Very healthy and tasty is the chokeberry, which was ground with sugar. This delicacy suits many patients. It is forbidden for people with diabetes. In their case, it is best to use a water tincture on the berries.

Viburnum berries help reduce blood pressure during pregnancy. They cleanse the vascular walls and improve blood quality. Kalina is suitable for use as a separate product or for preparing homemade infusions on water and decoctions.

Kalina can be used during pregnancy

juice therapy

Juices help to get rid of many pathological conditions. Some of them are recommended for hypertension. Blood pressure can be brought back to normal with folk remedies made from fresh fruits and vegetables. With increased blood pressure, you need to drink a portion of a juice drink prepared according to one of the following recipes:

1. This remedy is made on the basis of beetroot juice. The product in the amount of 200 ml must be mixed with 250 g of honey and 300 ml of cranberry juice and lemon juice. Also, 200 ml of vodka is added to the drink. Home medicine must be taken 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day one hour before meals;
2. The drink is suitable for hypertensive patients who avoid drinking alcohol. It is prepared from beetroot juice and honey, mixed with each other in a ratio of 2:1. In case of hypersensitivity to the bee product, it should be replaced with cranberry juice. The resulting mixture should be taken for hypertension ¼ cup 3 times a day for 4 days. It is advisable to refuse food during the treatment course. For best results, you can only drink green tea diluted with milk. It is worth noting that this method is quite dangerous, so you should not use it without the permission of a doctor.
3. Cowberry juice is recommended to drink 1.5 cups every day to normalize blood pressure values;
4. No less useful is a drink that is obtained from 200 ml of beetroot, 200 ml of lingonberry, 100 ml of cranberry juice and 100 mg of natural honey. This recipe requires the addition of 100 ml of alcohol. All components are mixed and infused for 3 days in a dark place. Take the medicine 3 times a day for 1 tbsp. l.

Juices that are used during the preparation of antihypertensive drinks can also be drunk separately throughout the day in order to treat or prevent high blood pressure.

To reduce the concentration and improve the taste, beetroot juice is recommended to be diluted

Other folk remedies

Blood pressure will be lowered if you undergo a course of treatment with the means that will be discussed below. In this case, high pressure will no longer be a problem.

With hypertension, experts advise to be treated with such means that are easy to prepare at home:

1. Milk with garlic. These products can be found in every home. With their help, it is possible to lower the pressure. A quick result is provided by garlic, which is able to cleanse blood vessels. To prepare the medicine, it is required to boil 2 heads of a spicy plant in 200 ml of fresh milk. After the mixture must be cooled and filtered. In order to prevent the drink drink 1 tbsp. l. before eating. If a person has increased pressure, he needs to be given 50 g of milk broth;
2. Ginger. Another folk remedy that effectively fights against an increase in blood pressure values. To improve health, it is recommended to throw the root of the plant in tea. It should be drunk warm, adding a small amount of natural honey or sugar. It is best to have a tea party with ginger in the morning.

You can also mix in equal proportions chopped ginger and honey. The resulting mixture is recommended to eat 1 tsp. on empty stomach;

1. Figs. Many hypertensive patients liked the therapeutic effect of a decoction prepared on the basis of this product. To make it, you need to boil in a water bath 2 tbsp. l. chopped figs in 200 ml of water. Then the drink is filtered 2 times, after which they drink 100 ml half an hour before sitting at the dinner table;
2. Bay leaf. A healing infusion is made from it, which helps to defeat hypertension. It will be possible to reduce pressure at home in this way if you pour bay leaf (5 pcs.) With 200 ml of hot water. All night the medicine should be infused. After it is suitable for use in ½ of the received portion before breakfast and dinner;
3. Bulb. It should be placed in 100 ml of water for the whole night. The onion must first be peeled. Ready infusion should be drunk in the morning before meals;
4. Flax seeds. From 2 st. l. the main ingredient and 5 cups of boiling water make an infusion, which is kept overnight in a thermos. Half of the prepared drink should be taken in the morning. The rest is drunk before going to bed;
5. Kefir. A fermented milk drink is very useful to drink before going to bed. It will not only improve the functioning of the digestive system, but also normalize the pressure of blood flow, so that the pressure will not rise. For the best effect in a serving of kefir, it is recommended to stir 1 tsp. cinnamon.

It is not necessary to use only one folk remedy. You can combine home remedies with each other to achieve a faster result of non-traditional treatment.

Healing procedures

The systolic value of blood pressure can be normalized thanks to medical procedures that can be carried out at home. They also help lower diastolic pressure in hypertension.

If there are no contraindications to hot baths, then you can try to get rid of high pressure with their help. Hypotensive action is possessed by water procedures in which table salt is used. For a one-time bath, you need half a pack. Salt should be dissolved in water, which is heated to 38 degrees. It is also recommended to pour a full vial of valerian tincture here. Therapeutic bath should be taken within 10 minutes.

You need to make sure that the water is not too hot.

No less useful is a bath in which a handful of cosmetic clay diluted in water is dissolved. It is desirable to add 5-6 cloves of garlic to the mass. This bath can be taken for about half an hour. At the end of the procedure, you should give yourself a light massage.

With table salt there can be special dressings on the body that lower blood pressure values. They are made with a 10% solution of this product. The effect of the product is achieved due to the phenomenon of osmosis, that is, the transition of the liquid to the area where the highest concentration of salts is observed. Due to this action, excess fluid is removed from the body, which can cause an increase in blood pressure. A bandage with salt is recommended to be applied to the back of the head and to the lower back. Keep it for a maximum of 4 hours.

It is necessary to ensure that air passes through the bandage, since compresses are contraindicated in hypertension.

With a slight increase in blood pressure, folk remedies will help you quickly cope with the problem and improve overall well-being. However, you should not limit yourself to exclusively non-traditional methods of treatment for serious diseases of the cardiovascular system. Also, you can not use them for a long time, as they can lead to the development of side effects and complications.

Natural and accessible to everyone. They are able to lower the pressure no worse than medications. But before treating pressure with folk remedies, it is important to determine the root cause of the pathology and consult a doctor.

Tinctures, decoctions of herbs

From high pressure, folk remedies contain sedative, hypotensive and diuretic components. They are supplemented with oils and bee products.

The following folk remedies for high pressure fast action are known:

1. the simplest folk remedy for high pressure is a medicinal collection of birch buds, immortelle leaves, chamomile flowers,. Everything must be crushed and placed in a glass container. Pour 100 g of the collection into a half-liter jar of hot water, and then tightly close the lid for 30-50 minutes. 1 tsp will help increase efficiency. . Then the infusion is filtered and half of the resulting volume is immediately drunk. The rest is taken in the morning - they drink 20-40 minutes before breakfast, slightly heated;
2. tea with regular use is able to normalize blood pressure;
3. prepare the collection: 8 tbsp. , 6 tbsp. cudweed, 2 tbsp. fruits, 1 tbsp. peppermint, 2 tbsp. shepherd's purse and dried rowan fruits, 2 tbsp. , 2 tbsp. flax seeds, 4 tbsp. strawberry leaves. Take 2 tbsp. the resulting mixture, pour 2 tbsp. steep boil. Leave for 8-12 hours. Consume warm all day;
4. another remedy for high blood pressure: 2 tbsp. l. valerian root, 1 tbsp. cumin fruits, 4 tbsp. mistletoe herbs, 3 tbsp. hawthorn flowers. Everything is well mixed, 2-3 tbsp. the mixture is soaked in half a liter of boiling water. Insist for several hours and take the whole day;
5. 3 parts of valerian root, anise herb and motherwort are mixed with 2 parts of yarrow and sunflower petals. The mixture should be homogeneous, if necessary, grind the individual components. 150 g of the mixture pour 1 tbsp. boiling water, cover and infuse for about 20 minutes. The resulting infusion is divided into 3 doses and consumed with meals.

juice therapy

Rich in trace elements and vitamins, so necessary for the heart and blood vessels.

Treatment of high blood pressure with folk remedies is carried out using the following juices:

1. mix the same amount of horseradish juice, carrots,. To do this, all the roots are ground in a meat grinder, in a blender or grater. Slightly diluted with water and infused for a day;
2. beetroot vegetable juice cleanses and strengthens the vascular system. 200 g of honey is added to 300 ml of juice. The tool is used 3 times a day for 1 tbsp. The mixture is a good prevention of body fat and changes in blood pressure;
3. start each day with 3 drops of aloe juice, which are diluted in a glass of cool water. Duration - 2 months. Keep aloe leaves in the refrigerator;
4. freshly prepared juice from ripe fruits of chokeberry is drunk during the day at 20 g for 2-3 weeks. If there is no desire or opportunity to press the juice, it is enough to eat a couple of berries a day. Diabetes mellitus will be a limitation to the intake of fresh chokeberry juice. It is better for such patients to make a tincture of water and dry berries;
5. mix ½ tbsp. cranberry with 1 tbsp. carrot and beet juice. Add a glass of liquid honey and the same amount of vodka. Take a spoonful 3 times a day;
6. every day drink ½ tbsp. lingonberry juice;
7. mix carrot and lemon juices with glasses of grated horseradish and honey. The mixture is kept chilled. Drink daily a teaspoon before each meal.

Treatment of pressure with folk remedies at home is carried out using only fresh juices, which are obtained in various ways. You can grind the food and squeeze the liquid through cheesecloth or use a juicer.

The use of fruits, berries, honey, garlic

The following folk remedies for high blood pressure have also proven their effectiveness:

1. from 5 cloves with a peel to make a homogeneous mass. For convenience, it is better to use a blender. All are diluted with ½ cup of honey and infused in the dark for 7-9 days. Recommend a three-time reception of a dessert spoon throughout the day;
2. make tea from dried pomegranate peels. Drink a couple of times a day;
3. one glass a day works wonders;
4. Dissolve a spoonful of lemon juice and honey in mineral water. The mixture is drunk at a time;
5. mix 1 tbsp. honey, juice of 1 lemon. After obtaining a homogeneous mass, use a spoonful 2 times a day. The duration of the course is 1-1.5 months. Only after prolonged treatment will a positive result be noticeable;
6. - an effective folk remedy for high blood pressure to clean blood vessels and strengthen tone. 0.5 kg of berries are crushed in any way and diluted with 1 tbsp. honey. The gourmet medicine is very useful for all body systems. Regularly taken once a day;
7. wash the peel of 5-6 medium potatoes and pour two glasses of water. Boil on low heat for 20 minutes. Set aside, strain through several layers of gauze. Regularly drink a glass throughout the week;
8. beet kvass is prepared as follows: chop 1 kg of beets, pour water and add lemon or. Let stand for a couple of days and can be taken ½ cup before meals. The course should last a month;
9. has long been used in hypertension. It strengthens the vascular system, replaces diuretics and laxatives. A handful of husks are soaked in a glass of vodka. The tincture should stand for a week in a dark place. To receive, you need to mix 20-30 drops of the resulting product with a dessert spoon of sunflower oil. Repeat twice a day. The course of treatment is half a month. Then they certainly take a ten-day break and start all over again;
10. tincture shows good results. To do this, crush 20 g of berries and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water in a thermos. Set for 8-10 hours. It is recommended to make a tincture at night so that in the morning there is an opportunity to take it - ½ tbsp. before meals. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards. But it should be borne in mind that rose hips are contraindicated with an increased tendency to thrombosis, gastritis, ulcers and diabetes mellitus;
11. squeeze the liquid out of 3 kg of onion. Add chopped partitions 25 walnuts, half a liter of liquid honey and strong vodka. Leave in a dark place for a month. Drink a spoonful before meals until there are improvements;
12. tea made from hawthorn fruits, leaves and berries of motherwort or wild rose is an excellent folk remedy for high blood pressure. After that, you should lie down in the dark, not including the TV and computer.

