Causes, symptoms and treatments for hypertension. Degree of arterial hypertension

How to treat hypertension? Treatment of hypertension or arterial hypertension depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease, the causes that cause it, and the individual reaction of the body. When a diagnosis of hypertension is established, treatment is prescribed by a specialist, however, there are a number of additional measures and ways to improve well-being, based on changing the regimen and diet. Such folk methods of treating hypertension are most often effective in the so-called hypertensive syndrome. When diagnosed with hypertension, the most effective treatments are those that address the underlying cause of high blood pressure, not those that temporarily lower it. How to treat hypertension, the doctor decides, but the first priority of the patient should be a change in lifestyle. Treatment of hypertension in its first stages lends itself well to non-drug therapy, subject to the doctor's prescriptions.

Diagnosis of the cause of the disease and treatment of hypertension

Hypertension - one of the most cardiovascular, especially in developed countries. Statistics say that arterial hypertension affects up to 30% of the adult population of Russia. With age, the prevalence of the disease increases and reaches 65% in people of retirement age.
A persistent increase in blood pressure can have a variety of causes. More than 20 combinations in the human genetic code contribute to the emergence of hypertension. Essential or primary hypertension is the most common form of hypertension (up to 95%), diagnosed by excluding hypertension of other etiologies.
The remaining cases of hypertension are called secondary, symptomatic, having the symptom of high blood pressure based on renal, endocrine, hemodynamic dysfunctions, as well as due to the intake of certain medications, dietary supplements (most often this is a combination of long-term use of oral contraceptives, smoking and overweight). Allocate also arterial hypertension of pregnant women.
Arterial hypertension develops as a result of an overstrain of mental activity under the influence of psychoemotional factors that cause disturbances in the cortical and subcortical regulation of the vasomotor system and hormonal mechanisms for controlling blood pressure. World Health Organization experts identify a number of risk factors for hypertension. These include the following:

age (after 65 years, the risk increases significantly);
gender (women get sick more often);
physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle;
the use of excess amounts of table salt with food;
alcohol abuse;
hypocalcium diet, lack of calcium in water, unbalanced diet;
smoking, active and passive;
diabetes;
obesity, overweight;
heredity and other factors.

Treatment of hypertension is based on the identification of the main factors contributing to its development. The syndrome of primary hypertension at the initial stage is often characterized by a fairly long period of labile arterial hypertension, sometimes complicated by hypertensive crises. A person may not feel a deterioration in well-being until the onset of a hypertensive crisis and may not be aware of the disease until a diagnosis is made by a doctor.
Symptoms of hypertension at this stage include:

headache;
cardialgia, pain in the region of the heart;
general weakness, hypotension;
sleep disturbances, often caused by increased urine production during the night.

The development of hypertension is also facilitated by night shifts or a nocturnal lifestyle. In a healthy person, even in the presence of high blood pressure occasionally during the day, blood pressure indicators normalize at night during sleep and rest. In patients with hypertension, blood pressure remains elevated throughout the day, regardless of the regimen.
Hypertension belongs to the category of multifactorial polyetiological diseases, which means that several factors play a role in its occurrence and development. So, with a pronounced hereditary tendency to develop arterial hypertension, it is possible to delay or avoid hypertension with the help of preventive measures (a healthy lifestyle, regimen, the right choice of medicines).
Allocate internal and external factors affecting the development of the disease. Internal factors include:

- anomalies of intrauterine development (for example, low or high birth weight);
- symptomatic components, such as those associated with obstetric practices at the time of birth;
- inherited polygenic factors influencing the processes of blood pressure regulation.
  Among the external factors, in addition to those listed above, the following are distinguished that have a negative effect on the body:
  - climate, in countries with a hot and humid climate there is a higher incidence rate;
  - harmful working conditions;
  - residential microclimate;
  - unbalanced mode of work and rest, energy-intensive types of rest;
  - deficiency of vitamins, essential bioelements;
  - relationships with people, especially in terms of individual psycho-emotional reactions.

Manifestations of a hypertensive crisis

A hypertensive crisis is the result of a sharp violation of the mechanisms of regulation of blood pressure, which provokes a significant increase in blood pressure and a disorder of blood circulation in the internal organs. During a hypertensive crisis, symptoms of impaired blood supply to the brain and heart are observed. Patients have the following complaints and symptoms:

- - a sharp and significant increase in blood pressure, while in people with usually normal or low blood pressure, they may not reach high values;
  - hyperemia, redness of the face, chest area;
  - blurred vision, "midges", flickering before the eyes;
  - insomnia, sleep disturbances, anxiety, fears;
  - headaches, especially in the back of the head;
  - noise, ringing in the ears, hearing impairment, sensation of "stunned";
  - dyspnea;
  - pain in the chest;
  - neurological disorders, numbness of the extremities, dizziness, confusion.

A hypertensive crisis can be complicated, life-threatening, when in order to save life, medical care must be sought to be provided within an hour, and uncomplicated (up to 24 hours). In case of a hypertensive crisis, which complicates malignant hypertension, treatment should be started immediately, regardless of the symptoms, since the damage to the organs most affected during the crisis depends on the time before the start of therapy and is observed in all crises and in malignant hypertension in non-crisis periods.
A hypertensive crisis is always considered complicated by a combination of the following diseases and / or factors:

- - hypertensive encephalopathy;
  - acute violation of cerebral circulation;
  - acute coronary syndrome;
  - acute left ventricular failure;
  - dissecting aortic aneurysm;
  - pheochromocytoma;
  - taking narcotic drugs: amphetamines, cocaine, etc.;
  - preeclampsia and eclampsia, especially dangerous during the gestational period;
  - severe arterial hypertension, combined with subarachnoid hemorrhage or brain injury;
  - hypertension in the postoperative period, especially with the threat of bleeding.

Hypertensive crisis is dangerous for all patients, regardless of the presence or absence of disorders of the cardiovascular system and the brain. It is the defeat of target organs that hypertension is dangerous.

How to treat arterial hypertension in the crisis stage

The treatment of hypertension of any etiology in the crisis stage is carried out exclusively by specialists. Folk remedies for hypertension are unacceptable for the treatment of life-threatening conditions.
Therapy begins with ensuring the patient's rest and an accurate measurement of pressure: for three times with an interval between each measurement. When providing first aid and in a medical institution, according to indications, drugs such as Enalaprilat parenterally, Nitroglycerin (with acute coronary syndrome and acute left ventricular failure) are used; sodium nitroprusside (with hypertensive encephalopathy), beta-blockers (Metoprolol, Esmolol), diuretics, neuroleptic drugs, and so on.
The choice of a drug in the treatment of a hypertensive crisis is based on the etiology, symptoms of damage to internal organs and contraindications, and when trying to choose medications on your own, and especially relying on folk remedies for hypertension, you can significantly harm your health, even death.
Complications of a hypertensive crisis caused by the lack of urgent therapy or treatment of arterial hypertension in the crisis stage include such severe organ damage and impaired functions as retinopathy, optic nerve edema, impaired and complete loss of vision, arrhythmic heart disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, syndrome disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hemolytic anemia, acute cerebrovascular accident, pulmonary and cerebral edema, renal failure and death.

