According to statistics, 30% of the adult population experiences periods of high blood pressure, and this is almost always a sign of an independent pathology or so-called primary hypertension. Our country ranks 49th in the world in terms of the number of people suffering from this disease.
Without treatment, complications of hypertension occur:
- myocardial infarction;
- stroke;
- acute heart failure;
- hypertensive crisis.
The insidiousness of the pathology is that in half of the cases, patients do not even suspect that they have a dangerous disease, so they do nothing, and hypertension begins to manifest itself with unpleasant symptoms. Many countries have launched preventive programs aimed at fighting 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 take care of their health.
Doctors around the world believe that every home must have a device for measuring blood pressure, along with a thermometer. This is especially true for families where relatives have already suffered from cardiovascular diseases.
Causes of hypertension
Currently, the exact causes of hypertension have not been determined. The main risk factor is prolonged or strong psycho-emotional stress. Other causes of pathology include:
- excess body weight: with excess weight, each kilogram increases blood pressure by two mmHg;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- consumption of canned food, smoked meat, fatty food, sharp cheese;
- excessive use of salt in cooking;
- frequent stresses;
- smoking - harmful substances contained in cigarettes contribute to mechanical damage to the artery walls;
- busy work schedule;
- alcohol consumption;
- very tall or too short stature in men;
- physical and nervous fatigue;
- consumption of animal protein, which is not limited.
Risk factors include hereditary predisposition. High blood pressure in first-degree relatives guarantees a high risk of developing the disease.
It is worth paying attention to age, after the age of 35 men have an increased chance of getting this disease. 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 hands, swelling of the face;
- memory impairment;
- numbness of the fingers;
- facial redness;
- chills;
- increased sweating;
- anxiety;
- internal tension;
- reduced performance;
- irritability;
- the appearance of "flies" before the eyes.
All these manifestations do not bother patients all the time, but occur only for 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 therapy is not started on time, over time the disease will begin to progress and may lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is important to control blood pressure. For this purpose, there are now many special tonometers, from conventional mechanical devices to fully automated models. The operation of tonometers with a phonendoscope is more difficult, it is not always possible to distinguish the sounds of pulsation, but after some training and practice, almost everyone can learn it.
Before measuring the pressure, you must not smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, it is advisable to rest for a few minutes. The measurement is performed in a sitting position, the cuff should be fixed slightly above the elbow, where the pulse can be best felt. Aneroid (lever and inflatable) and automatic devices are most often used to determine pressure. In ambulatory conditions, devices are used that can monitor pressure changes during the day.
Every age has its own blood pressure standards:
- 16-20 years - pressure 100/70 - 120/80;
- up to the age of forty, the norm is 120/70 – 130/80;
- from forty to sixty - up to 135/85;
- After sixty years, normal blood pressure is considered up to 140/90.
In cases where the readings exceed the norm for several days in a row, this is a mandatory reason to visit a doctor, even if there are no other symptoms than the data from the device. A competent doctor will give lifestyle recommendations for hypertension at an early stage, which will help to avoid complications.
Hypertension - classification
During the study of the disease, many different classifications were developed with divisions: according to etiology, appearance of the patient, stability and level of pressure, reasons for the increase, nature of the flow. Some of them are still used by doctors today.
The first classification of hypertension was divided into red and pale. The appearance of the patient played a decisive role in this division. In the pale variety, the patient had cold extremities and an unhealthy complexion, which was explained by vasospasm. In red hypertension, when the blood pressure rises, the patient's face, on the contrary, turns red and becomes covered with spots.
In practice, one of the most important classifications is the division of diseases according to origin. There is a primary or essential form, which occurs as an isolated pathology. At the same time, there are no diseases of other organs and systems.
The secondary form is a symptom of the pathology of the organs involved in the regulation of vascular tone. These include the kidneys, endocrine and nervous systems.
There is no single 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 a pressure of 140/90 to 159/99 mmHg.
- Hypertension of the 2nd degree - moderate hypertension, the pressure rises to 79/109 mm Hg. Art. Sometimes doctors give a diagnosis of "hypertension stage 2 risk 2", which means that there are one or two risk factors and there is a possibility of complications.
- Hypertension of the 3rd degree is characterized by a severe course, the pressure rises to 180/110 mm Hg. Art. and even more. If after the examination the doctor diagnosed "hypertension, stage 3, risk 4", then you must immediately start treatment and seek help in the hospital. In this case, the probability of complications increases to 30%.
Organs that are most susceptible to complications of hypertension are:
- brain – DEP, dementia, stroke, memory loss;
- kidneys – development of chronic kidney failure;
- heart - heart failure, heart attack, coronary death;
- vessels;
- eyes.
Doctors classify the disease depending on the damage to the mentioned organs. Stages of hypertension:
- Stage I - the functioning of the cardiovascular system is not impaired, patients usually do not complain about their condition.
- II stage – enlargement of the left ventricle, increase in blood pressure. Local retinal vessel narrowing can be seen.