With constant hypertension, legumes, dark meat, muffins, canned and fatty foods should be excluded from the diet.

Water procedures

The cause of high blood pressure is anxiety, lack of proper rest, mood changes.

You can relieve tension with the help of a contrast shower, washing the collar zone and face with warm water. For rinsing the neck, shoulders and face, it is better to use a decoction of peppermint.

Daily rubbing with a wet towel will be an excellent prevention of hypertension. You can keep your feet in cool water (18 degrees). Its level should cover the ankles and reach the middle of the calves.

Salt baths, which are taken before bedtime, lower blood pressure. The water temperature should be comfortable and not exceed 38 degrees. It is diluted with 5 drops of lemon juice, half a pack of salt, 2 drops of fir oil, 300 mg of lavender extract. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.

A bath with salted water and valerian tincture will relax.

One bubble is enough. You can lie down for 15-20 minutes. Doctors advise many hypertensive patients with rosemary decoction.

For cooking use 2 tbsp. dry leaves, which are poured with boiling water and left for an hour and a half. The infusion is poured into water. After the procedure, you should rinse and rub the body with a hard towel.

With hypertension, exposure to hot water is prohibited. It is better to take a walk in the fresh air to relax and enrich the body with oxygen.

The use of mustard plasters

- the simplest and most proven means of high blood pressure. In addition, their cost is low.

The beneficial effect occurs due to the healing properties of essential oils, which begin to act at a temperature of 40-45 degrees.

Mustard with a pressure surge has a retracting effect, which temporarily alleviates the condition. In irritated areas, blood circulation increases.

Phytoncides prevent the growth of pathogenic microbes. They put mustard plasters on the calf muscles, neck, back of the head, shoulders. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Leaves of mustard plasters are moistened in warm water, then laid on the back of the head along the edge of the hairline. Hold for 5-20 minutes. This provokes vasodilation, reducing pressure on the vessels of the brain.

Mustard plasters on the shoulders and calves are also a pulling maneuver to reduce intracerebral pressure. A similar effect in baths with mustard powder: the bag is lowered into water at 37 degrees. But there are contraindications, since the expansion of blood vessels is not desirable for varicose veins.

Mustard plasters are folk remedies for high blood pressure, which are distinguished by a short-term remedy for relieving symptoms that can be used before the arrival of an ambulance or a doctor.

Compresses with vinegar

Vinegar compresses are excellent folk remedies for hypertension and high blood pressure.

For a compress, apple cider vinegar is diluted with water in equal parts. Lightly soak the towel, wrap the feet around it.

Withstand 10 minutes, after which the feet are washed with cool water. You can also take pure wool socks soaked in diluted vinegar. Put on your feet before bed. Everything is wrapped in polyethylene and cloth to provide a warming effect. Repeat 3 nights in a row.

Useful video

How to treat folk remedies for high blood pressure? Pressure-effective folk recipes in the video:

Traditional medicine from high blood pressure does not always guarantee a quick result. Almost all folk remedies for high blood pressure involve a long course of treatment. Also, preventive measures should not be neglected: regularly control pressure, ensure proper sleep and a healthy lifestyle. Important - uncontrolled medication to reduce pressure only harms.

Of course, you can stabilize your blood pressure on your own. The question arises, how to lower the pressure at home with folk remedies?

For these purposes, it is best to use herbal decoctions and infusions. You can take drugs daily. You can also supplement therapy with compresses and juice therapy.

It is worth noting that any folk remedies can only be used for auxiliary purposes. The basis of treatment should be antihypertensive drugs (tablets/injectables) of synthetic origin.

Arterial hypertension: causes and symptoms

Hypertension is a pathology accompanied by an increase in blood pressure > 140 by 90 mm Hg. Normally, this indicator should be 120 to 80 mm Hg.

The exact causes of hypertension are still unknown to doctors. Presumably, the disease is inherited. Also, the lifestyle of the patient has a significant impact on the health of the cardiovascular system.

Typical symptoms of arterial hypertension are:

• "Flies" before the eyes. Also, the patient may have reduced visual acuity.
• Noise in ears.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Peripheral edema. Most often, swelling of the limbs is observed in hypertensive women during menopause.
• Decreased efficiency, lethargy, irritability.
• Pain in the chest area.
• Increased sweating.
• Numbness and chills.
• Sensation of throbbing in the temples.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Muscle cramps.
• Dyspnea.
• Nosebleeds.

By the way, it is not possible to cure the disease forever. Conservative therapy helps only to achieve compensation for the disease, and improve the patient's quality of life.

There are 4 degrees of severity of hypertension. The disease is most easily compensated for in stages 1 and 2. The patient should only give up bad habits (smoking, alcoholism), engage in therapeutic exercises, eat right, take appropriate antihypertensive drugs.

Also, the patient should regularly measure blood pressure by using a tonometer. Tracking the dynamics of the disease will allow the physician to adjust the course of treatment if necessary. In addition, regular measurements of blood pressure will help to timely detect a hypertensive crisis, in which blood pressure can rise even to the level of 200 to 110 mm Hg.

If appropriate measures are not taken, the disease can cause complications, including kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary edema.

juice therapy

Freshly squeezed juices can be used to stabilize intracranial, systolic and diastolic pressure. Drinks will help stabilize blood pressure, dilate blood vessels somewhat, saturate the body with the necessary dietary fiber and vitamins.

Juice therapy is especially effective in stage 1 hypertension. It is recommended to take juices daily at a dosage of 200-300 ml 2-3 times a day. If desired, honey can be added to drinks. The duration of juice therapy is not limited.

The most useful drinks based on:

• Beets.
• Raw potatoes.
• Citrus.
• Cranberries.
• cucumber.
• Plums.
• Grenade.
• Abrikosov.

Tinctures to stabilize blood pressure

To lower blood pressure and prevent a hypertensive crisis, it is allowed to use medicinal tinctures. You can buy them at pharmacies or make your own.

If we consider the most effective folk remedies for reducing pressure at home, then it is worth noting hawthorn tincture. It helps to stabilize blood pressure at around 120-130 / 90-100 mm Hg.

The recipe for preparing the infusion is simple - dry hawthorn fruits (150-200 grams) must be crushed with a coffee grinder, and then poured with a liter of vodka. The drug must be infused in a dark place for 20-30 days. Strain before use. In order to lower blood pressure, it is enough to take 12-15 drops 2-3 times a day.

Effective are tinctures based on:

1. Peony. Mix the dry roots of the plant with alcohol (ratio 1:15). Infuse the drug for 30-40 days, then strain. To bring down the pressure, it is enough to take 15 drops 2-3 times a day.
2. Motherwort. Mix 30 grams of dried grass and 300 ml of vodka. Insist folk remedy for 20-30 days. Strain. Take 2 times a day. Single dose - 15-30 drops.
3. Valerian. Mix 50 grams of dried valerian root and half a liter of vodka. Put the drug in a dark place for 20-30 days, periodically shaking the container. Strain before use. Drink at a dosage of 15-20 drops 2-3 times a day.

It is worth noting that hypertensive patients should not take tinctures based on ginseng, eleutherococcus, leuzea. These drugs are suitable only for low blood pressure.

One more nuance. Any alcohol-based tinctures should not be used by people suffering from chronic liver and kidney diseases. Also, women should refrain from drugs during pregnancy and lactation.

Take alcohol tinctures from high blood pressure should be long courses - 30-40 days.

Decoctions for high blood pressure

Patient reviews indicate that herbal decoctions are excellent for high blood pressure. They can be taken in conjunction with antihypertensive drugs and tinctures.

But herbal decoctions should be drunk with great care for hypertensive patients who are prone to allergic reactions. Also, drugs can be dangerous for people suffering from ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract.

The list of the most effective decoctions includes:

• . Mentioning the most effective folk remedies for pressure, it should be noted chokeberry. The plant helps to stabilize the "upper" and "lower" blood pressure, increase immunity, and improve blood circulation. The recipe is very simple - pour 1-2 tablespoons of berries in 500 ml of boiling water. Boil the decoction over low heat for 10 minutes. After this, the broth must be cooled. Take 2 glasses a day.
• Green tea. If desired, you can add honey, ginger, a little cinnamon or cloves to the drink.
• Decoction of bay leaf. Pour 3-4 sheets of 500-600 ml of boiling water. Infuse the drug for 2 hours. Take a decoction at a dosage of 150 ml 2-3 times a day.
• A decoction based on rose hips. Pour two tablespoons of chopped berries into a thermos, pour 500 ml of boiling water. Insist 30-50 minutes. Drink 2 glasses per day.
• A decoction based on garlic. Grind three cloves of garlic, then mix the gruel with 300 ml of water, boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Take 100 ml 2 times a day.

The above folk remedies for high blood pressure should be taken in 30-60-day courses.

How else can you lower your blood pressure at home?

Traditional medicine for pressure suggests using compresses. Effective is a compress based on apple cider vinegar. To prepare it, you need to mix vinegar with water in a ratio of 1: 1. Next, you need to soak a towel in the liquid, and attach it to the soles of your feet.

Instead of apple cider vinegar, you can use a decoction of chamomile, a decoction of calendula, a mixture of warm water and mustard powder. Along with compresses, you can use cold foot baths.

Other effective folk recipes are:

1. Soda solution. involves taking a solution 3 times a day (mixing 1/4 teaspoon of soda and 250 ml of water).
2. A mixture of lemon, honey and garlic. Grind the garlic and lemon together with the peel on a fine grater, mix with 300 ml of honey. Take 1 teaspoon of the composition 3 times a day.
3. Flax seeds. They do not provide a quick hypotensive effect, but with regular use of the seeds, you can lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and achieve stabilization of blood pressure. It is enough to consume 3 teaspoons of seeds per day.
4. Kefir with ginger. Mix 200 ml of kefir and one teaspoon of chopped ginger root. Drink in one gulp. Do the procedure 2-3 times a day.

To stabilize blood pressure, it is not enough to take medications and use traditional medicine. You should definitely eat a balanced diet.

There are even . Lemon, cranberry, viburnum, garlic, hibiscus tea, dried fruits, fish, fresh herbs, olive and linseed oil have a good effect.

Introduction

According to statistics, about 30% of the world's population suffer from arterial hypertension. Why is this disease dangerous? Mainly, the fact that it is most directly related to diseases of the cardiovascular system. 60-70% of stroke patients have arterial hypertension - the most important factor in the development of vascular atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease (one of the variants of which is myocardial infarction).

The problem of arterial hypertension has been known in medicine for a long time. In most cases, the disease is amenable to traditional treatment. But we are not used to monitoring our health, and this makes it difficult to detect the disease early. If the diagnosis is made, we delay the start of treatment, do not follow the recommendations of doctors, cannot give up destructive bad habits, or self-medicate. But if the disease is started, then the consequences for health can be catastrophic.

In this book you will not find miraculous recipes for healing and exclusive healing techniques. The described methods of treatment can be found in any serious medical publication devoted to the problem of arterial hypertension. I would also like to note that this book is not a medical textbook. The drugs and non-drug therapies mentioned in this publication should not be considered the only ones available or the best. Indications and contraindications for the appointment of certain drugs and methods of therapy, as well as the dose and duration of treatment, are determined by the doctor, individually in each case.

The purpose of the book is to help the reader navigate the methods of diagnosing hypertension, understand the main directions of drug therapy, traditional medicine recipes, and introduce methods of preventing the disease.

Arterial hypertension is a sign of trouble in the body. Therefore, due to the serious threat that hypertension poses to life and health, self-treatment of this condition is unacceptable.

If you understand what damage uncontrolled high blood pressure causes to your health, start monitoring your well-being, think about how correct your lifestyle is, sacrifice some bad habits and just see a doctor in time, you will already take the first step to health. and longevity.

