According to statistics, 30% of the adult population experiences periods of high blood pressure, and it is almost always a sign of an independent pathology or the so-called primary hypertension. Our country ranks 49th in the world in terms of the number of people infected with this disease.
Complications of hypertension without treatment occur:
- myocardial infarction;
- stroke;
- acute heart failure;
- hypertensive crisis.
The insidiousness of the pathology is that in half of the cases, patients do not suspect a dangerous disease, so they do not take any measures, and hypertension begins to manifest itself with unpleasant symptoms. Many countries have started preventive programs aimed at combating the pathology. New safe drugs are being developed to control blood pressure levels. At the same time, only 1/3 of hypertensive patients take adequate therapy and pay attention to their health.
Doctors all over the world believe that every home should have a blood pressure monitor along with a thermometer. This applies to families where relatives already suffer from cardiovascular diseases.
Causes of hypertension
Currently, the exact causes of hypertension have not been determined. The main risk factor is long-term or severe psycho-emotional stress. Other causes of pathology include:
- excess body weight: with excess weight, each kilogram increases blood pressure by two mmHg;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- eating canned food, smoked meats, fatty foods, sharp cheese;
- excessive use of salt in food;
- frequent stress;
- smoking - harmful substances contained in cigarettes cause mechanical damage to the walls of blood vessels;
- busy work schedule;
- alcohol consumption;
- too tall or too short in men;
- physical and nervous fatigue;
- consumption of unlimited animal proteins.
Risk factors include genetic predisposition. High blood pressure in first-degree relatives increases the risk of developing the disease.
It is worth paying attention to age, after the age of 35, the chance of men getting this disease increases. In women, the pathology is associated with the onset of menopause.
Symptoms of hypertension
Often there are no signs of pathology, but sometimes the following symptoms can be observed:
- Headache;
- fast or weak heartbeat;
- dizziness;
- swelling of the eyelids, legs and arms, swelling of the face;
- memory impairment;
- numbness of the fingers;
- redness of the face;
- trembling;
- increased sweating;
- anxiety;
- internal tension;
- decreased performance;
- irritation;
- the appearance of "midges" before the eyes.
All these manifestations do not bother patients all the time, they occur only during a certain period of time. This is the insidiousness of the disease, so if the above symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor for advice. If treatment is not started on time, over time the disease will begin to progress and may cause serious complications. Therefore, it is important to control blood pressure. For this purpose, many special tonometers are now available, from conventional mechanical devices to fully automated models. Tonometers are more difficult to work with a stethoscope, it is not always possible to distinguish pulsation sounds, but after some training and practice, almost anyone can learn it.
Before measuring your blood pressure, you should not smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, it is advisable to spend a few minutes at rest. The measurement is carried out in a sitting position, the cuff should be fixed slightly above the elbow, where the pulse is best felt. Aneroid (sleeve and inflatable type) and automatic devices are often used to determine pressure. Devices that can monitor pressure changes during the day are used in ambulatory conditions.
Each age has its own blood pressure standards:
- 16-20 years old - pressure 100/70 - 120/80;
- the norm up to forty years old is 120/70 - 130/80;
- from forty to sixty - up to 135/85;
- After sixty years, normal blood pressure is considered up to 140/90.
In cases where the readings are above the norm for several days in a row, even if there are no signs other than the data from the device, this is a compelling reason to visit a doctor. A competent doctor will give lifestyle recommendations for hypertension at an early stage, which will help prevent complications.
Hypertension - classification
During the study of the disease, many different classifications were developed with divisions: according to etiology, patient appearance, stability and pressure level, causes of growth, nature of the course. Some of them are still used by doctors today.
The first classification of hypertension divided it into red and pale. The appearance of the patient played a decisive role in this division. With the pale variety, the patient had an unhealthy complexion, explained by cold extremities and vasospasm. With red hypertension, when blood pressure rises, the patient's face, on the contrary, becomes red and covered with spots.
One of the most important classifications in practice is the division of the disease according to its origin. There is a primary or important form that appears as an isolated pathology. At the same time, there are no diseases of other organs and systems.
The secondary form is a symptom of the pathology of organs involved in the regulation of vascular tone. These include the kidneys, endocrine and nervous systems.
There is no uniform systematization of hypertension, but, as a rule, doctors use the classification recommended by the World Health Organization. It is characterized by the degree of pressure increase.
