Hypertension or arterial hypertension is a condition characterized by a stable, i. e. , increase in blood pressure that is detected by repeated measurements. Along with many diseases, it is considered a risk factor for the development of dangerous complications from the cardiovascular system, including stroke and myocardial infarction. Hypertension, as the main cause of the pathology under consideration, requires medication, normalization of the patient's lifestyle and diet.
Everyone has heard complaints about high blood pressure from people around them. According to statistics, hypertension is observed in 20-30% of the adult population of the country.
This disease is found everywhere and in many countries it is the main cause of death. It is important to note that in 90% of cases - this disease is diagnosed as an independent - primary arterial or essential hypertension. And only in every tenth patient is it accompanied. This disease develops against the background of diseases of the kidneys, lungs, and endocrine glands.
What is arterial hypertension
Chronic disease, expressed in constant or periodic increase in pressure. Doctors in almost all developed countries label this disease as an epidemic of the 21st century. In Europe and the USA, it is detected in every second elderly person. Half of the cases are fatal. The incidence rate is impressive and alarming. And although there have been great advances in the treatment of older people in recent decades, it still remains an insidious and dangerous disease. This is due to the fact that hypertension is asymptomatic in the initial stages. But the disease causes significant damage to health - it exhausts the cardiovascular system. It is important that people at risk do not neglect prevention and treatment.
Causes and symptoms of hypertension
The reasons for the emergence of pathology are different. Often doctors can't find them at all. Especially when it comes to primary hypertension. But the causes of somatic (secondary) arterial hypertension can be determined. It occurs in 10% of patients with high blood pressure. The main reasons
- kidney damage or glomerulonephritis;
- renal artery stenosis;
- congenital narrowing of the aorta;
- increased functions of the internal glands, especially the thyroid gland;
- malignant hypertension is formed against the background of a tumor of the adrenal glands;
- alcoholism:
- medicinal - develops during long-term use of hormonal drugs, antidepressants, etc.
Symptoms of hypertension
Treatment in the initial phase is complicated by the fact that this disease has no specific symptoms. Many patients are unaware of the presence of the disease. They have no complaints about their health, they lead an active lifestyle. Although they occasionally have bouts of weakness, dizziness and mild nausea.
Despite the serious consequences, many people do not take this disease seriously, neglecting prevention and treatment. In the early stages, the development of this disease can be stopped. Complaints from patients occur when "targets" are damaged. These are organs whose functioning depends on blood pressure. Complications of the disease most often affect the heart and blood vessels.
There are symptoms, although non-specific, for which arterial hypertension is suspected. This is weakness, flies before the eyes, numbness of the limbs. All these signs are temporary. But the main symptom is headaches.
Degrees and stages of hypertension
- Mild or first - SBP 140-159 / DBP 90-99.
- Border or other - 160-179 / 100-109.
- Heavy or third degree - 180 and above / 110+.
Specify the other form of the disease. This is systolic isolated hypertension. Her indicators are SBP above 140 / DBP below 90.
As blood pressure rises, the target organs are the first to suffer. Based on pathological changes, the disease is divided into stages:
- 1 - modifications in the target organs were not observed.
- 2 - changes were established in several organs.
- Phase 3 – associated clinical conditions are recorded.
Risk factors for the development of hypertension
- Age. This disease is most often diagnosed in women over 65 years old, in men over 55 years old.
- Cholesterol exceeds the content of more than 6. 5 mmol per liter.
- Hereditary diseases of the cardiovascular system in the ascending line.
- Long-term smoking.
- Presence of diabetes.
- Hypertension develops with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
All risk factors are divided into two groups. Repairable - which can be eliminated. These include diabetes, smoking, cholesterol, obesity. Incorrect - these are those that are not subject to medical influence - bad heredity and old age. In this case, in order not to provoke the development of arterial hypertension, it is necessary to follow the recommendations on diet and lifestyle.
Hypertension in women
It differs from men's. First, there are such forms of the disease that are not recorded in a strong half of humanity, for example, hypertension during menopause and during pregnancy. Second, according to statistics, 41% of women have pathology. Therefore, vascular hypertension is more often a problem of the weaker sex. In the case of the better half, the disease is more severe. Blood pressure readings are usually higher. Although this disease is recorded less often in women at a younger age.
Pathology coexists with other diseases and worsens their course. As a result, a woman has a whole "bouquet" of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, varicose veins and metabolic disorders. All this complicates the treatment process.
The role of women in society has changed. On her shoulders, in addition to housework and raising children, lie those duties that are more characteristic of men. More and more women deal with careers, work, and sometimes supporting the family. Hence tension, stress and overload. And that does not lead to better health, but worsens it. Do not forget that the predisposition to hypertension is hereditary. Therefore, women who have relatives with high blood pressure in the right ascending line must not forget about prevention and regular examinations.