The structure and function of the cardiovascular system

This vital system of the body includes, as the name suggests, the heart and blood vessels. All tissues of our body require a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen. Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, microelements and other nutrients enter the body with food, they are digested in the gastrointestinal tract and absorbed into the blood in a crushed form (the walls of the stomach and intestines are permeated with small blood vessels). With the blood flow, they are carried throughout the body, delivered to their destination (previously, many substances pass through the liver, which neutralizes substances that are toxic to the body). Oxygen with inhaled air enters the lungs, where it reaches their final sections through the system of branching bronchi - alveoli, special sacs through the walls of which oxygen seeps into the blood vessels adjacent to them. Carbon dioxide passes from the vessels to the alveoli, which is removed with the exhaled air.

Thus, blood vessels are needed to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs of our body, as well as to remove metabolic products. The heart is a pump that pushes blood through the vessels.

Oxygen is vital for the body. From the left side of the heart, oxygen-enriched blood enters the aorta, a large vessel, from where it is carried by smaller branching arterial vessels throughout the body. This is the arterial vascular system. From the tissues, the blood, which has given up oxygen and saturated with carbon dioxide, enters the vessels of the venous system. Through the veins, blood reaches the right side of the heart. This concludes the so-called systemic circulation.

From the right side of the heart, blood enters the lungs, where it gives off carbon dioxide and is again saturated with oxygen. Oxygenated blood from the lungs enters the left side of the heart. This so-called pulmonary circulation. From the left parts of the heart, the blood again goes into a large circle.

Let's try to figure out how the blood pressure in our vessels is formed and regulated. As we already know, this pressure is necessary to drive blood through the vessels and enrich our tissues and organs with oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, this pressure must be stable and sufficient to ensure a constant blood supply to all tissues. But at the same time, jumps or an increase in blood pressure above the norm are dangerous and have an extremely negative impact on human health. How does the body maintain balance in this system?

So, blood pressure is maintained by rhythmic contractions of the heart, which acts as a pump that pumps blood into the vessels of the systemic circulation. The walls of some vessels (the so-called resistive vessels - arterioles and precapillaries) are equipped with muscle structures that can contract and, consequently, narrow the lumen of the vessel. This creates resistance to blood flow in the tissue, and it accumulates in the general circulation, increasing systemic pressure.

The role of the heart in the formation of blood pressure is thus determined by the amount of blood that it throws into the vascular bed per unit time. This quantity is defined by the term cardiac output, or minute volume of the heart(MO). The role of resistive vessels is defined as total peripheral resistance(OPS), which depends mainly on the radius of the lumen of the vessels (namely arterioles), that is, on the degree of their narrowing, as well as on the length of the vessels and blood viscosity.

MO and OPS are interconnected. With an increase in the amount of blood ejected by the heart into the vascular bed, the pressure increases. To maintain an adequate level of blood pressure, the smooth muscles of the resistive vessels relax, their lumen increases (that is, the total peripheral resistance decreases), blood goes to the peripheral tissues, and systemic arterial pressure decreases. Conversely, with an increase in total peripheral resistance, a decrease in minute volume occurs.

What pressure should be considered elevated?

It should be noted that if a patient has grade I hypertension, this does not mean that he is at less risk of dangerous complications than a patient with grade III hypertension. The fact is that most of the cardiovascular complications in patients with hypertension occur in patients with moderate arterial hypertension (grade II), and not with severe (grade III), as might be expected.

A single increase in blood pressure does not allow a diagnosis of arterial hypertension, but, of course, requires attention. And if during the next two therapeutic examinations (with an interval of at least a week) there will also be an increase in blood pressure above the norm, that is, above 140/90 mm Hg. Art., then the diagnosis of arterial hypertension can be considered justified. Formally, such a diagnosis can be made only after three visits to the doctor.

It is very important to follow a number of rules for measuring blood pressure. Since this procedure can be carried out at home, we will dwell on the technique for its implementation.

How to measure blood pressure

To measure blood pressure, we need a tonometer and a phonendoscope. This method was developed by the Russian surgeon N. S. Korotkov.

A tonometer cuff is placed on the patient's shoulder, and air is forced into the cuff reservoir using a pear. As a result, the brachial artery is completely clamped, the blood flow through it stops. In the area of ​​the elbow bend, above the projection of the brachial artery, a stethoscope (phonendoscope) membrane is installed so that it fits snugly against the skin, with light pressure. In this case, it is desirable that the nozzle of the stethoscope does not come into contact with the edge of the cuff or the tubes of the tonometer.

The air is gradually released from the cuff. The speed at which air should be bled is about 2 mm Hg. Art. per second. As a result, the pressure in the cuff drops. The blood that is driven through the vessels of the contraction of the heart, under pressure, begins to break through the obstacle created by the cuff. When the blood pressure in the vessels becomes greater than the pressure in the cuff, the blood will begin to jolt (at the moment of contraction of the heart, when the pressure in the vessels is maximum) to break through the brachial artery, overcoming the pressure in the cuff. At the same time, the blood hits the walls of the narrowed vessel squeezed by the cuff with force, and the examiner hears these pulsating beats through the phonendoscope.

These sound phenomena are called Korotkov's tones. After the appearance of the first tone, register systolic pressure - the highest blood pressure measured during contraction (systole) of the heart.

Gradually, the pressure in the cuff becomes less and less, and the blood passes through the vessel more and more easily. Until the patency of the vessel is fully restored and nothing interferes with the blood flow, it passes freely, without hitting the walls of the vessel, and the tones disappear. At this point register diastolic pressure- the lowest blood pressure, measured when the heart muscle is in a relaxed state (diastole) between two contractions, and which reflects vascular tone to a greater extent.

Two main types of blood pressure monitors are used in practice: mechanical (mostly aneroid) and digital. The first are based on the Korotkov method. A conventional mechanical tonometer is a device familiar to most for measuring blood pressure. It has a cuff that is placed on the arm (wrapped around the shoulder). The cuff is connected with a pear by means of one tube, compressing which air is pumped into the cuff. With the help of a second tube, it is connected to a pressure gauge equipped with a graduation scale.

This method is the standard for examination of patients adopted by WHO. Although this is a fairly simple procedure, it still requires some training and a good skill for accurate measurements. In addition, the accuracy of this method is highly dependent on the state of hearing, vision and accuracy of the examiner's hand movements. Therefore, electronic (digital) blood pressure monitors are widely used at home.

Digital blood pressure monitors are based on an oscillometric method for measuring blood pressure, based on electronic processing of the vibration of a sound wave created in the cuff by heart contractions. The result is displayed digitally on the instrument monitor. Working with electronic blood pressure monitors is simple and eliminates possible errors.

There are automatic devices, which themselves inflate and release air from the cuff, and semi-automatic, when you need to inflate the air yourself. The disadvantage of all electronic blood pressure monitors is that the microphone used in these devices captures a large amount of extraneous noise. Therefore, there is sensitivity to any changes in cuff pressure, which can be caused, for example, by slight movement of the arm or by talking. Also, some of them incorrectly register blood pressure in patients with arrhythmias. In addition to electronic blood pressure monitors mounted on the shoulder, there are also electronic blood pressure monitors that measure blood pressure on the wrist and even on the finger. In general, the accuracy of electronic blood pressure monitors varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, more accurate and advanced blood pressure monitors are somewhat more expensive.

In addition, in order to obtain correct measurement results a number of rules must be strictly observed:

– Before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude the use of drugs that affect blood pressure, as well as the intake of food, coffee and tea.

– Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the procedure.

– Measurements are taken after a five-minute rest at rest, in a comfortable environment (if the measurements were preceded by physical or emotional stress, then the duration of rest is 30 minutes).

– If the patient's condition allows, measurements are taken in a sitting position.

- The hand should be freely located on the table, the fingers of the palm are unclenched, it should be freed from constricting clothing.

- The cuff is applied slightly above the elbow, where the pulse is most felt (the middle of the cuff should be at the level of the heart), its lower edge should be 2 cm above the elbow bend.

- On average, the length of the cuff is 30-40 cm. In width, it should capture somewhere 2/3 of the length of the shoulder (on average 12-14 cm) or hips (on average 18-20 cm).

– Apply the cuff so that one finger can be inserted under it.

At the first measurement, blood pressure is measured on both arms. If there is no significant difference, then measurements can be taken only on the working hand (on the right for right-handers, on the left for left-handers). If the difference is more than 10 mm Hg. Art., then they are guided by a higher blood pressure and measurements are taken on the arm with high pressure.

Repeated blood pressure readings differ from each other due to physiological variability in human blood pressure. To determine the actual value of blood pressure, it is recommended to perform a series of repeated measurements with an interval of 1-3 minutes. The average of the three obtained values ​​is taken as the final result. Such meticulousness avoids measurement errors.

High blood pressure values ​​can also be obtained if a patient (mostly elderly people) has changes in the walls of arterial vessels - their thickening as a result of atherosclerosis. For squeezing such vessels, more pressure in the cuff is required.

Other factors that can cause distortion of measurement results:

- malfunction of devices (tonometer, phonendoscope);

– the cuff of a tonometer which is not picked up by the size;

- incorrect measurement technique;

– uncomfortable room temperature;

- incorrect position of the subject;

- negative emotional background;

- taking measurements during physical exertion, unpleasant (pain) sensations;

- Smoking, eating, coffee, alcohol, certain drugs.

Types of arterial hypertension

There are two types of arterial hypertension. Primary hypertension considered as an independent disease. Secondary hypertension is a consequence of any underlying disease, one of its manifestations, symptoms.

About 90% of cases of diseases are attributed to primary hypertension, which is widely known in our country under the name "hypertensive disease", and the term is accepted in the world essential hypertension. Regardless of how we call the disease, its essence can be defined as follows: it is an independent chronic disease, the main manifestation of which is an increase in blood pressure, not associated with any disease. That is, the diagnosis of hypertension can only be made after all other possible causes of high blood pressure have been excluded.

In addition to hypertension, blood pressure can also increase in a number of other diseases, when there is a primary lesion of any organs and systems. And already as a result of this lesion, a violation in the pressure regulation system is formed for the second time and, as a result, arterial hypertension. An increase in blood pressure may be accompanied, for example, by diseases of the kidneys, endocrine or nervous systems, pathological conditions of pregnant women, etc. All these conditions are combined by the term secondary, or symptomatic, hypertension, that is, an increase in blood pressure in this case is just one of the symptoms of the underlying disease. Note that symptomatic hypertension accounts for 10% of cases of high blood pressure. And this means that most people with sufficiently high blood pressure values ​​suffer from hypertension.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Genetics play an important role in the development of hypertension. About 80% of patients have relatives with high blood pressure.

However, in most cases, hereditary predisposition is not enough for the development of the disease. Gene disorders will manifest themselves only in the presence of provoking external factors.

These factors are:

- overweight;

- neuropsychic stress;

- increased consumption of salt;

- eating food with a high content of saturated fatty acids, a lack of potassium, calcium, magnesium;

- sedentary lifestyle;

- smoking;

- alcohol abuse.

Thus, hypertension is a disease based on a whole range of causes, and their combined action leads to an imbalance in the normal functioning of the mechanisms that regulate blood pressure.

Symptoms of the disease

It is clear that the main symptom of hypertension is the actual increase in blood pressure. What else does a person with high blood pressure complain about? A fairly common complaint is headaches of a very diverse nature. Dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue, decreased performance, memory impairment may also be disturbing. In some cases, neurotic disorders appear: frequent mood swings, emotional instability, irritability, depression, sleep disorders.

We already know that this disease provokes the onset of coronary heart disease (CHD) or worsens its course. It is not surprising that most people suffering from hypertension are concerned about pain in the region of the heart. The main manifestation of IHD is angina pectoris (angina pectoris), that is, attacks of pain behind the sternum (or at its left edge), which usually occur during physical or emotional stress.