- Stage III - signs of organ damage appear: chronic kidney failure, angina pectoris, hypertensive encephalopathy, disorders that an ophthalmologist can detect by fundus examination (swelling of the optic nerve, bleeding), aortic aneurysm.
During the classification, the possibility of increasing the pressure is taken into account. In this case, the following forms are distinguished:
- diastolic – lower pressure increases;
- 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. Because of this, the patient feels dizzy, severe headaches, cerebral circulation is disturbed and brain hyperthermia can occur.
Hypertension during pregnancy
In a healthy woman, blood pressure should remain within normal limits throughout pregnancy. However, starting from the 20th week, some patients may develop gestosis, which occurs due to vasospasm. The result is increased blood pressure, swelling and nausea. In severe cases, high blood pressure threatens with a stroke, this condition is dangerous for both the child and the woman.
Therefore, it is important that pregnant women constantly monitor their blood pressure. If the blood pressure rises, you must inform your doctor about it, who will choose an adequate treatment for hypertension that is safe during that period.
If you notice similar symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.
Diagnostics
Depending on the degree and stage of hypertension, the treatment is selected. Before starting therapy, the doctor will definitely prescribe diagnostic tests that should confirm the presence of the disease.
Laboratory tests include: general blood and urine analysis, Nechiporenko urinalysis, biochemical blood test and bacterial culture.
The mandatory diagnostic program includes:
- clinical examination;
- history taking;
- measuring body weight and waist circumference;
- blood pressure measurement on both arms;
- ECG and FCG;
- fund review.
Treatment of hypertension
Stage 1 hypertension, symptoms and treatment
Hypertension of the first stage is characterized by a periodic increase in pressure, which after some time returns to normal by itself. In this case, the patient may feel headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and "spots" may flash before 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, stop drinking alcohol and smoking, exercise regularly, review your diet and try to avoid stress and excessive physical exertion.
Treatment aids include: reflexology, massage, physiotherapy, herbal therapy.
Medicines are rarely prescribed, only in cases when other methods of therapy have proven ineffective and the disease moves to the next stage of development.
Hypertension 2 degrees, symptoms and treatment
As a rule, the disease does not develop in a short period of time. Several years pass before hypertension progresses to 2. Symptoms of the pathology include:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- headache;
- numbness in fingers and toes;
- fatigue;
- cardiopalmus.
When there is a constant increase in blood pressure, the doctor prescribes special drugs for the treatment of hypertension. They must be used continuously, regardless of tonometer readings. It is recommended to take diuretics, which help remove excess fluid from the body.
In some cases, a decision is made to prescribe ACE inhibitors, which affect the narrowing of blood vessels. They can enhance the effects of diuretics by reducing the ability to produce aldosterone.
Drugs that reduce blood viscosity are used, as well as drugs that reduce cholesterol levels.
A large selection of drugs allows the selection of treatment individually for each patient. At the same time, do not forget about non-drugs and aids. Combined therapy gives positive results.
Hypertension 3 degrees, symptoms and treatment
A doctor may diagnose third-degree hypertension when there is target organ damage. Because today blood pressure levels can be successfully adjusted with medication, less attention is paid to the magnitude of the blood pressure reading.
The reason for the development of this degree of the disease, in most cases, is a late visit to the doctor and lack of adequate treatment. Modern diagnostic possibilities allow detection of even the smallest changes in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Often patients themselves neglect the opportunity to visit a specialist. Taking drugs (pills) for hypertension in certain stages of the disease helps to achieve the level of physiological norm, not limited to "working blood pressure". This allows patients to avoid the third stage of the disease and significantly improve their quality of life.
Signs of organ damage are added to the symptoms of the disease. Damage to blood vessels and structures of the central nervous system is most often diagnosed in the brain. The risk of myocardial infarction and the development of hemodynamic instability increases significantly. Kidneys suffer, problems associated with damage to the retina appear.
It is important to understand that when organs are damaged, a vicious circle is created. Emerging diseases worsen the course of hypertension, it is difficult to treat.
As in other cases, treatment should consist of several stages. These are dosed physical activities and recreational activities. Patients must maintain a schedule of work and rest, establish a healthy diet and do not forget about drug therapy.
Treatment of hypertension in the elderly
Elderly people suffering from this disease form a special group of patients who need a special approach to treatment. Lowering blood pressure with medication in the elderly has its own characteristics.
Standard therapy is not always suitable for patients over 60 years of age, but this is not a reason to give up treatment. Here, it is important to individually choose effective drugs and adjust to a positive result.
In the event that elderly people do not have complications, it is recommended to start treatment with a thiazide diuretic. Their effectiveness increases with the age of the patient, so after 55 these drugs are much more effective than at an earlier age. It is important to remember that diuretics are prescribed in small doses, because their increase can cause an increase in cholesterol. In case the patient has a low level of potassium or sodium, potassium-sparing preparations are recommended.
If the patient cannot take diuretics for objective reasons, then beta-blockers become the drugs of choice.
In the low-renin form of hypertension, calcium antagonists are prescribed to support cerebral and renal blood flow. Also, these drugs are effective drugs 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 they can be used when other drugs do not give the desired effect. Strong drugs are rarely prescribed because they cause drowsiness, depression and low blood pressure even when standing.