Finally, female hypertension causes many more problems. This gives more complications, for example, often women at an older age get a stroke against the background of the disease. The heart also suffers. Women should not neglect treatment and be more attentive to well-being. It is important not to miss the first indications of a developing disease.
Hypertension during pregnancy
As a rule, it comes to light in the second trimester. It manifests itself in 20-21 weeks of gestation and may disappear after the birth of the child. All women who have high blood pressure are at risk of placental abruption and preeclampsia. With severe hypertension in pregnant women, the delivery tactics are also changing, and a prescription for caesarean section is also possible.
Methods of treatment of hypertension
It is performed with the help of medical preparations. They are able to temporarily remove the main symptoms, but the disease is not cured. Almost all treatment methods are aimed at reducing the risks associated with the development of serious complications such as strokes and heart attacks, as well as improving the quality of life of patients.
Modern treatment is not aimed at reducing pressure, but at removing the very cause of the pathology. Antihypertensives do not solve this problem. In order to achieve truly tangible results, treatment is carried out strictly individually, taking into account all the causes of the development of the disease. The etiology of hypertension may be related to liver and biliary tract dysfunction. Then acupressure will be effective for treatment. In other cases, high blood pressure is associated with impaired kidney function. It often develops against the background of obesity. Then the patient is prescribed a diet for weight correction and various physiotherapy methods.
Medicines for the treatment of hypertension
Traditional treatment is carried out with medicines. Constant monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. It must be in a stable state. Groups of drugs are used for this. Their action is based on different mechanisms of influence, but they all help to reduce pressure.
- potassium antagonists. They block the calcium channels in the walls of the vessel, while the gaps increase.
- Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. These drugs in the treatment of hypertension block the synthesis of renin, which has a direct effect on increasing blood pressure.
- B-blockers. These hypertension pills lower the heart rate.
- Diuretics. These are diuretics. They help reduce fluid in the body, which lowers blood pressure.
It is important to understand that even new drugs are strictly forbidden to take without consulting a doctor. Self-medication is dangerous and ineffective. Only a cardiologist can choose the right medicine.
Diet for hypertension
Pathologists recommend a change in diet. One of the tasks during the treatment of this disease is the normalization of body weight and metabolic processes in the body. To do this, you must follow a series of strict requirements. First, reduce your salt intake. Its main component, sodium, prevents the removal of water from the body. This increases blood volume, which raises blood pressure. Second, they reject green and black tea. You don't even have to drink coffee. These products cause vasospasm and increase the workload of the heart. Try to avoid fatty foods. Eliminate butter and sausages from your diet.
It is better to choose products of plant origin. Eat more vegetables. They are rich in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Dried apricots, carrots, cabbage and beets increase the amount of such important mineral elements as magnesium and potassium in the body. These substances strengthen the walls of blood vessels and heart muscles. Food should be fractional. Divide your daily meal into 5 equal portions. Breaks between meals no longer than 3 hours.
Finally, lifestyle is important in hypertension. Give up alcohol and smoking. Eliminate all ready-made food and fast food from your diet. Don't starve! With hypertension, strict diets are not allowed, stress is contraindicated for the body.
Treatment with folk remedies
The positive side of such drugs is that they have been tested over time and for more than one generation. Phytotherapy is very helpful in treatment. Sedative plants that have a calming effect on the body are used. Hawthorn, chamomile, valerian, lemon balm, mint belong to this group of plants. Lemon, honey and pomegranate also contribute to lowering blood pressure. Green tea helps a lot. A few recipes that help treat hypertension:
- Honey is mixed with lemon and beet juice (liquid ratio 1: 1). Mix well and drink one third of a glass an hour after eating.
- Of all herbs, hawthorn is especially helpful. The tincture is taken 10 drops in the morning a day.
- Lowers blood pressure well - cranberries. It is enough to eat one glass of this berry in the morning.
- Lemon balm, mint and valerian are steamed in equal amounts in a water bath. Drink half a glass of this infusion five times a day. It has a soothing and relaxing effect.
Diabetes and hypertension
Pathologies are interconnected. They have a mutually reinforcing effect aimed at disrupting the function of several target organs at once. Tests for hypertension aggravated by diabetes often indicate damage to the blood vessels of the brain and retina of the eyes, heart and kidneys. In this disease development scenario, the main cause of death is often coronary heart disease, heart attack and kidney failure.
For diabetes, it is important to identify hypertension at an early stage. This will allow you to prescribe the appropriate treatment and prevent serious complications on the kidneys and cardiovascular system.
Prevention of hypertension
It is suitable for those who have blood relatives with this disease, especially in the direct line (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather). After 30 years, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations, even if there are no obvious signs of the development of the disease. For people at risk, alcohol and smoking are contraindicated. They must follow a diet low in salt and fat. Physical activity is important for prevention. You can run, walk, bike. You must avoid shocks and stress, lead a measured lifestyle.