With angina pectoris, dull, squeezing, pressing, burning, boring pains are characteristic, extending into the left arm, under the left shoulder blade, into the neck, lower jaw. Pain subsides when the load is stopped, quickly pass when taking nitroglycerin.

However, aching pain or a feeling of heaviness in the region of the heart that occurs when blood pressure rises and disappears when it decreases, is not always related to coronary artery disease. Similar symptoms may be associated with taking drugs such as diuretics, cardiac glycosides, reserpine, guanethidine, etc., which are used in the treatment of hypertension.

Another alarming signal is visual disturbances in the form of flies, sparks, crooked lines, fog before the eyes.

High blood pressure sometimes leads to nosebleeds. Also, patients suffering from hypertension may be disturbed by palpitations, irregular heartbeats, etc.

If the disease reaches stage I or II, then the consequences of all those lesions of target organs, which will be discussed below, may appear. These are disorders of cerebral circulation - from transient disorders to strokes. This is coronary heart disease - up to the development of myocardial infarction. These are lesions and impaired renal function - up to the development of chronic renal failure.

target organs

As we have said, hypertension is a chronic disease. Once having arisen, it becomes a constant companion of a person.

Any chronic disease proceeds with alternating periods of deterioration (exacerbation) and improvement (remission). The same can be said about hypertension. There are fluctuations in the periods of increase and decrease in blood pressure. However, in general, there is a stabilization of blood pressure at high values.

In a significant proportion of cases, the onset of the disease goes unnoticed. The patient is unlikely to be able to indicate the day, month or even year of the onset of the disease. In such cases, an increase in blood pressure is detected by chance, for example, during periodic preventive examinations.

However, sooner or later the disease makes itself felt. High blood pressure gradually causes damage to sensitive organs - they are called target organs.

It is the defeat of target organs that poses the main threat to health and is characterized by a number of symptoms that form the clinical picture of the disease (in addition to the actual high blood pressure). And the identification of these symptoms, including laboratory and instrumental methods, allows you to determine the diagnosis, stage and prognosis of the disease for a particular person.

Heart failure

One of the early manifestations of the heart in arterial hypertension is a violation of the active relaxation of the left ventricle in the diastolic phase, i.e., the diastolic function of the left ventricular myocardium. Recall that in the diastole phase, the left ventricle actively relaxes, its cavity expands and fills with blood coming from the pulmonary circulation (passed through the lungs and saturated with oxygen). During the systole phase, the ventricle contracts and ejects blood into the systemic circulation. When the ventricle cannot fully relax in the diastole phase, its chamber does not expand enough and cannot receive all the necessary volume of blood. Consequently, a smaller volume of blood will flow into the systemic circulation during the systole phase.

With arterial hypertension, the heart has to overcome an additional load in order to pump blood into the systemic circulation. This is the so-called. The main work to overcome high blood pressure falls on the left ventricle of the heart. He has to contract more intensely. Under conditions of chronic stress, structural changes occur in the myocardium (heart muscle), and metabolic processes are activated. We know that athletes subject their body muscles to regular physical activity to increase their strength and endurance. The main universal mechanism of adaptation (adaptation) to high loads is muscle hypertrophy, that is, an increase in muscle mass.

The human heart is also a muscle and also undergoes hypertrophy, an increase in its mass will manifest itself as a thickening of the walls, in particular the left ventricle.

However, left ventricular hypertrophy in arterial hypertension is not as harmless as an increase in muscle mass in athletes. In the hypertrophied myocardium, structural changes occur that disrupt its full functioning; part of the muscle tissue is replaced by connective tissue, blood supply and the normal conduction of electrical impulses in the myocardium are disturbed.

Sooner or later, with the progression of the disease and the lack of competent treatment, the left ventricle ceases to cope with the load. The adaptive reserves of the myocardium are depleted. Decompensation occurs, manifested by weakening of the heart muscle.

With timely treatment and removal of the load in the form of increased pressure from the left parts of the heart, the walls of the left ventricle acquire their previous thickness, and its contractility is restored.

Violation of diastolic (relaxation and filling with blood), and then systolic (contraction and ejection of blood) functions of the left ventricle leads to the development of circulatory failure.

Circulatory failure is a manifestation of a violation of the pumping function of the heart. The heart pumps blood inefficiently, blood flow slows down, blood stasis is noted, and edema appears. Myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, as well as concomitant diseases in the form of diabetes mellitus and severe infections contribute to the rapid onset of circulatory failure.

Hypertension is undoubtedly a provoking factor for the development of atherosclerosis of blood vessels, in particular coronary vessels that feed the heart muscle. Atherosclerotic plaques narrow the lumen of the vessel, the normal blood supply to the myocardium is disturbed. The heart begins to lack oxygen. This condition is called ischemia. A disease known as coronary heart disease (CHD) develops.

The ultimate manifestation of coronary heart disease is myocardial infarction. It develops when an atherosclerotic narrowing of the vessels supplying the heart is accompanied by a sudden spasm and / or blockage of the vessel by a thrombus. As a result, the blood supply to the myocardium is completely stopped, leading to the death of its cells. It has been proven that high blood pressure worsens the course and prognosis of myocardial infarction. Such threatening conditions as shock, pulmonary edema develop. The likelihood of death increases.

With hypertension, such forms of cardiac arrhythmias as atrial fibrillation and flutter, extrasystole, atrioventricular blockade, tachycardia are possible. More often, arrhythmias occur in the late (second and third) stages of the disease. The development of arrhythmias is also facilitated by the uncontrolled, illiterate intake of certain drugs that lower blood pressure.

Damage to large vessels

Under conditions of a prolonged increase in pressure, the walls of arterial vessels of the elastic type become rigid (rigid), lose their flexibility and pliability.

More than 90% of cases of dissecting aortic aneurysm are associated with hypertension. A dissecting aortic aneurysm is a very dangerous but fortunately rare complication. Atherosclerotic changes, loss of elasticity, and other structural changes make the aortic wall extremely vulnerable, which can lead to bulging of the vessel wall, or aneurysm. Naturally, in the area of ​​the aneurysm, the aortic wall stretches and becomes thinner. If the blood pressure in the vessel is not reduced and its wall is not restored (surgically), sooner or later the aorta ruptures at the site of the aneurysm, and massive internal bleeding develops with a fatal outcome.

Kidney damage

Damage to the kidneys of varying degrees of severity occurs in most patients with hypertension.

In response to increased pressure, the vessels of the kidneys contract, their lumen narrows, and blood flow in the kidneys decreases. In the future, structural changes in the renal vessels occur. One of the mechanisms underlying these changes is the impregnation of the walls of blood vessels, in particular arterioles, with blood plasma, the deposition of hyaline in them and the development of sclerosis and necrosis of arterioles.

Changed vessels do not supply the kidney tissue with a sufficient amount of blood, it dies off. Nephrosclerosis develops (from the Greek. nephros- kidney), or the so-called primary shriveled kidneys. The replacement of functioning kidney tissue with connective tissue causes a malfunction of the kidneys, that is, kidney failure develops.

Brain damage

Brain damage is one of the most frequent and dangerous complications of hypertension. Chronic increase in blood pressure causes structural changes in the vessels of the brain. In particular, hypertrophy occurs, that is, a thickening of the vascular wall. At the same time, the lumen of the vessels narrows, their tendency to spasm (narrowing) increases, and the ability to relax (expand) decreases. The vessels of the brain with hypertension become a vulnerable place, the risk of cerebrovascular accidents increases significantly.

An early manifestation of vascular disorders in the brain in hypertension are headaches.

Hypertension is complicated by both incoming (temporary) cerebrovascular accidents and strokes. A stroke can be caused by persistent, acute circulatory disorders (ischemia) of a part of the brain with its subsequent necrosis (infarction) or hemorrhage into the brain tissue or subarachnoid space. The incidence of acute disorders of cerebral circulation in patients with hypertension is 9 times higher than in people with normal blood pressure.

Eye damage

In hypertension, the vessels of the retina are also affected. This pathological condition is called hypertensive angioretinopathy. The patient complains of a short-term decrease in vision, shiny lines before the eyes. Examination of the fundus reveals characteristic changes caused by spasm of the vessels of the retina and vessels of the brain. As the disease progresses, these changes become more pronounced, dark spots appear before the eyes, and vision deteriorates.

At the doctor

A visit to the attending physician begins with the collection of complaints and anamnesis (the history of your illness and some of the circumstances of your life). After you talk about your problems, the doctor will conduct an examination.

We know that elevated blood pressure is the main manifestation of essential hypertension. And of course, the results of blood pressure measurements carried out according to all the rules that were highlighted above will be decisive during the examination. For a clear judgment of the presence of a chronic increase in pressure, arterial hypertension should be recorded in three measurements with an interval of 7 days.

The next stage of the examination is laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods. At this stage, it will be possible to determine the stage of the disease, the presence of complications from the target organs, as well as to exclude other causes of high blood pressure.

Additional Research

The success of the treatment of hypertension sometimes largely depends on how accurately diagnostic studies were carried out, analyzes were made.

Laboratory examination methods:

- general urine analysis;

- general (clinical) blood test (electrolytes: K +, Na +; main indicators of protein, carbohydrate, lipid, purine metabolism).

Instrumental examination methods:

– electrocardiography (ECG);

– ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM);

– Holter monitoring of the electrocardiogram;

- Doppler ultrasound (USDG) of the upper and lower extremities and carotid arteries;

- echocardiography (ECHOCG);

- ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the kidneys;

- Examination of the vessels of the fundus (ophthalmoscopy).

All the studies carried out will help to determine the following questions:

- is there a chronic stable increase in blood pressure, is it really possible to make a final diagnosis (essential hypertension);

- whether other causes leading to an increase in blood pressure, that is, secondary (symptomatic) hypertension, are excluded;

- What is the stage of the disease and the degree of hypertension;

What is the risk of developing cardiovascular complications?

By answering these questions, the attending physician will be able to assess the prognosis of the disease and determine the tactics of treatment. But first it is necessary to understand the modern classification of essential hypertension.

The degree of increase in blood pressure and the stage of the disease

The degree of increase in blood pressure to a certain extent corresponds to the stage of the disease, which in turn determines the tactics of treatment.

I stage. The stage of functional disorders, reversible. There is an increase in blood pressure (up to 160-170/90 - 100 mm Hg), but there is no damage to target organs. The pressure may return to normal levels, then again rise above normal. At the same time, patients complain of weakness, headache, poor sleep.

II stage. The pressure is steadily kept within 180-200 / 105-110 mm Hg. Art. If in stage I the pressure can decrease by itself, then in stage II it is impossible to do without taking drugs.

There are moderate lesions of target organs. Patients complain of poor sleep, pain in the heart, headache, dizziness, nausea and insomnia.

III stage. The pressure reaches 200-230 / 115-120 mm Hg. Art. and it stays pretty solid.

There are pronounced changes in the target organs with obvious manifestations:

- with damage to the heart - angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure;

- with brain damage - transient disorders of cerebral circulation, strokes; vascular dementia, hypertensive encephalopathy;

- eye damage - hemorrhages or exudates, swelling of the optic nerve head;

- kidney damage - an increase in creatinine levels above 2 mg / dl, chronic renal failure;

- damage to large vessels - dissecting aortic aneurysm, symptomatic occlusion of the arteries.

Borderline arterial hypertension

As we have repeatedly mentioned, essential hypertension is accompanied by a relatively constant increase in blood pressure levels. In order to define conditions when only periodic, unstable and rather low rises in blood pressure are noted, the term is introduced in cardiology - borderline arterial hypertension(PAG).

Previously, it was believed that for borderline arterial hypertension, blood pressure rises to the following values ​​are characteristic: from 140/90 to 159/94 mm Hg. Art. Now they tend to values ​​from 140/90 to 149/94 mm Hg. Art.