Hypertension: treatment based on diagnostic results

Unpleasant sensations associated with increased blood pressure: tinnitus, headaches and other symptoms of incipient hypertension, largely coincide with the signs of normal overwork. Most patients, noting the deterioration of their health and unsuccessfully trying to deal with it in various ways, do not even think about their blood pressure indicators, and also do not imagine the real scale of the danger - the numerous complications of hypertension.
For this ability to disguise symptoms under the phenomena of ordinary fatigue, hypertension has received the name "invisible killer". It is not uncommon for a diagnosis to be made only by ambulance doctors with an emergency call, when the disease has already had the opportunity to progress for quite a long time. At the same time, high blood pressure does not require complex diagnosis, it can be detected during a routine routine examination or on its own, if hypertension of any etiology is treated at the initial stage, the development of the disease can be successfully prevented in most cases.
Self-diagnosis methods include monitoring your condition, as well as checking your blood pressure, preferably by a specialist. The following symptoms, noted on a regular basis, are manifestations of latent hypertension:

- - headaches, especially in the occipital region;
  - dizziness, clouding of consciousness;
  - weak, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia);
  - sweating;
  - redness of the face, chest;
  - sensation of pulsation in the head;
  - chills for no apparent reason;
  - increased anxiety;
  - memory impairment, decreased concentration;
  - feeling of internal tension, difficulty in achieving a relaxed state;
  - irritability, anger;
  - decrease in working capacity;
  - "flies" before the eyes;
  - swelling of the eyelids and face after sleep;
  - swelling of the hands, numbness of the fingers.

Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension should be started as soon as such symptoms have been noticed on a regular basis. Their appearance and disappearance on their own does not mean that hypertension cannot be detected. The most effective treatments for this disease are those that are started as early as possible.
When referring to a specialist for diagnosis, three main methods are used: measurement of blood pressure, physical examination, electrocardiogram. If hypertension is diagnosed, the most effective methods of treatment are those that affect the factors that provoke persistent high blood pressure before the onset of changes in the target organs of the disease, therefore, in order to accurately determine the directions for treating hypertension of various etiologies, the following types of examinations can also be prescribed by a specialist: complete blood count, complete urinalysis , specific blood and urine tests, ultrasound of the heart and internal organs, ECG, vascular dopplerography, various tests, etc. Based on the examination and anamnesis, arterial hypertension is diagnosed. How to treat, how to influence the cause of the disease, the doctor will tell you.

Folk remedies for hypertension

Effective folk methods for the treatment of hypertension are a rather dubious misconception from the point of view of specialists. Although experts single out both arterial hypertension and hypertensive syndrome, the body's reaction to stress, anxiety, worries or non-compliance with a diet, a regimen in the form of an increase in pressure.
Such episodes, indicating the initial stage of the development of arterial hypertension, are often successfully corrected with sedatives, diuretics, calcium-containing products, and so on.
At the initial stage of a disease such as hypertension, alternative methods of treatment are based on the use of vegetable juices, herbal teas, vegetables, berries, fruits, and products of natural origin.
If you do not rely only on folk remedies for hypertension, effective methods of therapy are possible with a combination of taking, for example, chopped cranberries with honey, diuretic fees (lingonberry leaf) and medicines prescribed by a doctor.
However, self-treatment of hypertension based solely on alternative medicine is dangerous. If you treat arterial hypertension caused by endocrinological factors with the help of diuretic fees, the disease will progress. When diagnosed with hypertension, alternative methods of treatment are not excluded, but complement the general course of therapy prescribed by the doctor.

Among the products useful for high blood pressure are the following: garlic, hawthorn, baked potatoes, viburnum, beets, chokeberries, carrots, cranberries, honey, ginger and others. Moderate consumption of these foods, provided there are no contraindications, can help promote health and improve well-being, not only in the diagnosis of hypertension.

How to treat hypertension without medication?

If primary hypertension is diagnosed by a specialist, initial treatment options may not include medication, especially on an ongoing basis. Treatment of primary hypertensive syndrome is based primarily on the restoration of impaired functions of the body through its recovery. Thus, for the treatment of hypertension of the most common forms, it is often enough to return to a healthy lifestyle.

Motivation for sports: how physical activity affects health
So, if the initial stage of the disease is arterial hypertension, how to treat the patient without resorting to medication? Since bad habits contribute to the development of the disease, first of all, with a diagnosis of hypertension, the treatment methods will be as follows:

- - exclusion of foods and drinks that cause nervous excitement and increase blood pressure (caffeinated drinks increase blood pressure by 5 or more points after drinking an average cup of coffee, not to mention tonic drinks, drugs, etc.);
  - reducing the amount of salt in food, both added during cooking and already present in semi-finished products, canned food, baked goods and factory-made products. Sodium levels must be carefully monitored;
  - quitting smoking, both active and active;
  - an active lifestyle, an increase in the amount of physical activity during the day: walking instead of traveling by transport, walking while relaxing instead of watching TV, exercising in the morning, swimming pool help not only keep the body in good shape, but also strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
  - remove foods high in fat and cholesterol from the diet;
  - add foods high in magnesium: According to studies, 85% of people suffering from arterial hypertension are deficient in magnesium, and magnesium correlates with the absorption of calcium, which directly affects blood pressure. Such foods include cabbage, baked potatoes, seafood, dairy products (cottage cheese, milk), meat, fish, poultry, eggs, seeds, nuts, dried fruits, dark chocolate, etc. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe magnesium supplements orally or in the form of injections;
  - refuse alcoholic beverages, including beer;
  - if you are overweight, you need to take measures to reduce it, possibly with the help of a dietitian. Studies show that overweight people with hypertension in 60% of cases after weight loss do not feel the need to take medication;
  - control of drugs taken: dietary supplements, hormone-containing drugs, including oral contraceptives. Arterial hypertension while taking contraceptive medications is not at all uncommon, therefore, at the beginning of the course and throughout it, experts advise monitoring pressure indicators on a regular basis, and if they increase, choose other methods of protection;
  - in the absence of contraindications, it is necessary to enrich the daily diet with foods containing fiber, as well as vitamin C. Researchers have proven that a lack of vitamin C is one of the factors predisposing to an increase in blood pressure;
  - the duration of sleep with symptoms of arterial hypertension should be at least 7-8 hours a day. It is advisable to get up and go to bed at the same time every day, it is recommended to change the nature of work: limit frequent business trips and night shifts;
  - stress is one of the main factors provoking an increase in blood pressure, so patients with hypertension are advised to master the methods of psychological relaxation: meditation, self-hypnosis, auto-training. It is important to learn to see the positive aspects of things and work on your character, react less pronouncedly to irritants, reducing the likelihood of an increase in blood pressure in response to conflict situations or unpleasant news.