- Stage 1 hypertension is a mild form characterized by pressure between 140/90 and 159/99 mmHg.
- 2nd degree hypertension - moderate hypertension, the pressure rises to 79/109 mm Hg. Art. Sometimes doctors make a diagnosis of "hypertension stage 2 risk 2", which means that one or two risk factors are present and complications are likely to occur.
- 3rd degree hypertension is characterized by a severe course, the pressure rises to 180/110 mm Hg. Art. and higher. If the doctor diagnosed "hypertension, stage 3, risk 4" during the examination, you should immediately start treatment and seek help in the hospital. In this case, the probability of complications increases to 30%.
Organs most susceptible to complications of hypertension are:
- brain - DEP, dementia, strokes, memory loss;
- kidneys - the development of chronic kidney failure;
- heart - heart failure, heart attack, coronary death;
- ships;
- the eyes.
Doctors classify the disease depending on the damage to the above organs. Stages of hypertension:
- Stage I - the activity of the cardiovascular system is not disturbed, patients usually do not complain about their condition.
- Stage II – expansion of the left ventricle, blood pressure rises. Local narrowing of retinal vessels can be observed.
- Stage III - signs of organ damage appear: chronic kidney failure, angina pectoris, hypertensive encephalopathy, disorders that an ophthalmologist can detect when examining the fundus (swelling of the optic nerve, hemorrhages), aortic aneurysm.
Options for increasing pressure are taken into account during classification. In this case, the following forms are distinguished:
- diastolic - low pressure rises;
- systolic - only the upper indicators increase;
- systolic-diastolic;
- labile form - in this case, the pressure rises for a short time and returns to normal without special drugs.
There are certain types of hypertension that are not included in any of the classifications. These are refractory hypertension and hypertensive crises.
A hypertensive crisis is a condition in which blood pressure rises to critical levels. For this reason, the patient may experience dizziness, severe headaches, impaired cerebral blood circulation, and cerebral hyperthermia.
Hypertension during pregnancy
A healthy woman's blood pressure should remain within normal limits throughout pregnancy. However, starting from the 20th week, some patients may develop gestosis due to vasospasm. The result is increased blood pressure, bloating and nausea. In severe cases, high blood pressure poses a risk of stroke, which is dangerous for both children and women.
Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to keep their blood pressure under control. If the blood pressure increases, you should inform your doctor about it, he will choose an adequate treatment for hypertension that is safe during this time.
If you notice similar symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent the disease than to deal with its consequences.
Diagnostics
Treatment is selected depending on the degree and stage of hypertension. Before starting therapy, the doctor will prescribe diagnostic tests that must confirm the presence of the disease.
Laboratory tests include: general blood and urine analysis, urine analysis according to Nechiporenko, biochemical blood test and bacterial culture.
The mandatory diagnostic program includes:
- clinical examination;
- taking an anamnesis;
- body weight and waist measurement;
- blood pressure measurement in both arms;
- ECG and FCG;
- fundus examination.
Treatment of hypertension
Stage 1 hypertension, symptoms and treatment
Stage 1 hypertension is characterized by a periodic increase in pressure, which returns to normal after a while. In this case, the patient may feel headache, dizziness, tinnitus, and "spots" may flash in front of the eyes. In the first stage of the disease, the doctor will tell you how to treat hypertension without special drugs. The patient should adjust his lifestyle, monitor his weight, give up alcohol and smoking, exercise regularly, and also review his diet and try to avoid stress and excessive physical exertion.
Treatments include: reflexology, massage, physiotherapy, herbal therapy.
Medicines are rarely prescribed, only in cases where other methods of therapy are ineffective and the disease has progressed to the next stage of development.
Hypertension 2 degrees, symptoms and treatment
As a rule, the disease does not develop in a short time. It takes several years for hypertension to progress to stage 2. Symptoms of pathology include:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- Headache;
- numbness in fingers and toes;
- tiredness;
- cardiopalmus.
When a continuous increase in blood pressure develops, the doctor prescribes special drugs to treat hypertension. Regardless of tonometer readings, they should be used continuously. It is recommended to take diuretics that help remove excess fluid from the body.
In some cases, it is decided to prescribe ACE inhibitors, which affect the narrowing of blood vessels. They can enhance the effect of diuretics by reducing the ability to produce aldosterone.