It is in order to distinguish borderline arterial hypertension from already developed hypertension that it is recommended to measure blood pressure three times at weekly intervals in persons with newly diagnosed hypertension.

Conditions characteristic of borderline arterial hypertension:

- high blood pressure is reduced without taking medications;

- there are no lesions of other target organs;

- the increase in blood pressure is primary, that is, it is not symptomatic (secondary hypertension).

Borderline arterial hypertension can occur:

- in athletes;

- when employed in hazardous production;

- with psychoneuroses;

- with menopause in women;

- with alcohol abuse.

It must be said that psychosomatic mechanisms associated with psychological factors play a rather important role in the development of prehypertension, and for more effective treatment, personal characteristics of people suffering from borderline arterial hypertension should be taken into account.

Treatment of hypertension

General principles

What are the goals of treating hypertension? We already know that the insidiousness of this disease is that it causes various cardiovascular complications. Accordingly, the main goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of these complications, which depends on the degree of hypertension, the presence of adverse factors that worsen the prognosis (risk factors), and the presence of target organ damage. So, it is necessary: ​​firstly, to reduce blood pressure to a safe level; secondly, to eliminate those risk factors that can be corrected; thirdly, to protect target organs and reduce the degree of their damage.

A very important question: to what level should blood pressure be reduced, or what reduction will be sufficient?

The World Health Organization and the International Organization for Arterial Hypertension in 1999 adopted the so-called target levels of blood pressure, which should be strived for in the treatment of patients:

- below 140/90 mm Hg. Art. - in the general population of patients with arterial hypertension;

- below 130/85 mm Hg. Art. - in patients with arterial hypertension, suffering from diabetes mellitus without kidney damage in the form of proteinuria (protein in the urine);

- below 120/75 mm Hg. Art. - in patients with arterial hypertension, suffering from diabetes mellitus with kidney damage in the form of proteinuria (protein in the urine);

- below 120/75 mm Hg. Art. - in patients with arterial hypertension suffering from chronic renal failure.

It should be noted that such values ​​in practice are not always achievable in all patients. Therefore, treatment requires an individual approach, taking into account all possible circumstances, which are usually clarified with closer cooperation between the attending physician and the patient.

Non-drug treatment and medication are not two different approaches to treatment that should be opposed to each other. On the contrary, they complement each other and make the treatment more effective. Long-term studies have shown that at certain stages of the disease, drug correction of blood pressure is mandatory, and the earlier it is started, the less likely it is to have severe complications. In addition, in developed countries, mortality from myocardial infarction and stroke has been significantly reduced precisely thanks to effective programs of timely drug treatment.

The general tactics of treatment, as we have already said, is determined by the degree of risk of cardiovascular complications.

With a low risk of complications, they are first limited to non-drug treatment (lifestyle correction, elimination of harmful factors, etc.), during the year the level of blood pressure and risk factors are controlled. If, after 12 months, hypertension persists, that is, blood pressure is above 140/90 mm Hg. Art., then it is further recommended to switch to drugs. If non-drug methods manage to maintain normal blood pressure, then they are limited.

At medium risk, non-drug treatment and observation are also carried out first (but only for three months), followed by a review of treatment tactics.

With a high and very high risk of complications, treatment with antihypertensive drugs is immediately prescribed. At the same time, there is still a need for non-drug measures (lifestyle correction, the fight against harmful factors, etc.).

Non-drug treatment

As we found out in the previous chapter, non-drug treatment has no contraindications. It is recommended for all patients, whether they are taking medication or not, as it alone can achieve some reduction in blood pressure.

These methods of treating hypertension can reduce the dose of drugs (and therefore reduce their side effects), can eliminate some risk factors and, therefore, reduce the likelihood of complications of hypertension.

Reducing excess body weight

Excess body weight is one of the most important factors that cause high blood pressure. Studies show that weight gain per 1 kg, on average, increases systolic pressure by about 1-2 mm Hg. Art. In addition, with obesity, the effectiveness of drug therapy decreases, and concomitant diabetes mellitus is more difficult. But a decrease in excess weight by 5 kg leads to a decrease in systolic pressure by about 5 mm Hg. Art. and diastolic - about 2 mm Hg. Art., improves the course of diabetes, favorably affects such factors as high blood lipids, left ventricular hypertrophy.

Smoking cessation

It is known that nicotine causes vasoconstriction, that is, it contributes to an increase in blood pressure. If a person smokes, the disease often acquires a malignant course, is accompanied by various complications, and blood pressure is less amenable to correction.

Smoking cessation is a good prevention of hypertension. In addition, it is an effective remedy in the fight against an already developed disease.

Quitting smoking is a very difficult task. Much depends on your willpower, and on the experience of smoking, and on the environment in the family and at work.

Reducing salt in the diet

Salt in excess amounts causes fluid retention in the body, which passes into the vascular bed and thereby increases blood pressure. In addition, salt increases the sensitivity of blood vessels to vasoconstrictor active substances.

This non-drug method is most effective in the so-called "salt-sensitive" form of arterial hypertension. In such cases, it is recommended to limit salt intake to 3 g per day, and liquids to 1.2–1.5 liters.

In other situations, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of table salt to 4–5 g per knock (a teaspoon without a slide). To control the amount of salt consumed, give preference to natural products, as semi-finished products, canned food, smoked meats, sausages, etc. have a fairly high content of salt.

Reducing alcohol consumption

Ethyl alcohol disrupts the regulation of vascular tone. Being a sufficiently high-calorie product, it can affect body weight. In addition, it reduces the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.

The permissible daily dose of alcohol in terms of pure ethanol is no more than 20-30 g for men (which corresponds to 50-60 ml of vodka, 200-250 ml of dry wine, 500-600 ml of beer) and 10-20 g for women.

Building an optimal diet

Basic principles of proper nutrition:

- a variety of diets in terms of basic nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), as well as vitamins and microelements;

- limited consumption of high-calorie foods, intake of easily digestible carbohydrates, fats;

- a balance between energy intake from food and its consumption (that is, the number of calories consumed and expended);

- the correct diet (meal 4-5 times a day in small portions).

Enriching the diet with foods rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium

We list potassium-rich foods: apricots, beans, seaweed, prunes, raisins, peas, potatoes, beef, pork, cod, hake, mackerel, squid, oatmeal, green peas, tomatoes, beets, radishes, green onions, currants, grapes , apricots, peaches.

The attending physician may advise taking medications containing potassium, magnesium, easily absorbed calcium salts (citrate and carbonate).

Dosed physical activity

It is known that physical inactivity, that is, reduced physical activity, is a risk factor for the development of hypertension. Therefore, it is very important to compensate for the lack of movement, which is associated with a sedentary, sedentary lifestyle.

Regular exercise has been shown to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 5–10 mm Hg. Art. Walking with a gradual acceleration of the step, swimming for 30-45 minutes 3-4 times a week are recommended. In contrast, isometric (static) exercise, such as lifting weights, can raise blood pressure.

Physical exercises should be approached deliberately, taking into account their initial form and state of health. Start with minimal loads and do not rush to increase their intensity. For example, when walking, gradually increase the speed and distance under the control of well-being and heart rate.

If you have already developed hypertension or have other diseases, then any loads should be agreed with your doctor, and the regimen and intensity of classes should be drawn up together with a specialist in physical therapy (exercise therapy).

Fighting nervous tension

Try to avoid various stressful situations. For example, do not get carried away watching TV, meet friends, triple small holidays for yourself, relax more often, smile. Do not accumulate negative emotions in yourself (aggression, anger, anger, envy, resentment), try to think about something positive. Do not be alone with your problems, share your experiences with loved ones.

Auto-training, relaxing breathing exercises, and psychotherapy will help fight negative emotions.

Sometimes patients suffering from arterial hypertension with a labile nervous system are advised to take mild sedative drugs.

Organization of a healthy regime of work and rest

Avoid excessive fatigue, especially chronic. It is useful to alternate different activities, for example, mental work with a little exercise. Stick to your diet. Sleep at least 8-9 hours a day. It is advisable to go to bed and get up at the same time so as not to knock down the biological rhythms of sleep and wakefulness. If you suffer from insomnia, try to take evening walks in the fresh air before going to bed, take a warm (not hot) bath, do not eat at night, consult your doctor about choosing sedatives, especially soft, herbal ones.

Medical therapy

- Prescribing medications does not exempt you from adhering to the correct lifestyle, that is, it does not cancel all the prescriptions that were given above. Properly selected non-drug treatment and lifestyle correction is a mandatory background for drug treatment. This makes our therapy more effective.

- Drug therapy is not carried out episodically - with rises in blood pressure, as many mistakenly believe. It is carried out continuously to prevent these rises and stabilize blood pressure at an acceptable safe level. After all, sometimes even a single sudden jump in blood pressure is enough to develop a stroke or heart attack.

- For each patient, the medicine is selected individually, taking into account the threshold of its sensitivity. The same drug works differently on different people. One medicine helps someone, while another works better for someone.

– Drug treatment begins with small doses, as necessary, gradually increasing the dose. In severe cases of the disease, of course, they immediately begin with serious dosages.

- As a rule, therapy is started with one drug (monotherapy), if it is ineffective, an antihypertensive drug from another group is added to the treatment. Sometimes there is a need for a combination of three or more drugs with different mechanisms of action.

- If one drug is poorly tolerated, it is replaced by another drug, because the choice of antihypertensive drugs is now quite wide.

- The rate at which blood pressure should be reduced, and the level to which it should be reduced, is determined by the attending physician based on the patient's condition. For example, with mild to moderate hypertension, a rapid decrease in blood pressure to normal values ​​is acceptable. But with severe hypertension, blood pressure should be reduced gradually and very carefully: with a sharp decrease, cerebral blood supply may be disturbed. Also, blood pressure is gradually reduced in elderly patients with cerebral atherosclerosis.

– Medicines should provide a more or less stable level of blood pressure for 24 hours a day. For this, long-acting drugs are used, which are taken once a day and provide an effect for 24 hours.

- It is obvious that the treatment is carried out under regular monitoring of blood pressure (especially carefully when selecting and changing drugs) at home with periodic visits to the doctor.

– With stable normalization of pressure within one year in patients from low and medium risk groups, the attending physician can gradually reduce the dose of the drug to a minimum. At the same time, of course, all recommendations for non-drug support for such a patient remain valid.

Drugs that lower blood pressure

In this chapter, we will get acquainted with antihypertensive (antihypertensive) drugs that are used in modern practice.

There are several groups of these drugs, different in their mechanism of action. There are drugs that dilate blood vessels, there are diuretics, there are drugs that reduce cardiac output, there are drugs that act on the nervous system, and, finally, there are complex drugs.

What group of medicines is better to use? We will consider the features of each of these groups, their advantages and disadvantages.

Currently, for the treatment of hypertension are used:

- diuretics;

- blockers of B-adrenergic receptors, or B-blockers (BAB);

- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors);

– blockers (antagonists) of calcium channels (BCC);

- angiotensin II receptor blockers;

- blockers of alpha-adrenergic receptors.

ACE inhibitors

Representatives: captopril (capoten), enalapril (renitec, enam, ednit), ramipril (tritapce), perindopril (prestarium), lisinopril (vinyl), fosinopril (monopril), cilazapril (inhibase), quinapril (accupro), trandolapril (odric), moexipril (moex).

Main mechanism of action

Blockade of ACE leads to a violation of the formation of angiotensin II from angiotensin I; angiotensin II, as we already know, causes severe vasoconstriction and an increase in blood pressure.

effects

Decreased blood pressure, reduced hypertrophy of the left ventricle and blood vessels, increased cerebral blood flow, improved kidney function.

Possible side effects

Allergic reactions: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mucous membranes of the pharynx, larynx (angioedema), bronchospasm.