In fact, as with any other disease, the primary purpose is to normalize lifestyle. In the case of symptoms of arterial hypertension, this is especially important, regardless of the age of the person. Cardiovascular diseases, a decrease in the tone of the walls of the arteries are observed today in 30-year-old people, and the increase in the diagnosis of "arterial hypertension" begins with an age barrier of 40 years. Therefore, no matter how trite it sounds, a healthy lifestyle should begin in childhood. By instilling healthy eating habits at an early age, instilling active rest as opposed to sitting at the computer, promoting the rejection of alcohol and nicotine abuse by their behavior, parents do both themselves and their children a great service in preventing future diseases, including hypertension.
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, experts have unusual advice for those who have been diagnosed with hypertension. What to treat? Not only with medicines, diet changes and the rejection of bad habits, but also in such amazing ways as:

- - always tell the truth. As scientists have proven, lies cause vasospasm and blood pressure jumps;
  - laugh more. Laughter not only improves mood, watching comedy, reading jokes, accompanied by laughter, help saturate the body with energy, promote light vibration massage of internal organs, improve blood circulation, relax muscle tissues;
  - get an animal. Firstly, it adds such necessary physical activity, especially if the animal is an inquisitive puppy, and secondly, according to studies, cats and dogs, with direct contact, help to calm down, relieve stress, and lower blood pressure.

Arterial hypertension is a disease that can be corrected and treated with timely treatment and adherence to doctor's prescriptions. However, when undergoing a course of treatment, medication or alternative, it should be remembered that hypertension dictates a lifestyle, and it is impossible to stop the course on your own, even if the state of health has improved and the symptoms have disappeared. Moreover, you can not return to bad habits.

Hypertension is a disease in which there is high blood pressure that does not change over time. Approximately 90% of patients suffering from this pathology are diagnosed with arterial essential hypertension.

Often, hypertension develops against the background of other ailments. In particular, high blood pressure is often observed in pregnant women. In addition, it develops due to long-term use of certain types of drugs or due to genetic changes. And today, about 25 combinations of genes are distinguished, which lead to a persistent increase in pressure in humans.

The reasons

The reason why hypertension is often called essential (a disease of unclear etiology) is that modern medicine cannot answer why persistent high blood pressure is formed. There are many theories that explain this problem. However, they are all invalid. Moreover, doctors, adhering to a certain theory, can "put" the patient on pills, treat the disease, but without achieving noticeable success.

Blood pressure rises due to various factors. For example, severe stress causes the walls of some blood vessels to tense up. As a result, the receptors located in them are irritated, which transmit excitation to the medulla oblongata. At the same time, depressor neurons are activated. They expand the walls of blood vessels, due to which the pressure is restored.

Such a system ensures the normal functioning of the whole organism. That is, in a healthy person, blood pressure rises for a short time.

It is believed that hypertension occurs due to the following factors:

Basically, the problem under consideration occurs with metabolic disorders, which is characterized by a sharp increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood. This disease is called metabolic syndrome. It occurs with an increase in weight, the number of certain fats (triglycerides), and other pathologies.

Symptoms

In hypertension, the clinical picture is usually unclear. Often patients are not even aware that they have such a problem. They live as if nothing is happening to them. Even rare bouts of nausea, dizziness, weakness, patients write off as an accident and do not pay attention to them, since these symptoms pass quickly enough on their own. Most often, hypertensive patients turn to a doctor when the disease has already affected the internal organs, disrupting their work.

The initial stages of hypertension are characterized by the following:

headache;
dizziness;
noises in the head;
decrease in working capacity;
memory deterioration.

All this may indicate a decrease in the blood supply to the brain. These symptoms go away on their own over time. But later they are joined by:

double vision;
"flies" before the eyes;
weakness;
numbness of the limbs;
speech difficulty.

Serious complications of hypertension that occur with a long course of the disease include heart attacks and strokes. In the early stages of the development of pathology during the study of the heart, an increase in the size of the left ventricle of the myocardium is detected.

It begins to grow due to the thickening of the walls of blood vessels. Later, if no measures are taken, the so-called hypertension of the heart occurs. With such a disease, atherosclerosis sometimes occurs, characterized by morphological changes that occur in the aorta: the latter begins to exfoliate. As a result, death occurs.

The most characteristic sign of hypertension is frequent headache. It occurs at different times of the day. Basically, the pain is localized in the occipital region. In some hypertensive patients, edema of the extremities is observed, which indicates heart failure or impaired renal function.

Hypertensive crisis

Among all diseases that affect the cardiovascular system, arterial hypertension is the most common. It occurs due to the narrowing of the arteries.

The arteries themselves are a kind of highway along which blood moves, delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues. The narrowing of the walls is observed quite often. However, a persistent process is diagnosed somewhat less frequently.

Narrowing occurs due to thickening of the walls of blood vessels. The heart has to work harder to deliver blood. As a result, there is a greater release of fluid into the vascular bed, which increases the overall pressure.

Unfortunately, hypertension is a chronic disease. Moreover, every tenth patient has a lesion of one or more internal organs. In the latter case, we are talking about the so-called symptomatic, or secondary, hypertension.

One of the most common complications of this pathology is hypertensive crisis. It is divided into two types.

The following symptoms are characteristic of the first stage of the disease:

hypertrophic encephalopathy;
acute left ventricular failure;
eclampsia and other pathologies.

With a hypertensive crisis related to the first stage, it is necessary to urgently lower the level of blood pressure (BP). In some patients, there is an increase in the level of catecholamines in the blood.

The second stage of the crisis is characterized by:

malignant arterial hypertension, in which complications are not observed;
hypertension with high (more than 140 mm) diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure in such a crisis must be reduced within 12-24 hours.

Degrees and stages

During the diagnosis, the doctor needs to identify the current degree of hypertension and the stage of its development. This will allow you to make the most effective treatment. Moreover, the longer the disease develops, the more likely the malfunction of the internal organs.