Drugs that reduce blood viscosity, as well as drugs that reduce cholesterol levels, are used.
A large selection of drugs allows to choose the treatment individually for each patient. At the same time, do not forget about non-drugs and auxiliary means. Combination therapy gives a positive result.
Hypertension 3 degrees, symptoms and treatment
A doctor may diagnose stage 3 hypertension when the target organ is damaged. Today, since blood pressure levels can be successfully controlled with medication, less attention is paid to the magnitude of blood pressure readings.
The reason for the development of this degree of the disease, in most cases, is the late visit to the doctor and the lack of adequate treatment. Modern diagnostic capabilities allow detecting even the smallest changes in the work of the cardiovascular system. Often, patients themselves neglect the opportunity to visit a specialist. At certain stages of the disease, taking drugs (pills) for hypertension is not limited to "working blood pressure", it helps to reach the physiological norm. This allows patients to avoid the third stage of the disease and significantly improve their quality of life.
Signs of organ damage are added to the symptoms of the disease. Damage to blood vessels and central nervous system structures in the brain is often diagnosed. The risk of developing myocardial infarction and hemodynamic instability increases significantly. Kidneys suffer, problems arise due to damage to the retina.
It is important to understand that when organs are damaged, a vicious cycle occurs. The resulting diseases worsen the course of hypertension and are difficult to treat.
As in other cases, treatment should consist of several stages. These are dosed physical activities and recreational activities. Patients should follow a work and rest regime, have a healthy diet and do not forget about drug treatment.
Treatment of hypertension in the elderly
Elderly people suffering from this disease form a separate group of patients that require a special approach to treatment. Drug reduction of blood pressure in elderly people has its own characteristics.
Standard therapy is not always suitable for patients over 60 years of age, but this is not a reason to refuse treatment. Here it is important to choose effective drugs individually and adapt to a positive result.
In elderly people, in the absence of complications, it is recommended to start treatment with thiazide diuretics. Their effectiveness increases with the age of the patient, so after 55 years these drugs are more effective than at an earlier age. It is important to remember that diuretics are prescribed in small doses, because their increase can lead to an increase in cholesterol. If the patient has low potassium or sodium levels, potassium-sparing agents are recommended.
If the patient cannot take diuretics for objective reasons, then beta-blockers become the drugs of choice.
Calcium antagonists in the form of low renin of hypertension are prescribed to support cerebral and renal blood flow. Also, these drugs are an effective remedy for angina pectoris and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers and ACE inhibitors are not as effective as the above drugs, but can be used if other drugs do not have the desired effect. Strong drugs are rarely prescribed because they cause drowsiness, depression, and low blood pressure even when standing.
Combination drugs for the treatment of hypertension have been shown to reduce blood pressure more effectively than a single drug in increasing doses. Therefore, in modern medicine, drug combinations are prescribed:
- diuretics and calcium antagonists;
- beta blockers with diuretics;
- ACE inhibitor with calcium antagonist;
- ACE inhibitor diuretic.
When a hypertensive crisis occurs, the patient needs rehabilitation. Usually this problem is solved in a sanatorium. The following measures are recommended for patients:
- physiotherapy;
- diet food;
- therapeutic baths;
- apparatus physiotherapy;
- phytotherapy;
- aromatherapy;
- oxygen cocktails;
- drug treatment courses.
As maintenance therapy, patients are recommended to use electrosleep, laser therapy and electrophoresis. Thanks to electrical impulses, blood pressure decreases, kidneys and heart become healthier.
With the help of sulfide and carbon dioxide baths, the activity of the immune system is improved and blood pressure is normalized. The choice of procedures is determined by the age of the patient and the stage of the disease.
Folk remedies in treatment
Treatment of hypertension should be comprehensive, in addition to traditional dosage forms, you can use traditional medicine, which contains many effective recipes.
- Red clover decoction. The plant is brewed in the same way as regular tea, then half a glass is consumed at night. It is recommended to use only fresh decoction, but you can store the medicine in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Honey and garlic. You need to take half a cup of honey, crush five cloves of garlic and crush a lemon with its peel. Mix everything well and put it in a dark place for a week, after which the composition should be stored in the refrigerator, in a closed jar (you can wrap it with a cloth or foil). Take one teaspoon three times a day.