Dyspeptic disorders: vomiting, stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea), dry mouth, impaired sense of smell. Dry cough, sore throat.

The most significant side effects: arterial hypotension on the introduction of the first dose of the drug, hypotension in patients with narrowing of the renal arteries, impaired renal function, increased levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia).

Advantages

Along with the hypotensive effect, the drugs have a beneficial effect on the heart, cerebral vessels, kidneys, do not cause metabolic disorders of carbohydrates, lipids, uric acid, and therefore can be used in patients with similar metabolic disorders.

Contraindications

Do not apply during pregnancy.

Despite their great popularity, the drugs of this group cause a slower and smaller decrease in blood pressure than drugs of a number of other groups, therefore, in the case of monotherapy, they are more effective at earlier stages, with mild forms of hypertension. In more severe forms, it is often required to combine them with other antihypertensive drugs.

Beta blockers

Representatives: atenolol (tenormin, tenoblock), alprenolol, acebutalol (sektral), betaxolol, bisoprolol, labetalol, metoprolol (betaloc), nadolol (korgard), oxprenolol (trazikor), pindolol (visken), propranolol (anaprilin, obzidan, inderal), sotalol talinolol (cordanum), timolol.

Main mechanism of action

Block beta-adrenergic receptors.

There are two types of beta receptors: type 1 receptors are located in the heart, in the juxtoglomerular apparatus of the kidneys, in adipose tissue, and type 2 receptors are in the smooth muscles of the bronchi, pregnant uterus, skeletal muscles, liver, pancreas, etc.

Drugs that block both types of receptors are non-selective. Drugs that block only type 1 receptors are cardioselective, but in high doses they act on all receptors.

effects

Decreased cardiac output, a pronounced decrease in heart rate, a decrease in energy consumption for the work of the heart, relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, vasodilation, non-selective drugs - reduce insulin secretion, cause bronchospasm.

Their use is also effective in the presence of a patient with hypertension: tachycardia, hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, hypokalemia.

Possible side effects

Cardiac arrhythmias, spasm of the vessels of the extremities with impaired blood circulation in them (intermittent claudication, exacerbation of Raynaud's disease).

Fatigue, headaches, sleep disorders, depression, convulsions, tremors, impotence.

Withdrawal syndrome - with sudden withdrawal, there is a sharp increase in blood pressure (the drug should be discontinued gradually).

Various dyspeptic disorders, allergic reactions.

Violation of lipid metabolism (a tendency to atherosclerosis), a violation of carbohydrate metabolism (complications in patients with diabetes mellitus).

Bronchospasm (deterioration in patients with diseases of the broncho-pulmonary system, in particular with bronchial asthma).

Some of these side effects are less pronounced or absent with selective beta-blockers.

These drugs are mainly used to treat stage I hypertension, although they are also effective in stage I and II hypertension.

Calcium channel blockers

Representatives

Dihydropyridines: nifedipine (corinfar, cordafen, cordipin, fenigidin, adalat), isradipine, amlodipine (norvask), felodipine (plendil), lacidipine (lacipil), nicardipine (loxen), nimodipine (nimotop), nitrendipine (bypress).

Phenylalkylamines: verapamil (isoptin, phenoptin), animapil, halopamil, falimapil.

Benzotidizines: diltiazem (cardil, dilzem, dilren), klentiazem.

Main mechanism of action

They block the passage of calcium ions through calcium channels into the cells that form vascular smooth muscle. As a result, the ability of blood vessels to constrict is reduced.

(spasm). In addition, calcium antagonists reduce the sensitivity of blood vessels to angiotensin II.

effects

Lowering blood pressure, slowing down and correcting heart rate, reducing myocardial contractility, reducing platelet aggregation.

Possible side effects

Decreased heart rate (bradycardia), heart failure, low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, headaches, swelling of the extremities, redness of the face and fever - a feeling of hot flashes, constipation.

Diuretics

Representatives

Diuretics from the thiazide group: hydrochlorothiazide, bendroflumetazide, polythiazide, cyclomethiazide.

Diuretics from the thiazide-like group: indapamide (arifon), clopamid, metozalone, mephruzid, chlorthalidone.

Loop diuretics: furosemide (lasix), ethacrynic acid, bumetanide, torasemide, pyretanide.

Potassium-sparing diuretics: spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride - are prescribed for hypokalemia.

Main mechanism of action

Reduce the reabsorption of sodium ions from the urine in the kidneys. Increased urinary excretion of sodium and fluid with it. The volume of fluid in the tissues and in the vessels decreases. The volume of circulating blood decreases, blood pressure decreases.

Possible side effects

Negative effect on lipid metabolism (increase total blood cholesterol: increase "bad" - causing atherosclerosis cholesterol, lower "good" - anti-atherogenic cholesterol).

Negative effect on carbohydrate metabolism (increase blood glucose levels, which is unfavorable for patients with diabetes).

Negative effect on the metabolism of uric acid (delayed excretion, which means an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood, with the possibility of developing gout).

Loss of potassium in the urine - hypokalemia develops, that is, a decrease in the concentration of potassium in the blood. Potassium-sparing diuretics, on the contrary, can cause hyperkalemia.

Negative effect on the cardiovascular system (increased risk of coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy).

These side effects occur mainly with the use of high doses of diuretics. In small doses, these drugs do not give pronounced side effects while maintaining a good hypotensive effect. In addition, thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics in low doses improve the prognosis in patients with essential hypertension, reduce the likelihood of strokes, myocardial infarction and heart failure.

The so-called loop diuretics have a fairly strong and fast diuretic effect, although they reduce blood pressure slightly less than thiazides. However, they are not suitable for long-term use, which is required for hypertension. They are used in hypertensive crises (Lasix intravenously), and they are also used in patients with hypertension in the presence of renal failure. Indicated in the treatment of acute left ventricular failure, edema, obesity.

Potassium-sparing diuretics with a diuretic effect do not cause leaching of potassium in the urine and are prescribed for hypokalemia. One of the representatives of this group - spironolactone, together with beta-blockers, is used for malignant hypertension against the background of aldosteronism.

For a long time, diuretics were considered as the main group of drugs for the treatment of hypertension. Then, due to the identification of a number of side effects, as well as the emergence of new classes of antihypertensive drugs, their use began to be limited.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers

Representatives: losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, candesartan, zolasartan, tazosartan, telmisartan, tosazartan.

Main mechanism of action

They block type I angiotensin receptors. The action of angiotensin II, which causes vasospasm, is disrupted.

effects

They inhibit and cause reverse development of left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy and smooth muscle of resistive vessels. They have a protective effect on the kidneys.

Side effects

Dizziness, headaches, cough, hyperkalemia, tachycardia, increased liver enzymes.

Contraindications

Do not apply during pregnancy and during lactation.

This is a relatively new class of drugs. In general, there is a similar effectiveness of this group of drugs and ACE inhibitors. However, there is a better tolerance of the former. That is, they are less likely to give unwanted reactions. However, while angiotensin II receptor blockers are under study, it is too early to draw final conclusions.

Alpha blockers

Representatives: doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin.

Main mechanism of action: drugs block alpha-adrenergic receptors, as a result of a violation of the interaction of noradrenaline with its receptors, its vasoconstrictive effect is eliminated.

effects

A feature of the drugs is their positive effect on lipid metabolism, with a decrease in predisposition to vascular atherosclerosis. In addition, alpha-blockers improve the functioning of the urinary system in men with prostate adenoma.

Side effects

Possible headache, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, feeling hot, digestive disorders, allergic reactions, fluid retention (edema) with prolonged use, palpitations.

Orthostatic hypotension and collapse on the first dose of the drug. Orthostatic reaction is a change in blood flow when moving from a horizontal to a vertical position of the body. When we stand up, the blood under gravity rushes to the lower parts of the body, to the limbs, and the brain suffers from a lack of blood supply. Normally, the mechanisms of regulation of vascular tone are triggered, which prevent this. It follows that the intake of these drugs should be started with small doses.

How to choose the right drug

We reviewed several groups of different drugs that lower blood pressure and are used to treat hypertension. Naturally, the question arises, which drug or group of drugs are preferred?

This dilemma lies entirely in the competence of the attending physician, cardiologist or therapist. Even specialists sometimes find it difficult to navigate among the existing abundance of medicines and newly emerging names. Some drugs are still at the stage of study and implementation. New information is constantly appearing about long-established means.

It must be admitted that at present there are no clear algorithms for choosing a drug. It is impossible to say that some antihypertensive drugs are preferable to others in all situations.

Sometimes you have to change more than one drug in order to choose the right one for a particular patient. It should also be taken into account that hypertension is, in fact, not one disease. According to the mechanism of occurrence, several variants of hypertension are distinguished, and in medical practice it is not always possible to clearly distinguish them. But if this is possible, then take into account that certain groups of antihypertensive drugs are preferable for certain options.

During treatment moderate hypertension often limited to the use of a single drug. If it is ineffective, increase the dose, and then, if it does not help, add a second drug (from another group). Combinations of the three drugs are also possible.

At severe hypertension treatment can begin immediately with a combination of 2-3 drugs of different effects. This combination allows you to summarize the effects of drugs with different mechanisms of action. However, these drugs are used in moderate doses, which reduces their side effects. It should be borne in mind that not all of these drugs can be combined with each other. Otherwise, therapy may be not only ineffective, but also unsafe.

The following drug combinations are allowed:

- diuretic + beta-blocker;

- diuretic + ACE inhibitor;

- diuretic + angiotensin II receptor blocker;

- diuretic + calcium antagonist;

- calcium antagonist (dihydropyridines) + beta-blocker;

- calcium antagonist + ACE inhibitor;

- alpha-blocker + beta-blocker.

We repeat: do not self-medicate! Pharmacy workers also do not have the right to give recommendations on choosing a medicine, even if they are people with a pharmacological education - they may not be familiar with your situation and do not bear any responsibility for your health. Leave the choice of means and methods of therapy to the attending physician.

Help with hypertensive crises

A hypertensive (hypertensive) crisis is a sudden, usually very significant increase in blood pressure. The crisis is accompanied by a sharp increase in all those symptoms of the disease that were previously observed in the patient, and the appearance of new ones. First of all, the condition of the brain, cardiovascular system, and kidneys worsens.

Oddly enough, but a sudden rise in blood pressure can occur in people who have not previously suffered from arterial hypertension. Of course, this requires the existence of some acute situation. For example, with hepatic colic, strangulated hernia, attacks of bronchial asthma, pulmonary edema, myocardial infarction, paroxysmal tachycardia, injuries of the spinal cord and brain, etc.

In patients with arterial hypertension, the crisis is also provoked by some unfavorable factors that can disrupt the calm course of the disease and lead to a sharp jump in blood pressure. These can be negative emotions, weather changes (in weather-dependent people), infectious diseases, abrupt cessation of antihypertensive drugs, etc.

A hypertensive crisis is not always a very high, prohibitive increase in blood pressure. Signs of the development of a crisis situation may also appear at not very high blood pressure values. For example, in young people or children with mild hypertension, for whom values ​​​​of 160/100 mm Hg. Art. – it is already palpable. In older people who suffer from hypertension for a long time, even significant, sharp jumps in blood pressure can pass without a typical picture of a crisis.

A hypertensive crisis has its own characteristic symptoms that make it possible to suspect this life-threatening condition. According to the mechanisms of occurrence and external manifestations (symptoms), three forms of crises can be distinguished.

Neurovegetative, or adrenal crises. Their development is associated with a pronounced activation of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system and a massive release of its mediators into the blood (adrenaline, norepinephrine). Systolic pressure rises more than diastolic pressure.

The patient has anxiety, a feeling of fear, the skin of the face first turns red, and later it may turn pale, sweat appears, the temperature rises, trembling in the hands appears, urination becomes more frequent, cardiac arrhythmias are possible.