Normal pressure readings look like this:

systolic - below 130 mm;
diastolic - below 85 mm.

Increased blood pressure is diagnosed at 135-140 and 90-95 mm, respectively.

For the first degree of the disease, both indicators are 140-160 and 90-100 mm. The second degree of hypertension is indicated by systolic pressure, which is at the level of 160-180 mm, and diastolic - 100-110 mm. Severe disease is characterized by the following indicators: more than 180 mm and 110 mm.

At the first stage of development, hypertension often resolves on its own without external influence. If you measure the pressure now, the device will show no more than 160/10 mm. The pressure level is normalized in about 1-2 weeks. The clinical picture at the first stage is mild or the symptoms do not manifest themselves. In some cases, patients suffer from mild headache and weakness.

In the second stage, systolic pressure rises to 180 mm. At the same time, diastolic blood pressure remains at 100 mm. Now the patient has shortness of breath, dizziness, frequent headaches, problems with falling asleep. Possible angina pectoris.

When contacting a doctor, a specialist during the examination reveals:

narrowing of the artery located in the retina;
left ventricular hypertrophy.

Protein is found in urine tests, and an increased content of creatine is found in the blood.

When the second stage of the pathology is detected, it is necessary to start its treatment as early as possible, since heart attacks and strokes are among the complications of the disease.

In the third stage, diastolic pressure rises to a level of 110 mm. Systolic blood pressure remains unchanged. At this stage, the patient is determined:

In addition, the third stage is characterized by the symptoms described above. Treatment must be carried out immediately, since against the background of pathology, kidney and liver failure develop, in most cases heart attacks or strokes occur.

Therapy

Treatment of hypertension is carried out through two methods:

with the use of drugs;
without the use of medicines.

Therapy begins with the elimination of concomitant diseases that caused an increase in blood pressure. The same goals are pursued by the treatment of AD both with and without medication. In addition, taking appropriate medications contributes to the expansion of the walls of blood vessels. In the early stages of the development of the disease, certain medications are often prescribed. In the future, if the therapy did not have the desired effect, they resort to combined treatment.

Medications used to treat hypertension include:

Hypertension should be treated only after consulting a doctor and with the direct participation of a specialist. Without making an accurate diagnosis, identifying concomitant diseases and determining other indicators, it is impossible to prescribe effective therapy. High blood pressure is a sign of serious disorders in the body. Self-medication in this case will only harm the patient's condition.

Non-drug methods of therapy include adherence to a certain diet, from which salt is excluded. Also, patients are advised to relax more, spend time in the fresh air. In addition, it is necessary to give up bad habits and protect yourself from stressful situations. If these methods do not restore normal blood pressure (provided that hypertension is in the first stage), then resort to drug therapy.

Only with constant interaction between the doctor and the patient can significant progress be made in the treatment of hypertension. In particular, this approach allows you to normalize the work of the heart, reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, improve the patient's condition.

Diet

Diet is an important component of effective pathology therapy. It ensures the satisfaction of the needs of the human body in vitamins and minerals, while protecting against the ingress of harmful and carcinogenic substances.

The functions of the cardiovascular system are strongly interconnected with the work of the digestive organs. Therefore, dieting always has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels. For example, when overeating, the stomach expands in size, putting pressure on the diaphragm. Because of this, the heart cannot function normally, resulting in a decrease in the volume of blood produced.

Abundant salt intake leads to the fact that water begins to actively accumulate in the tissues of the body, which causes swelling of the hands and feet.

The basic principles of the diet:

The diet for hypertension requires limiting the following:

Nutritionists advise checking the calorie content of each product included in the daily diet. It is necessary to spend the so-called fasting days, during which you need to eat only a certain product (apples, kefir, meat or something else). In any case, a doctor should prescribe a diet, since even a diet that is suitable in terms of personal preferences can seriously harm the body.

The following elements play an important role in the treatment of hypertension:

In order to treat hypertension, bee venom is also used. It not only has a strong diuretic effect, but also dilates blood vessels, like magnesium, thereby reducing the likelihood of spasms. It is recommended to use poison no more than twice a week.

Royal jelly and propolis are natural antioxidants. Regular intake of these substances contributes to the active cleansing of the body of harmful trace elements and toxins. Also, royal jelly with propolis has a tonic effect, simultaneously creating a reliable psychological barrier against stress.

For the treatment of hypertension, you can take the fruits of chokeberry. And it doesn’t matter what condition they will be in: juice, fruit drink, compote and the like. Fruits should be consumed three times a day before meals.

Tell your friends!
Do you have any questions? Use the search!

Hypertension is an extremely common disease, which, as a collective definition, combines several types of arterial hypertension. Hypertension develops against the background of a narrowing of the lumen of the walls of small vessels, arteries, as a result of which the normal movement of blood flow is disturbed, and the blood accumulating in the narrowed places begins to put pressure on the walls of the vessels.

What is hypertension?

High blood pressure can be a symptom, but it can also be an independent disease. If a person is diagnosed with chronic pathologies of the kidneys, cardiovascular system, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, hypertension is almost inevitable as one of the manifestations of these diseases. Also, an increase in pressure can be an adaptive response of organs and systems to changes, both external - excessive physical activity, and internal - psycho-emotional factors, stress. Almost all types of hypertension with timely diagnosis are supervised both with the help of drug therapy and with the help of other, non-drug methods.

Normal blood pressure in a relatively healthy person is fixed between 100/60 and 140/90 mm Hg, if the regulatory systems stop working correctly, hypertension or hypotension may develop.

Statistics provide information that almost 30% of the world's population suffer from one stage or another of hypertension, and in fact, until recently, almost nothing was known about such a disease as hypertension. Only Homo sapiens are characterized by disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system, not a single representative of the animal world is subject to them. Until the 19th-20th centuries, little was known about hypertension, one of the first cases of a heart attack was reliably confirmed by doctors only in the 30s of the last century in one of the European countries, in the same period there was not a single clinically confirmed case cardiovascular pathologies in Africa and Asia. Only with the development of urbanization and the penetration of modern technologies in these countries, the Asian and African population also became vulnerable to hypertension, which peaked in the 70s of the XX century.

Hypertension, since the end of the last century, is divided into primary and secondary

Primary (essential) hypertension is a separate nosological unit, an independent disease that is not provoked by impaired functioning of organs and systems. Blood pressure rises not due to, for example, kidney disease. Hypertension diagnosed as primary (EH - essential hypertension or HT - essential hypertension) will have a persistent clinical sign - an increase in pressure, both systolic and diastolic. Almost 90% of all patients with persistently elevated blood pressure suffer from primary hypertension.
Symptomatic hypertension, which is also called secondary, is hypertension provoked by an underlying disease, for example, inflammatory processes in the renal system - glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, or a dysfunction of the pituitary gland, pancreas. Also, secondary hypertension develops against the background of pathological changes in the vascular system - atherosclerosis, which can provoke symptomatic hypertension and neurotic disease. Also, secondary hypertension is quite common during pregnancy and in gynecological diseases - cysts and neoplasms.