- Vegetable juices. Mix a cup of carrot, black radish and beetroot juice with a cup of honey and the juice of one lemon. Take one spoon three times a day before meals. The duration of the course is one and a half months.
- Rosehip infusion can be drunk without limits.
- Seeds. Pour the well-washed, unpeeled sunflower seeds into the pan. Pour one and a half liters of cold water and boil on low heat for about two hours. Broth should be filtered, then drink a glass during the day.
- Golden mustache. Finely chop the dark purple knee and pour 0. 5 liters of vodka. Leave in a dark place for twelve days, gently shaking the composition every three days. Take a dessert spoon half an hour before meals.
- Lemon. Mix 1 cup of white onion juice and 1 cup of honey and add 50 grams of pre-crushed lemon peel. Tightly close the container where the infusion will be stored and put it in a dark place. After a meal, after two to three hours, brew a teaspoon. Or mix a tablespoon of grated lemon with chopped cranberries in a ratio of 1: 1, add half a tablespoon of fresh hips (you can pass it through a meat grinder). Add the mixture to a glass of honey and take one tablespoon in the morning and evening.
- Honey. Mix five hundred grams of May honey with half a liter of vodka and heat until foam appears. In this case, you need to constantly stir the mixture. Let it brew. For the second composition, you need to brew a pinch of the following herbs in a liter of water: chamomile, cudweed, valerian, knotweed, motherwort. Infuse the broth, then strain and mix with the first mixture. Put the tincture in a dark place for three days. In the first week, the composition is taken twice a day, one teaspoon, and the next week, one tablespoon until the decoction runs out. In this way, the treatment is long-term with intervals of 7-10 days.
Diet for hypertension
Proper and balanced nutrition for hypertension is the key to a successful fight against the disease. It should be remembered that each additional kilogram increases the numbers on the tonometer. The main task is to reach the optimal weight if it does not meet the standards. The following recommendations should be followed to normalize blood pressure.
- Reduce your salt intake. Since sodium retains water in the body, the volume of circulating blood increases, which affects the increase in blood pressure. The amount of salt will be about 4 grams. Ideally, there is no need to add extra salt to food during cooking.
- To normalize the metabolism, you need to drink a sufficient amount of liquid, about 1. 5 liters per day. It is necessary to give preference to clean water, decoction of hips, as well as "healthy" soups.
- Eliminate coffee, strong tea and alcohol from your diet.
- Fractional meals. It is important to distribute your diet so that you eat even portions five to eight times a day.
- Reduce the amount of meat and animal fats you consume. Patients are advised to choose lean meat - turkey, veal, chicken, rabbit. It is better to cook without oil, if the meat seems soft, you can add herbs and lemon juice to replace the salt. You should include smoked meat, sausage and butter in your diet as rarely as possible.
- It is important to increase the amount of consumed vegetables and foods rich in potassium and magnesium: cereals, beets, carrots, dried apricots, cabbage.
- It is recommended to give up confectionery with a lot of sugar, give preference to dried fruits, honey and whole grain products.
- Patients with hypertension should not fast. Strict fasting and diets are contraindicated.
Disability due to hypertension
Hypertension is a serious disease and in some cases patients are considered disabled. It is usually given to patients with the second or third stage of the disease or those with continuous progression.
In the case of hypertension in the 1st stage, the medical labor commission should help in hiring, because it is necessary to avoid work with increased stress, night work and contact with dangerous substances.
When determining disability, a special medical commission evaluates disorders, the presence of complications and the history of hypertensive crises. Sometimes, already in the second stage of hypertension, the third group can be diagnosed.
The second group of disabilities can be acquired by patients with a malignant disease, in most cases it does not work.
In patients with 3rd degree hypertension, the first disability group can be assigned in the following cases:
- steady progress;
- severe heart failure;
- serious disorders in the work of organs;
- the patient is unable to care for himself and is limited in movement and communication.
Prevention of hypertension
Primary prevention should eliminate the risk factors that cause hypertension:
- maintain normal body weight;
- limit the use of table salt;
- elimination of bad habits - smoking, alcohol;
- try to avoid physical and nervous tension;
- prevention of physical inactivity;
- treatment of chronic diseases.
Secondary prevention consists of the selection of drugs that stabilize blood pressure, as well as the selection of a complex of supportive measures.