All these phenomena develop suddenly and can pass just as quickly. This variant of the crisis is more favorable than others, it is easier to treat. Although, of course, it also carries a danger to life and health and requires immediate treatment.

Most clearly, all these symptoms are manifested in crises associated with pheochromocytoma, which we have already described above.

Water-salt, or edematous crises. This form is associated with excessive water retention in the body.

This condition is characterized, on the contrary, by lethargy, lethargy, and drowsiness. A person is poorly oriented in time and space, inactive, pale. The face is puffy, edematous. Equally increased systolic and diastolic pressure.

Water-salt crises develop gradually and fade more slowly. However, more often lead to undesirable complications.

Convulsive crises. This severe form is associated with disturbances in the functioning of the brain (brain edema develops).

Excitation, severe headaches of a pulsating nature are observed. There is repeated vomiting. Visual disturbances are possible. The crisis ends with convulsions with loss of consciousness, may be complicated by hemorrhages in the brain and irreversible damage to it. The patient falls into a coma. Possible death.

In more favorable situations, the patient regains consciousness and gradually recovers. For some time, visual disturbances, disorientation in time and space, memory impairment (amnesia) still persist.

* * *

Can you feel the approach of a crisis? Sometimes yes, but most often people do not feel any symptoms, most crises come on suddenly. And what to do in this case, what to do?

“Fast is not always good” - this is the principle of lowering blood pressure during a hypertensive crisis. A rapid decrease in blood pressure (in 30 minutes or less) is required in severe crises, when there is a threat of early development of lesions of the heart and brain. In other cases, such rates are not only unnecessary, but even undesirable. A sharp decrease in blood pressure leads to impoverishment of cerebral blood flow in the elderly, especially if they suffer from cerebral atherosclerosis or have impaired kidney function (renal failure), or have previously had a stroke. Therefore, in uncomplicated crises, blood pressure is reduced gradually, over 1-2 hours.

It is also not necessary in all situations to reduce blood pressure to the ideal 120/80 mm Hg. Art. For some patients, this is simply dangerous. Decrease in systolic pressure up to 160 mm Hg. Art. may be enough. Diastolic pressure should not be reduced below 100 mm Hg. Art.

We list cases where a more significant reduction in pressure is required (to normal values, that is, about 120/80 mm Hg): preeclampsia in pregnant women, dissecting aortic aneurysm, postoperative hypertension with bleeding, acute glomerulonephritis in children and young people.

Treatment of a crisis depends on its form, severity and a number of other factors. It should be borne in mind that there are diseases that have manifestations similar to those in a hypertensive crisis.

Only a qualified specialist can correctly assess the patient's condition and select the appropriate treatment.

Since medical assistance cannot be provided immediately at home or on the street, you first have to manage on your own.

If you or your relatives suffer from arterial hypertension, then the main medicines for quickly lowering blood pressure should be kept in the medicine cabinet at home. We have already talked about the treatment of hypertension, where long-acting drugs are used, the effect of which develops gradually and stretches up to a day. Such drugs are not intended for the treatment of hypertensive crises. This is where faster tools are needed. And vice versa - drugs for stopping crises are in no way suitable for drugs for long-term continuous use.

So, in the first aid kit it is desirable to have the following drugs: captopril (Capoten), clonidine (Clonidine, Hemiton), nifedipine (Corinfar, Cordaflex, Adalat), Lasix (Furosemide). Of course, in a family where there are hypertensive patients, there must be a tonometer, a reliable mechanical or proven electronic one.

In a hypertensive crisis, the patient should be kept calm. Let him settle down reclining, lifting his upper body. Warmers or mustard plasters should be applied to the legs, and a moistened cold towel or ice should be applied to the head. If the patient is in the room, it is advisable to dim the light, it should not be bright. It is also necessary to calm the patient, excessive excitement is completely useless here. Therefore, there is no need to panic. Try to keep cool. Speak calmly and confidently.

And in any case, you need to call an ambulance (urgent) help or seek other available medical care. Get instructions from the dispatcher. Be sure to tell what worries you and what should be done before the doctor arrives.

Drugs that can be used before the arrival of the ambulance team

For the treatment of a hypertensive crisis, 10 mg of nifedipine is usually taken orally. For patients of very advanced age, people with vascular diseases of the brain, it is better to reduce the dose of nifedipine by half - up to 5 mg.

Nifedipine(corinfar, cordaflex, cordipin, adalat) is available in the form of tablets, capsules, dragees. The drug is taken orally. There are long-acting dosage forms of nifedipine (the so-called "retard forms") - they are designed for long-term constant control of blood pressure. During a crisis, "retard forms" are not effective.

When should the pressure drop be expected? Remember that a too sharp, rapid drop in blood pressure can be no less dangerous than the crisis itself. The action of the drug begins after 15-30 minutes (with resorption under the tongue - after 5-15 minutes, to speed up the action when taken orally, the tablets can be chewed). Blood pressure drops by about 25%. The effect persists for 2-6 hours.

Monitor the effect of the drug by repeated measurements of blood pressure. A single dose of nifedipine is usually enough to wait for the arrival of an ambulance. If a quick arrival of a doctor is impossible and the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis persist, then the drug is taken again at the same dose (10 mg) 30-60 minutes or more after the first dose. If necessary, the drug can be repeated at this dose at intervals of 30-60 minutes, until the total dose of the drug taken reaches 60-90 mg.

Contraindications to taking nifedipine:

- it is not recommended to use in patients with severe coronary heart disease (angina III-IV functional class, unstable angina, myocardial infarction) and acute cerebrovascular accident;

- if hypersensitivity and allergy to this drug is noted, then other means should be used;

- not used for low blood pressure (hypotension), severe heart failure;

- not used in patients with severe aortic stenosis, in a state of shock, collapse;

Single doses of nifedipine can cause such side effects as headache, dizziness, nausea, reddening of the skin of the face, sensation of hot flashes (the condition resembles the symptoms of the hypertensive crisis itself). In some cases, there is a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), low blood pressure (hypotension).

Clonidine(clofelin, gemiton, katapressan) is indicated for neurovegetative (adrenal) form of hypertensive crisis. The drug is taken orally or dissolved under the tongue at a dose of 0.15 mg (150 mcg). The hypotensive effect occurs in 30-60 minutes. Keeps for 4-10 hours.

If after 30-60 minutes there is no effect from the drug, and the ambulance is delayed, then clonidine may be taken again, but at a lower dose of 0.075 mg (75 μg). If necessary, the drug can be repeated at this dose at intervals of 1 hour, until the total dose of the drug taken reaches 0.8 mg.

When taking the drug, the following adverse reactions may occur: dry mouth, lethargy, drowsiness, nasal congestion.

Furosemide(lasix) is effective in the water-salt (edematous) variant of the crisis. In this form of crisis, lasix is ​​taken orally once at a dose of 40-80 mg while taking nifedipine (10 mg).

Captopril(Capoten) is taken at a dose of 25 mg under the tongue. The drug begins to act after 10 minutes, the hypotensive effect persists for 4-6 hours.

If the effect does not occur, then, if necessary, repeated doses of captopril 25 mg orally are possible, but only 30-60 minutes after the first dose.

Contraindications to taking captopril:

- hypersensitivity to captopril and other ACE inhibitors;

- severe violations of the kidneys;

- bilateral stenosis (narrowing) of the renal arteries;

- stenosis of the artery of a single kidney;

- stenosis of the aortic orifice and similar blood flow disorders;

- patients after kidney transplantation;

- with hereditary Quincke's edema;

- with primary hyperaldosteronism;

- during pregnancy and lactation.

In severe hypertensive crisis, the patient needs intravenous administration of drugs. In such cases, drugs with a stronger effect are used. However, they can also cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Therefore, the intravenous administration of drugs such as sodium nitroprusside, pentamine, etc. requires strict control and is used only in a hospital setting or by emergency doctors.

There are features of the treatment of crises, accompanied by complications in the form of a stroke, heart attack, etc., as well as with a convulsive form of a crisis. Such serious conditions require qualified medical care.

Additional means of treatment, prevention and rehabilitation

The following methods are a good means of prevention, rehabilitation of patients. I repeat: in relation to hypertension, they can be used without medical support only for borderline hypertension or stage I of the disease.

In all other cases, additional treatments should give way to individually tailored drug therapy. Naturally, in this case, the secondary nature of the disease should be excluded, because with symptomatic hypertension, it is necessary to look for the root cause of the disease, and not just reduce blood pressure in one way or another.

Such additional means as physical therapy, physiotherapy, manual therapy have already firmly entered traditional medicine. The means of so-called alternative medicine are also gaining popularity - homeopathy, varieties of reflexology, etc.

Therapeutic exercise, physiotherapy

It has been proven that physical inactivity (a sedentary lifestyle) is one of the factors provoking arterial hypertension.

Physical exercises normalize blood circulation (blood pressure, pulse, etc.), increase the endurance of the body, it is easier to cope with stress. Physical activity improves blood supply to peripheral tissues, thus reducing the amount of blood in the systemic circulation, which means lowering blood pressure. Physical exercises help to cope with mental tension, stress, that is, they have a positive effect on the nervous system, which plays an important role in the development of the disease.

The selection of means for the physical rehabilitation of people suffering from hypertension depends on the severity of the condition, the stage of the disease, its form, and the individual characteristics of the person.

Loads increase gradually so that the body has time to adapt to them.

Very useful are the so-called aerobic exercises (jogging, cycling or exercise bike, cross-country skiing, swimming, dancing, etc.), that is, dynamic exercises that are performed for a long time, without interruptions.

For elderly and untrained people, regular walking (preferably in the fresh air) gives quite sufficient load.

In any case, it is advisable to consult a professional (doctor, exercise therapy methodologist) who will conduct stress tests: on an exercise bike or on a treadmill, he will assess the response of your cardiovascular system to a certain load and select the necessary set of exercises.

Excessive load causes exhaustion of forces. You feel worse. There will be fatigue, weakness, sleep disturbance, palpitations, and blood pressure will increase, etc. Of course, you should stop and analyze the causes of this condition, adjust the intensity of the exercises.

Too light a load will not have the desired effect. But a properly selected load should increase the emotional tone, give a charge of vivacity. Each time, it will become easier for you to pedal or perform dance moves.

The means of physiotherapeutic treatment include electrosleep, iodine-bromine, radon, hydrogen sulfide baths, ultraviolet irradiation.

Therapeutic massage is also useful for hypertension. It improves the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, improves metabolism in the body, causes muscle relaxation and thereby reduces vascular spasm.

homeopathic treatment

In this chapter we will try to reveal the secrets of the popular, but at the same time very mysterious and controversial art of healing, which is based on the principle of treating like with like.

Homeopathy is based on the use of microdoses of those substances that, in large doses, cause manifestations of this disease in a healthy person.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared according to special technologies and laws. The source of the drug can be substances of plant origin, animal tissues, microelements. The main substance is diluted in alcohol, water, lactose. They prepare a dilution that is a multiple of ten, and designate: x1, x2, x3, etc. Or a dilution that is a multiple of a hundred, and designate 1, 2, 3, etc.

Based on the experience of using substances of different concentrations, homeopaths came to the conclusion that it is more effective to use substances in a dilution that is a multiple of three (3, 6, 12 or x3, x6, x12, etc.).

Simultaneous intake of food and homeopathic medicines should be avoided.

All prescriptions for homeopathic treatment should be made by a qualified homeopath. Only he will be able to choose a truly effective remedy for this disease and for this particular patient.

This is one of the advantages of the homeopathic approach - treatment is carried out taking into account the individual characteristics of a person.

Homeopathic treatment is used at the non-drug stage of hypertension therapy along with other non-pharmacological methods and lifestyle correction. In patients at low and intermediate risk for developing cardiovascular complications, this may be the only form of treatment. At high risk, classical drug therapy is also required.