Hypertension is also classified into degrees, depending on the level of increase in blood pressure.

If blood pressure is fixed within the limits of 140/90 and 159/99 mm Hg, hypertension is diagnosed as a disease of the I degree. In this case, the pressure can return to normal, but periodically "jump" to the specified limits.
If blood pressure is fixed in the range from 160/100 to 179/109 mm Hg, hypertension is considered a disease of the II degree. There is practically no remission, but the pressure can be stopped with the help of medications.
Blood pressure, which is constantly kept in the range of 180/110 and higher, is considered a clinical symptom of stage III hypertension. At this stage, blood pressure practically does not fall to a normal level, and if it does, it is accompanied by cardiac weakness, up to heart failure.

Hypertension, in addition to having stages in the development of the disease, is also divided into separate clinical forms. Hyperdrenergic hypertension is actually the initial stage of the development of the disease, which, however, can drag on for many years. This form of hypertension manifests itself with sinus tachycardia, unstable blood pressure, when the systolic index jumps, increased sweating, flushing of the skin, throbbing headache, and anxiety. The face and limbs often swell, the fingers go numb, urination is disturbed. There is a more serious form - malignant hypertension, which is rapidly progressing. Blood pressure can rise so much that there is a risk of developing encephalopathy, loss of vision, pulmonary edema, and there is also a risk of kidney failure. Fortunately, this form practically does not occur today, since hypertension is most often diagnosed much earlier and its development can be stopped with the help of complex therapeutic measures.

Pressure indicators

Blood pressure is one of the most important indicators of human health and an indicator of the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Pressure has two parameters - systolic and diastolic. The top number is systole, which is the blood pressure during contraction of the heart muscle, when blood enters the arteries. The lower figure is the blood pressure indicator during the period of relaxation of the heart muscle. It is believed that hypertension begins when the readings exceed the norm of 140/90 mm Hg. This, of course, is a conditional limit, since there are conditions when the risk of developing myocardial infarction exists even with figures of 115/75 mm Hg. However, formalization and reduction to the average level of the entire variety of BP conditions helps clinicians to notice deviations in time and start symptomatic, and then standard treatment.

ICD-10 code

I10 Essential [primary] hypertension

What causes hypertension?

Hypertension is considered a multi-etiological, multi-factorial disease, the real causes of which are not fully understood. More specific factors that provoke secondary hypertension, since the underlying disease is the cause. The final diagnosis of essential hypertension is made after a comprehensive examination by excluding the presence of provoking diseases. Primary hypertension, in medical terms, is a genetic imbalance of regulatory mechanisms in the body (imbalance of the pressor and depressor systems of blood pressure).

Among the reasons that clinicians have described and carefully studied are the following:

Kidney pathologies - nephritis and most often glomerulonephritis. Factor that provokes secondary hypertension.
Stenosis (narrowing) of the renal arteries.
Congenital pathology in which the renal artery is impassable (coarctation).
Neoplasms of the adrenal glands - pheochromocytosis (impaired production of norepinephrine and adrenaline).
Increased production of aldosterone - hyperaldosteronism, which occurs with a tumor process in the adrenal glands.
Thyroid dysfunction.
Alcoholism.
Overdose or constant use of drugs, especially hormonal, antidepressants.
Addiction.

Factors that are considered provocative in the sense of a violation of the normal level of pressure can be divided into food, age and pathological:

Age over 55 years for men and 65 years for women.
Increased blood cholesterol levels (above 6.6 mmol).
Genetic predisposition, family history.
Obesity, especially abdominal, when the waist is above 100-15 cm in men and 88-95 in women.
Diabetes, a change in the normal level of glucose tolerance.
Hypodynamia, osteochondrosis.
Chronic stress, increased anxiety.

Briefly, the mechanism of development of hypertension is as follows:

With spasm of artriols - the arteries of organs, most often the kidneys, under the influence of, for example, a stress factor, malnutrition of the renal tissue occurs, ischemia develops. The kidneys try to compensate for the disturbances by producing renin, which in turn provokes the activation of angiotensin, which constricts blood vessels. As a result, the pressure rises, hypertension develops.

Symptoms of hypertension

The primary symptom of hypertension, and sometimes the main one, is considered to be a persistent excess of 140/90 mm Hg. Other signs of hypertension are directly related to blood pressure parameters. If the pressure rises slightly, the person simply feels unwell, weak, and has pain in the head.

If the pressure exceeds the norm by 10 units, the headache becomes intense, constant, most often it is localized in the back of the head and temples. A person feels nauseous, sometimes there is vomiting. The face turns red, sweating increases, tremor of the fingers is noticeable, often their numbness.

If hypertension lasts for a long time, it is not treated, pathological processes develop in cardiac activity, the heart begins to hurt. The pain can be stabbing, sharp, it can radiate to the arm, but most often the heart pain is localized to the left in the chest, not spreading further. Against the background of constantly elevated pressure, anxiety and insomnia develop.

Also, hypertension is characterized by dizziness and decreased vision.

Ophthalmic signs - a veil or spots, "flies" before the eyes. Often, when the pressure rises sharply, there may be bleeding from the nose.

Another symptom of hypertension is dizziness. Vision deteriorates.

The terminal stage, when hypertension passes into the III degree, neurosis or depression will join the typical symptoms. Often, hypertension in this form occurs in a pathological "union" with coronary heart disease.

The most dangerous manifestation of hypertension is a crisis - a condition with a sharp increase, a jump in blood pressure. A crisis state is fraught with a stroke or heart attack and is manifested by the following symptoms:

Sharp, sudden onset or rapidly increasing headache.
BP values up to 260/120 mm Hg.
Pressure in the region of the heart, aching pains.
Strong shortness of breath.
Vomiting beginning with nausea.
Increased heart rate, tachycardia.
Loss of consciousness, convulsions, paralysis.

Hypertension in the crisis stage is a threatening condition that can result in a stroke, heart attack, therefore, at the slightest, alarming signs, emergency medical care should be called. A hypertensive crisis is stopped with the help of diuretic, cardiological and hypertensive drugs administered by injection. A hypertensive person who is aware of his problem must constantly take prescribed drugs in order to prevent a crisis state.