Combined drugs for the treatment of hypertension have been proven to lower blood pressure more effectively than a single drug in an increased dose. 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;
- dietary nutrition;
- medicinal baths;
- hardware physiotherapy;
- phytotherapy;
- aromatherapy;
- Cocktails with oxygen;
- drug therapy courses.
As maintenance therapy, patients are recommended to use electrosleep, laser therapy and electrophoresis. Thanks to the electrical impulses, the blood pressure decreases, and the kidneys and heart become healthier.
With the help of sulphide and carbon dioxide baths, the work of the immune system improves and blood pressure normalizes. The choice of procedure 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 forms of dosage, you can also use traditional medicine, which contains many effective recipes.
- Decoction of red clover. The plant is brewed in the same way as ordinary tea, and then drunk in half a glass in the evening. It is recommended to use only fresh decoction, but you can store the medicine in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Honey and garlic. You should take half a glass of honey, crush five cloves of garlic and grind one lemon along with the peel. Mix everything well and put it in a dark place for a week, after which store the composition in the refrigerator, in a closed jar (you can wrap it in a cloth or foil). Take one teaspoon three times a day.
- Vegetable juices. Mix a glass of carrot, black radish and beetroot juice with a glass of honey and the juice of one lemon. Take one tablespoon three times a day before meals. The duration of the course is a month and a half.
- Rosehip infusion can be drunk without restriction.
- Seeds. Pour well-washed, unshelled sunflower seeds into the pan. Pour over a liter and a half of cold water and cook for about two hours on low heat. The broth must be strained, and then drink one glass during the day.
- Golden moustache. Finely chop the dark purple kneecap and pour 0. 5 liters of vodka over it. Leave for twelve days in a dark place, gently shaking the contents every three days. Take one dessert spoon half an hour before eating.
- Lemon Mix 1 glass of garlic juice and 1 glass of honey and add 50 grams of crushed lemon peel. Tightly close the container in which the infusion will be stored and put it in a dark place. Take one teaspoon of the infusion after a meal, two to three hours later. Or mix a spoonful of grated lemon 1: 1 with chopped cranberries, add half a spoonful of fresh rose hips (you can grind through a meat grinder). Add the mixture to one glass of honey and take one tablespoon in the morning and in the evening.
- Honey. Mix five hundred grams of May honey with half a liter of vodka and heat until foam appears. In this case, the mixture should be constantly stirred. Let it cook. For the second composition, you need to boil a pinch of the following herbs in one liter of water: chamomile, mummy, valerian, dumpling, lemon balm. Let the soup boil, then strain it and mix it with the first mixture. Place the tincture in a dark place for three days. In the first week, the preparation is taken twice a day, one teaspoon at a time, in the following week, a tablespoon at a time, until the decoction runs out. Treatment in this way is long-term, with breaks of 7-10 days.
Diet for hypertension
A proper and balanced diet for hypertension is the key to a successful fight against the disease. It is worth remembering that every extra kilogram increases the numbers on the tonometer. The main task is to achieve the optimal weight if it does not meet the standards. To normalize blood pressure, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations.
- Reduce your salt intake. Since sodium retains water in the body, the volume of circulating blood increases, which has the effect of increasing blood pressure. The amount of salt will be about 4 grams. Ideally, there is no need to add salt to food during cooking.
- To normalize the metabolism, it is necessary to drink a sufficient amount of liquid, about 1. 5 liters per day. It is necessary to give preference to clean water, rosehip decoction, as well as "healthy" soups.
- Eliminate coffee, strong tea and alcohol from your diet.
- Fractional meals. It is important to spread out 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 best to cook without oil; if the meat seems limp, you can add herbs and lemon juice to replace the salt. Smoked meat, sausages and butter should be included 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 avoid the consumption of confectionery products with a large amount of sugar, and preference is given to dried fruit, honey and whole grain products.
- Patients with hypertension should not fast. Strict fasting and dieting 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 with constant progression.
In the case of stage 1 hypertension, the medical work commission should help with employment, because increased stress, night work and work related to contact with dangerous substances should be avoided.
When determining disability, a special medical committee assesses the damage, the presence of complications and the history of hypertensive crises. Sometimes, already in the second stage of hypertension, the third group can be diagnosed.
Disability of the second group can be obtained by patients with a malignant disease, in most cases non-working.
In patients with hypertension of the 3rd degree, the first group of disabilities can be established in case of:
- steady progression;
- severe heart failure;
- severe disorders in the functioning of organs;
- the patient cannot take care of himself and is limited in movement and communication.
Prevention of hypertension
Primary prevention should eliminate risk factors that contribute to the development of hypertension:
- maintenance of normal body weight;
- limiting the use of table salt;
- elimination of bad habits - smoking, alcohol;
- try to avoid physical and nervous stress;
- prevention of physical inactivity;
- treatment of chronic diseases.
Secondary prevention consists in choosing drugs that stabilize blood pressure, as well as choosing a set of support measures.