In moderate and severe forms of the disease, homeopathic remedies can be an addition to treatment, but do not replace or exclude modern antihypertensive drugs.

A conscientious homeopath will never advise treating severe forms of hypertension with homeopathic remedies alone and forgetting about traditional medicines.

In addition, in acute situations (for example, hypertensive crises, heart attacks, strokes), homeopathy alone often remains powerless. Here, effective potent pharmacological agents must also be used.

Phytotherapy

Medicinal plants have been used for the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure for a long time. They can be combined with traditional therapy. However, it should be remembered that the use of any methods of treatment, including herbal medicine, requires a doctor's consultation.

Despite the fact that more and more effective potent medicinal preparations appear, interest in medicinal plants is constantly growing. Side effects, allergic reactions to many drugs of synthetic origin enhance the practical significance of herbal medicine.

Medicinal plants should be used for hypertension stage I and II. In these cases, a significant and persistent reduction in blood pressure is usually achieved.

Juice treatment

When arterial hypertension is combined with overweight, it is desirable to use plants that activate metabolism. In this case, vegetable and fruit juices are a wonderful remedy for lowering high blood pressure.

For example, beet juice reduces the risk of nocturnal high blood pressure. In addition, beetroot drink has many other positive properties that affect the human body.

It is better to drink the drink at night in combination with carrot juice in the following proportion: 1 part of beetroot juice and 4 parts of carrot juice. Take no more than 100 ml during the day.

Also, with high blood pressure, it is recommended to prepare a mixture of an equal amount (1 glass each) of juices. carrots, beets, black radish with the addition of juice of 1 lemon and 1 cup of honey. To stir thoroughly. Take a drink 1 hour before meals 2-3 times a day, 1 tablespoon.

watermelon juice It is also considered a useful addition to the diet of people suffering from high blood pressure. Folic acid, fructose, microelements, vitamins B1, B2, C, PP are isolated from the pulp of watermelon. It is advisable to regularly use watermelons for atherosclerosis, as it helps to remove cholesterol from the body, and also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

Grapefruit used in dietary nutrition, it has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, reduces high blood pressure and has an effect that enhances immunity. Grapefruit juice is recommended to be taken 30 minutes before a meal, 1/4 cup.

Apples contain a large number of various vitamins, microelements and organic acids necessary for the human body to increase vitality. People suffering from high blood pressure are advised to take apple juice 15 minutes before meals, 1/2 cup.

Great remedy for high blood pressure cranberry juice . Cranberries contain citric, benzoic, quinic, ursolic acids, vitamin C, vaccinin glycoside, pectin substances. Cranberry juice is recommended as a mild vasodilator for angina pectoris.

To prepare cranberry juice, you need to take 1 kg of fresh cranberries, knead the berries well with sugar in equal proportions. Take 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 weeks, after which it is necessary to take a break for 1 week. Then you can continue taking the mixture.

Juice aloe arborescens (the plant is also known as agave) also helps to reduce high blood pressure.

Large aloe leaves are cut off, washed and squeezed out. Take only freshly squeezed juice before meals, diluting 3 drops of juice in 1 teaspoon of boiled cold water.

onion juice also contributes to the normalization of high blood pressure. It is necessary to take 3 kg of onion, squeeze the juice out of it, then add 500 g of honey and a partition of walnuts. Pour the mixture with 1/2 liter of vodka. Seal the container with the mixture and insist in a dark place for 10 days. Take the finished product 2-3 times a day, 1 tablespoon.

Characteristics of some medicinal plants

hawthorn blood red

For medicinal purposes, hawthorn flowers are used, collected at the very beginning of flowering, as well as fruits without stalks in full maturity. The plant is used for violations of cardiac activity, vegetative neurosis, high blood pressure.

Hawthorn and preparations based on it have a beneficial effect on cerebral and coronary blood supply, can reduce nervous excitability, eliminate the symptoms of arrhythmia and tachycardia. These drugs are especially well tolerated by the elderly. Traditional medicine recommends using an infusion of hawthorn fruits in menopause.

With high blood pressure, as well as menopause and vegetative neurosis, an infusion of blood-red hawthorn fruits is recommended.

Pour 10 g of fruits with 1 glass of water at room temperature. Cover the bowl with a lid and put in a water bath for about 10-15 minutes. Then cool at room temperature, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

In addition to infusion to reduce pressure, you can prepare a tincture of hawthorn fruits.

Pour 10 g of flowers with 100 g of vodka or 70% alcohol, cork tightly and leave for 10 days. Then strain the tincture. Store in a dark container. Take 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals, 20-30 drops. The course of treatment is 20-25 days.

Spring adonis, or Montenegrin

For medicinal purposes, the aerial part of the herb is used. Adonis should be harvested when it blooms, or during the fruiting period.

This plant is used for diseases of the cardiovascular system, in particular for chronic circulatory failure, as well as a diuretic and sedative in complex therapy. Adonis spring is part of some pharmaceutical preparations. It must be remembered that before using preparations of Adonis or the herb itself, you need to consult a doctor.

Black cohosh Dahurian

For medicinal purposes, a thick rhizome with roots is used. When studying the plant, it was found that it has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, and also helps to relax the intestinal muscles. Black cohosh Dahurian has the ability to reduce pressure. It is one of the highly effective medicinal plants used in arterial hypertension. In addition to water infusions, you can prepare alcohol infusions, which are also recommended for some gynecological diseases. At high pressure, Dahurian black cohosh tincture is used (it can be purchased at a pharmacy) 50 drops 3 times a day.

Rowan chokeberry

For medicinal purposes, rowan fruits are used. They contain a large amount of vitamin P, as well as vitamins C, A, B2, B6, trace elements, iron, boron, iodine and many other useful substances. It is the content of vitamin P, supplemented by the action of ascorbic acid, that helps to reduce high blood pressure. Therefore, the fruits of mountain ash and juice from it are recommended for use in stages I and II of hypertension.

Juice is prepared from the fruits, which must be taken (in the absence of any contraindications) 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals, 50 ml each for 10 days. You can continue the course of treatment up to 50 days, after consulting with your doctor.

The fruits of chokeberry and preparations based on it are not recommended for patients suffering from gastritis accompanied by high acidity, as well as for gastric and duodenal ulcers.

marsh cudweed

For medicinal purposes, the plant is used along with the roots. Cushweed marsh and preparations made on its basis are widely used to reduce high blood pressure, as well as in the complex treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Swamp cudweed is used in the form of infusions, decoctions. The pharmaceutical industry produces tablets, which include marsh cudweed.

At high pressure, it is recommended to use cyanosis blue tablets (0.05 g) together with cudweed tablets (0.2 g), since their combined use has a more pronounced therapeutic effect. Take cudweed tablets 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day, 2 pcs. and cyanosis blue tablets 3 times a day after meals, 1 pc. (check with your doctor!). With high blood pressure, it is recommended to make warm foot baths from the herbs of marsh cudweed and blue cyanosis.

To prepare baths, you need to take 150 g of grass and pour 3 liters of boiling water over it. Insist 30 minutes. Take a bath for 30 minutes.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, an infusion is prepared from the marsh cudweed herb.

30 g of grass is poured into 1 glass of warm water, covered with a lid and placed in a water bath for 15 minutes. Then cool for 45 minutes and filter. Take 3-4 times a day, 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before meals.

Herbal preparations

Collection number 1

Kidney tea - 1 part;

Cudweed herb - 2 parts;

Motherwort grass - 3 parts.

1 tablespoon with a slide pour 300 ml of boiling water. Boil over low heat for 5 minutes. Then wrap well and leave for 3-4 hours. After that, strain. Take 20 minutes before eating food 1/2 cup 3 times a day. Infusion should be taken only in the form of heat.

Collection number 2

Cudweed herb - 1 part;

Blood-red hawthorn flowers - 1 part;

mistletoe leaves - 1 part;

Motherwort grass - 1 part.

Mix the ingredients well. 4 tablespoons of the prepared herbal mixture pour 1 liter of boiling water. Strain. Take the infusion 1 hour before meals 3 times a day for 1/2 cup.

Collection number 3

Valerian officinalis rhizome - 15 g;

Baikal skullcap roots - 15 g;

Carrot seeds - 10 g;

Horsetail herb - 10 g;

Fennel seeds - 10 g;

10 g of the prepared herbal mixture pour 200 ml of boiling water. Put in a boiling water bath for 20-30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, strain. Bring the resulting amount of herbal decoction to 200 ml with boiled water. Take 3 times a day for 1/3-1/4 cup.

Collection number 4

Herb motherwort five-lobed - 8 parts;

Wild strawberry leaves - 4 parts;

Marsh cudweed herb - 4 parts;

Shepherd's purse grass - 2 parts;

Blood-red hawthorn fruits - 2 parts;

Cultural flax seed - 2 parts;

Peppermint herb - 1 part.

Depending on the weight of the patient, 2-3 tablespoons of the herbal mixture is taken. Grass fall asleep in a thermos and pour 2 cups of boiling water. Leave in a thermos for 6-8 hours. After the infusion, drink during the day in a warm form in 3 divided doses. Take 30 minutes before a meal.

Collection number 5

Kidney tea - 1 part;

Adonis grass - 1 part;

Blood-red hawthorn fruits - 1 part;

Cudweed herb - 2 parts;

Peppermint herb - 2 parts;

Motherwort grass - 3 parts.

Grind all ingredients well and mix. Pour 2 tablespoons of herbal collection with 2 cups of boiling water. Put to boil on low heat for 5-10 minutes, then tightly close the lid and wrap. Strain after 30 minutes. Take the infusion after meals 3 times a day for 1/3 cup.

Collection number 6

Blood-red hawthorn fruits - 15 g;

Black chokeberry fruits - 15 g;

Baikal skullcap roots - 10 g;

Horsetail herb - 10 g;

Blue cornflower flowers - 10 g.

10 g of the prepared herbal mixture pour 200 ml of boiling water. Put in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, strain. Bring the resulting amount of herbal decoction to 200 ml with boiled water. Take 3 times a day for 1/4 cup.

Collection number 7

Rose hips - 1 part;

Basil grass - 1 part;

Fruits and flowers of blood-red hawthorn - 1 part;

Swamp cudweed herb - 1 part;

Motherwort grass - 1 part.

Grind and mix all the necessary ingredients. 4 tablespoons of the prepared herbal mixture pour 1 liter of boiling water. Leave the infusion to infuse for 7 hours. Strain. Take a ready-made infusion 3 times a day for 1/2 cup.

Collection number 8

Blood-red hawthorn flowers - 20 g;

Young shoots of white mistletoe - 20 g;

Small periwinkle leaves - 10 g;

Valerian officinalis rhizome - 10 g;

Common cumin fruits - 10 g.

Mix all ingredients well. Pour 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture with 1 cup of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 2 hours, then strain. Infusion take 2 times a day for 1 glass.

It should be emphasized that in the treatment of herbal preparations can be used both in isolation and in combination with drug therapy (at the discretion of the attending physician).

Usually, with herbal medicine, after 2 weeks, improvement occurs: sleep normalizes, weakness decreases, and blood pressure levels decrease. However, a lasting effect can be achieved only in the case of long-term and regular use of herbs (for 6-8 weeks).

It is advisable to take breaks for 7–10 days after a month and a half of treatment against the background of good health, and after the break, change the preparations if possible. In addition, it is recommended to change the plants added to the main collection to treat concomitant diseases. After the course of treatment, it is recommended to take prophylactic preparations (even with the normalization of blood pressure and satisfactory health) for 2 months twice a year - in spring and autumn.

With herbal medicine, it should be borne in mind that herbal treatment, like, indeed, any other treatment, cannot be sufficiently effective without following the correct regimen, using physiotherapy exercises and a sparing diet, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol and strong coffee.