Treatment of hypertension

Hypertension in the initial stage, when blood pressure readings do not often exceed the norm, can be treated with non-drug measures. The first way is to control body weight and follow a low-carb and low-fat diet. The diet for hypertension also involves limiting the intake of salty foods, controlling fluid intake - no more than 1.5 liters per day. Psychotherapy, autogenic training, which relieve the level of general anxiety and tension, are also effective. These methods are effective for the 1st stage of hypertension, although they can be used as auxiliary and additional elements to the main therapy of the 2nd and 3rd stages of hypertension.

Pharmacological agents, which involve the treatment of hypertension, are prescribed according to the “stepwise” principle. They are used sequentially, directed to various organs and systems, until the blood pressure is completely stabilized.

Hypertension in stage I involves the use of diuretics (diuretics), beta-blockers, adrenergic receptor blockers to stop tachycardia. The dose of anaprilin is calculated based on the history, weight and condition of the patient, as a rule, it is 80 milligrams per day. If blood pressure returns to normal after two or three days, the dose of anaprilin is reduced, and an appointment is often prescribed every other day. As a diuretic, hypothiazide is effective, which is prescribed 25 mg once, alternating intake after one or two days, in order not to weaken the heart muscle. If hypertension begins to recede, a diuretic can be given once a week. There are frequent cases when diuretics and beta-blockers cannot be used due to possible side effects (diabetes, gout or asthma), in such situations antispasmodics are indicated. During the entire course of treatment, you need to control the level of blood pressure three times a day.

Stage II hypertension is supervised by complex therapy, including both beta-blockers and diuretics, and antispasmodics, ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) and potassium preparations. Of the b-blockers, atenolol, lokren, visken are effective, which are able to control heart palpitations, reduce vascular resistance in the periphery. Also, these drugs are effective in diagnosed bradycardia, when the heart rate is reduced. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are able to neutralize the increased production of renin, which increases blood pressure. These are spirapril, ethanolol, methiopril, capoten and other drugs in this group. These funds activate the work of the left heart ventricle, reducing hypertrophy, dilate the coronary vessels, thereby contributing to the normalization of peripheral blood flow. Calcium antagonists are designed to block calcium ducts in the vascular walls, increasing their lumen. These are corinfar, amlodipine, felodipine and other drugs in this category of drugs. Calcium antagonists should only be prescribed by a general practitioner or cardiologist, since all these drugs can cause swelling, dizziness, and pain. The complex of medicines is selected taking into account all possible side risks and contraindications. It should also be noted that long-term use of diuretics can cause a decrease in the level of potassium in the body (hypokalemia), so diuretics should be taken together with panangin or asparkam. Hypothiazide is not prescribed for diabetics, it is replaced with veroshpiron.

Stage III hypertension is a severe form of the disease, which is characterized by the resistance of the body to traditional drugs. Therefore, treatment should be carefully selected taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient. The therapeutic complex includes diuretics, most often potassium-sparing, such as amiloride or spironolactone, in addition, the use of peripheral vasodilators is indicated. The pharmaceutical industry today produces many combined effective drugs such as adelfan, brinerdin, triresit. These drugs act on those patients whose body is either accustomed to monotherapy and has ceased to respond to it, or has significant contraindications to the use of standard treatment used for stage I and II hypertension.

Grade III hypertension is also treated with vasodilators such as phenigidin or corinfar, which are given 10 milligrams three times a day. Increasingly, vasodilators began to be replaced by alpha-blockers - pratsiol, phentalomine. Also, a combined agent that combines the properties of alpha and beta blockers - trandate (labetalol hydrochloride) may also be effective. This remedy, in combination with a diuretic, can replace three or even four other less effective drugs. From ACE inhibitors, the appointment of captopril is indicated, which improves peripheral circulation and controls the level of renin. Captopril is taken three to four times a day, combined with a diuretic, which allows you to achieve a decrease in blood pressure to normal after a week.

Hypertension I and II degree is treated at home and does not require hospitalization. In rare cases, inpatient treatment is possible in order to conduct analytical examinations and monitor health status. Hypertension, which occurs in severe forms, is treated only in a hospital, in the cardiology department, the length of stay depends on the state of blood pressure and the performance of the organs and systems of the body.

How is hypertension prevented?

Hypertension, if it has already developed, unfortunately, remains with a person forever. Prevention in this sense refers only to the prevention of crisis situations with the help of regular intake of prescribed drugs, daily monitoring of blood pressure, feasible physical activity and weight loss.

However, if a person has a family history of relatives with hypertension, but the disease has not yet manifested, preventive measures can be taken. The rules are quite simple - maintaining a healthy lifestyle and physical activity, because one of the reasons that provoke hypertension is physical inactivity. Hypertension is also prevented by a normal diet, where cholesterol and salty foods are minimized.

Hypertension is also bad habits, therefore, if a person does not want to join the ranks of hypertensive patients, he needs to stop smoking and limit the use of alcoholic beverages. In addition, a positive mood and attitude help to cope with any disease, and hypertension "loves" pessimists. The recipe is simple - enjoy life, keep calm and take care of your nerves, then your heart and blood vessels will work "like a clock", and the pressure will be, according to the well-known saying "like an astronaut".

With elevated blood pressure, a fatal pathology of the cardiovascular system develops. Characteristic jumps are dangerous to health, and in the absence of timely therapy, doctors do not exclude a hypertensive crisis. 30% of all patients face such a problem, and the symptom is constantly getting younger.

What is hypertension

Arterial hypertension is an independent disease in which blood pressure is disturbed. If earlier only adult patients suffered from a characteristic ailment, now modern youth are also at risk. Arterial hypertension without timely treatment can cause disability, lead to death of a person.

When measuring the pressure at the outlet, a double indicator is obtained. When deciphering it, you can get a real clinical picture. The first value characterizes the systolic (upper) pressure, corresponding to the force of contraction of the heart walls. The second is diastolic (lower), demonstrating pathogenesis during myocardial relaxation. Hypertension can be diagnosed at home using a classic tonometer, but requires clarification in a hospital setting.

Degrees

The pathological process attacks gradually, the symptoms imperceptibly increase, scare with their intensity, and cause other heart problems. In the body, hypertension manifests itself in one of three degrees - what it is, the cardiologist will tell you. The conditional classification of a characteristic disease with brief characteristics is presented below:

The first degree is elementary. The increase in blood pressure is insignificant, limited to 139-159 / 90-99 mm Hg. Art. At first, the symptom appears unexpectedly, then imperceptibly disappears. Pathology can still be cured.
The second degree is moderate. Possible deviations from the norm remain within 160–180/100–110 mm Hg. Art., while it is almost impossible to stabilize this indicator. The risk of a hypertensive crisis increases.
The third degree is pronounced. Deviations from the norm are frightening in their scale, approaching 180 and above / 111 mm Hg. Art. If this is how hypertension manifests itself, the degree of the pathological process leads to a violation of cardiac activity.

Species

This disease has several conditional classifications that help the specialist to characterize the clinical picture as accurately as possible, conduct an adequate diagnosis, and choose the most effective treatment for the timely relief of anxiety symptoms. All existing types of hypertension are briefly described below:

by etiology: arterial hypertension of primary and secondary forms;
symptomatic (secondary) hypertension: drug, endocrine, hemodynamic, renal, neurogenic;
by complications: hypertensive crisis, malignant or labile hypertension.

Causes of hypertension

To ensure a long period of remission, it is important to study the etiology of the pathological process. The main causes of hypertension are impaired blood circulation through the vessels, limited flow into the left ventricle of the heart. In modern medicine, there is a completely logical explanation for this - structural changes in blood vessels with age, the formation of blood clots and atherosclerotic plaques in their cavities.

In men

Women are more prone to a characteristic ailment, but it can also progress in the male body. The main causes of hypertension in men are presented below, but experts strongly recommend avoiding such provoking factors and eliminating them from your life in a timely manner. It:

stressful situations;
genetic predisposition;
bad habits;
previously suffered injuries associated with a violation of the circulatory system;
age-related changes in blood vessels, loss of elasticity;
alcoholism;
tendency or presence of one of the forms of obesity.

Among women

If hypertension progresses in the female body - what it is, you can find out at the appointment with the local therapist, a highly specialized specialist. The diagnosis is unpleasant, difficult to treat effectively. In order to avoid complications in a timely manner, it is important to know the main causes of hypertension in women. It:

severe emotional shock, crisis, prolonged stress;
overweight, obesity;
disturbed hormonal background;
premenopausal state;
increase in blood cholesterol;
the elderly age of the patient.

Signs of hypertension

Knowing what hypertension is, the patient must respond in a timely manner to changes in the general condition characteristic of the disease. Differentiating hypertension is not easy, this is the doctor's task, so it is so important not to delay the diagnosis. There is instability of blood pressure, subject to external stimuli. Other signs of hypertension depend on the gender of the potential cardiologist patient.

Among women

The representatives of the weaker sex react sharply to the slightest changes in health, so it is easier for them to recognize the appearance of a problem in their own body. The disease can overtake the patient in an "interesting position." The main signs of hypertension in women are:

spontaneous headache at different times of the day;
landing of vision, loss of sharpness with sharp turns of the body and head;
swelling of the lower extremities;
excessive irritability;
puffiness of the face in the morning.

In men

At first, patients do not feel changes in their general well-being, and the slightest ailments refer to increased physical activity, excessive fatigue, or an environmental factor. Over time, the symptoms of hypertension in men become more pronounced, suggestive of progressive heart failure. It:

reduced potency, problems in sex;
decline in concentration;
increased shortness of breath;
depressed state;
flies before the eyes syndrome with sudden movements.

Treatment

Knowing who hypertensive patients are, we can safely say that these people have to “sit” on pills all their lives in order to maintain their general health at the “satisfactory” mark. There is no way to completely cure the disease, but it is quite possible to treat it. If you are interested in how to treat hypertension, the features of the conservative method are presented below. Necessary:

Perform all necessary tests to determine the stage and form of the disease.
Give up bad habits, go on a therapeutic diet.
Regularly take medications with antihypertensive action;
Eliminate the risk of complications by regular examination by a specialist, folk remedies.

How to treat hypertension without medication

If there is no desire to take an antihypertensive agent, and the attitude towards medicines is sharply negative, what to do with hypertension? Doctors recommend to be outdoors more often, take multivitamin complexes with iron content to maintain systemic circulation, give up bad habits and choose effective cardio exercises. Do not lead an isolated lifestyle. However, in the stage of relapse, you still have to take hypertensive drugs in order to avoid the risk of complications during myocardial work.

Hypertension (hypertensive disease) is a serious chronic disease, which is characterized by a persistent increase in blood pressure. A number of practicing physicians call hypertension nothing more than an "invisible killer", since this diagnosis is often made by resuscitators, and in asymptomatic cases - only by a pathologist.

We recommend reading:

The danger of hypertension

A person does not always suspect that he has this pathology, since many clinical manifestations of hypertension have an obvious similarity with the symptoms of ordinary overwork. The disease very often leads to the development of severe complications, including life-threatening conditions. In particular, if it was previously believed that atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels lead to myocardial infarction and hemorrhagic strokes, now it has been established that only the presence of hypertension is sufficient for the development of these conditions.

Arterial hypertension, like a number of other chronic diseases, cannot be completely cured, but its development can be prevented. Even with an already diagnosed diagnosis, adequate therapeutic measures can minimize the manifestations of hypertension, greatly improving the patient's quality of life.

note: the risk of complications almost directly depends on the age of the patient. If hypertension is diagnosed in a young person, then the prognosis is less favorable than in patients of the middle age group.

To "catch" the disease at an early stage, when the changes are reversible, you need to regularly measure blood pressure. If in the course of periodic measurements figures that exceed normal values are often detected, correction of blood pressure is necessary.

Normal numbers are:

for people aged 16-20 - 100/70 - 120/80 mm. rt. Art.;
at 20-40 years old - 120/70 - 130/80;
40-60 - no higher than 135/85;
60 years or more - no higher than 140/90.

Symptoms of hypertension

The latent course of hypertension or the initial stage of the disease can be suspected if:

unmotivated feeling of anxiety;
hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating);
chilliness;
hyperemia (redness) of the skin of the facial area;
small spots before the eyes;
memory impairment;
low performance;
irritability for no reason;
and faces in the morning;
palpitations at rest;
numbness of fingers.

These symptoms may occur regularly or occur rarely. It is impossible not to attach importance to them, since the disease is very insidious. These clinical manifestations require an urgent change in lifestyle, since a correction that is not carried out in a timely manner leads to a fairly rapid progression of the disease. As the pathology develops, the list of permanent symptoms of hypertension expands. Added violation of coordination of movements, a drop in visual acuity.

Note: even the presence of only a few characteristic symptoms from the above list is the basis for an immediate visit to the doctor. Especially carefully you need to listen to your body if there are certain risk factors for hypertension. Self-medication is dangerous; Uncontrolled intake of drugs can only worsen the situation.

Etiology and pathogenesis of hypertension

The onset of hypertension is due to certain disorders in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, which are responsible for vascular tone.

Important:in men from 35 to 50 years and in women in menopause, the likelihood of developing hypertension increases.

One of the most important risk factors for hypertension is a family history. In patients with a hereditary predisposition, increased permeability of cell membranes is revealed.

External factors provoking the development of the disease include strong and frequent psycho-emotional (nervous shocks, difficult experiences). They cause the release of adrenaline, which increases cardiac output and increases the frequency of myocardial contractions. In combination with aggravated heredity, this often ensures the appearance of hypertension.

The immediate causes leading to hypertension include:

violations of the functions of the nervous system;
violations of ion exchange at the cellular and tissue level (increased levels of sodium and potassium ions);
metabolic disorders;
atherosclerotic vascular lesions.

Important:in overweight people, the risk of developing hypertension is 3-4 times higher than in the rest.

The risk of hypertension increases significantly with alcohol abuse, nicotine addiction, consumption of large amounts of salt and physical inactivity.

Periodic increase in blood pressure causes the heart to function with increased load, which leads to myocardial hypertrophy, and subsequently to wear of the heart muscle. As a result, chronic heart failure (CHF) develops, and malnutrition of organs and tissues leads to serious consequences and the development of a number of concomitant diseases. High pressure causes thickening of the vascular walls and narrowing of the lumen of the vessel itself. Gradually, the walls become brittle, which greatly increases the risk of hemorrhages (including the development of hemorrhagic strokes). Permanent spasm of blood vessels maintains high blood pressure, closing this circle of disorders.

note: Normal fluctuations in blood pressure during the day do not exceed 10 units. In hypertensive patients, the numbers can differ by 50 mm. rt. Art. and more.

Hypertension can be a consequence of taking certain pharmacological agents (FS).

With extreme caution, you need to take FS of the following groups:

glucocorticoids;
dietary supplements for appetite suppression;
some anti-inflammatory drugs (in particular, indomethacin).

Hypertension vs Hypertension: What's the Difference?

Hypertension refers to a rise in blood pressure above 140/90. We can say that hypertension and hypertension are almost identical concepts. But hypertension is a disease, and hypertension is one of its symptoms. In about one in ten patients, abnormally high blood pressure is a manifestation of another pathology.

There are the following types of symptomatic hypertension:

hemodynamic;
renal;
endocrine;
renovascular.

Classification of hypertension

To select the optimal treatment tactics, it is first necessary to determine the type of this pathology.

According to etiology, it is customary to distinguish:

primary hypertension(it is also called idiopathic or essential);
symptomatic hypertension(against the background of other pathologies or taking certain drugs).

According to the nature of the course, hypertension is divided into:

benign(gradually progressive form, including 3 stages);
malignant(severe, usually of endocrine etiology).

The benign form, which is diagnosed in most cases, is characterized by gradual development with damage to certain organs.

The malignant form is relatively rare, it can be detected even in childhood. It is characterized by consistently high blood pressure and severe complications. Often develop decompensated heart failure, hypertensive encephalopathy and a sharp violation of the functional activity of the kidneys.

According to the degree of increase in blood pressure, there are:

mild hypertension(blood pressure is not higher than 140/90, medication is usually not required);
moderate form(1-2 stages, pressure up to 180/110 mm Hg);
severe hypertension(stage 3 or malignant form).

note: The terms "mild" and "severe" speak only about the numbers of blood pressure, but not about the general condition.

Experts distinguish three stages of hypertension in a benign course:

1st (preclinical) stage of hypertension. Moderate headaches and mild sleep disturbances may occur. Blood pressure does not rise above 140-160 / 95-100 and decreases after a good rest.
2nd stage hypertension. There is a narrowing of the arteries and hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart. Blood pressure is higher and stable, and at rest the numbers reach 160-180 / 100-110 mm. rt. Art. In a laboratory study, analyzes reveal an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood and protein in the urine.
3rd stage hypertension. Angina pectoris, impaired cerebral blood flow, hemorrhages in the fundus, dissection of the aortic walls develop. Especially high in this case is the risk of developing heart attacks, strokes and loss of vision.

Note:some patients may experience the so-called. white coat hypertension. With it, the symptoms appear only in the presence of medical workers.

A special form of pathology are. This is an extreme manifestation of the disease, which is characterized by a sharp increase in blood pressure to critical levels. A serious condition with intense headache, nausea and vomiting can persist for up to a day. Due to impaired cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure increases. Depending on the mechanism of increasing blood pressure, eukinetic, as well as hypo- and hyperkinetic crises are distinguished.

Important: in a hypertensive crisis, it is important to provide the patient with first aid and urgently call an ambulance.

Hypertension can be isolated systolic or diastolic. With this form, there is an increase in only the "upper" or only "lower" digits of blood pressure.

Refractory hypertension is usually understood as a form of the disease in which therapy with the use of three or more pharmacological agents is ineffective.

Treatment of hypertension

We recommend reading:

Therapeutic measures for hypertension can include both drug and non-drug methods, as well as traditional medicine.

Medicines indicated for hypertension

The drugs are prescribed if non-drug therapy of the 1st degree of the disease does not give a positive effect within 3-4 months or the 2nd stage of the development of the disease is diagnosed. Monotherapy is indicated (i.e., the use of one PS). The "first line" agent does not affect the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, does not lead to fluid retention, does not disturb the electrolyte balance, does not have a depressant effect on the central nervous system and does not provoke a sharp increase in blood pressure after withdrawal.

At stages 2-3, combinations of β-blockers with calcium antagonists, diuretics or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be indicated. It is also possible to combine ACE inhibitors with diuretics or calcium antagonists.

In severe hypertension, combinations of 3-4 drugs belonging to the groups mentioned above, as well as α-blockers, are sometimes prescribed.

Treatment of hypertension with folk remedies

Non-drug therapy

Non-drug methods of treatment are shown at 1 degree. With hypertension, it is important to give up bad habits, follow a diet with a limited content of sodium chloride (salt) and animal fats. Acupuncture therapy, acupuncture, auto-training and massage can become an alternative to pharmacological drugs. Patients are advised to strictly adhere to the regimen, take drugs with antioxidant activity and general strengthening phytopreparations.

Helps with hypertension gymnastics. Regular dosed physical activity contributes to the development of a pronounced antihypertensive effect. Exercises should be performed daily for 30 minutes, increasing the load gradually.

Remember that if you have been diagnosed with hypertension, then with a sharp deterioration in your general condition, you should immediately call a doctor at home! Before his visit, it is better to take a semi-sitting position, take a hot foot bath or put mustard plasters on the calves of the legs, take Valocordin (30-35 drops) and your “usual” medicine to lower blood pressure. For pain behind the sternum, you need to put a capsule of Nitroglycerin under the tongue, and for severe headaches, take a diuretic.