Hypertension(hypertension) is a constant increase in blood pressure, which requires constant monitoring of your health, as well as timely treatment. Otherwise, the risk of developing dangerous diseases and even death increases.
The human vascular system is a transport network in which the transport - the blood - is in constant motion. For blood to move, it must be under pressure. The pressure is created due to the contraction of the heart muscle, as a result of which a new portion of blood is thrown into the arteries with each beat of the heart. That is why when measuring pressure, two values are recorded: at the moment of contraction and in a relaxed state. The larger (upper) value is called the systolic pressure (systole means "contraction" in Greek), the smaller (lower) value is called the diastolic pressure (diastole means "expansion"). Normally, the upper value should be around 120-140 mmHg. Art. , lower - about 70-80 mm Hg. Art. For young people, lower rates are normal, for people over 40, higher rates. If the pressure measurement shows values that are higher than specified, then such pressure should be considered elevated. A prolonged increase in blood pressure is called arterialhypertension, and the patient is diagnosedhypertension (hypertension).
Causes of hypertension
Blood pressure fluctuates constantly and our body is well adapted to such fluctuations. The walls of the vessels through which the blood moves are elastic and stretch when the pressure increases. As a result, the pressure is normalized. Also, when the pressure increases, blood from the arterial vessels goes into the capillaries. This means that the body has an effective pressure normalization mechanism. Hypertension develops when, for some reason, this mechanism ceases to function.
Modern medicine still does not have an exact answer to the question of why hypertension occurs. However, there are a number of factors that can lead to a permanent increase in blood pressure. this:
- overweight (obesity);
- diabetes mellitus;
- smoking, alcohol abuse;
- high level of adrenaline in the blood (including as a result of experienced stress);
- atherosclerosis (primarily atherosclerosis of the aorta);
- kidney diseases;
- diseases of the thyroid gland;
- taking certain medications (including hormonal contraceptives).
The risk of developing hypertension increases with age. Hypertension in young people is often explained by kidney disease or magnesium deficiency in the body.
Stages and complications of hypertension
Arterial hypertension leads to an increased load on the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. Hypertension can cause diseases and pathologies such as:
- heart failure, myocardial infarction;
- cerebrovascular accidents (ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes);
- nephrosclerosis, renal failure;
- deterioration of vision (as a result of problems with blood circulation in the retina).
Therefore, those who are at risk of developing the disease, as well as those who have already been diagnosed with hypertension, should monitor their condition and measure their blood pressure regularly.
The following pressure measurement procedure is recommended. Blood pressure is measured in a sitting position, after a five-minute rest. The measurement is carried out three times in a row, taking into account the lowest values.
Depending on the established pressure, three stages of hypertension are distinguished.
Stage I hypertension characterized by an increase in blood pressure in the range of 160-180/95-105 mmHg. Art.
Stage II hypertension diagnosed with pressure in the range of 180-200/105-115 mm Hg. Art.
Stage III hypertension – this is a severe pathological condition in which the blood pressure is registered in the range of 200-230/115-130 mm Hg. Art. This pressure cannot be normalized on its own without medical help.
Symptoms of hypertension
High blood pressure can manifest as symptoms such as:
- weakness;
- vertigo;
- headache;
- reduced productivity.
However, these symptoms can be perceived by a person simply as signs of fatigue. In addition, in the first stage, hypertension can be asymptomatic.
Separately, a sudden increase in pressure stands out -hypertensive crisis, which can also be considered a complication of hypertension. During a hypertensive crisis, a sharp violation of blood circulation occurs in the most important organs - the brain, heart, kidneys. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis are:
- severe headache;
- darkening of the eyes;
- nausea and vomiting;
- angina pectoris, a feeling of increased heart rate;
- cold sweat, weakness, trembling hands.
Symptoms of hypertension in the first stage
Possible increase in blood pressure in the range of 160-180/95-105 mm Hg. Art. After rest, the pressure usually normalizes. There may be no additional symptoms, but tinnitus, heaviness in the head, mild headache, poor sleep, reduced ability to work, sometimes dizziness and nosebleeds may occur.
Symptoms of stage II hypertension
The pressure rises to values of the order of 180-200/105-115 mm Hg. Art. In this case, the increase in pressure turns out to be more stable than in the case of stage I. Hypertension in stage II is manifested by headache and angina pectoris, dizziness and hypertensive crises should also be expected. Blood supply to the brain, kidneys and retina is reduced. Possible strokes.
Symptoms of hypertension in stage III
Blood pressure was recorded in the range of 200-230/115-130 mm Hg. Art. At this pressure, the probability of heart attacks and strokes increases significantly. Irreversible changes occur in the activity of the heart, brain and kidneys.
Methods for diagnosing hypertension
Hypertension is diagnosed based on blood pressure measurement. The 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) method can be used for diagnosis.
It is of great importance to find out the reason that caused the increase in pressure. Without removing the cause, the treatment of hypertension cannot be sufficiently effective. In order to establish the cause of arterial hypertension, as well as to determine the degree of damage to the internal organs, various instrumental and laboratory tests are performed.
EKG
ECG is a basic study in cardiology. It allows you to identify heart diseases that are the cause or accompanying hypertension. Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG monitoring) can be used to record the ECG.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography for hypertension provides the doctor with information about the pathological processes in the patient's heart. In the first stage of the disease, echocardiography shows an increase in the rate of contraction of the walls of the left ventricle, while the size of the cavities and the thickness of the walls remain within normal limits. In the later stages, enlargement of the left ventricle can be seen, accompanied by a decrease in its contractility.
Ultrasound studies
With a constant increase in blood pressure, an ultrasound of the kidneys and adrenal glands can be prescribed, as well as an ultrasound of the brachiocephalic and renal arteries.
Optical coherence tomography
If you have hypertension, it is important to undergo a fundus examination, as increased pressure can lead to pathological changes in this area and cause visual impairment. Examination of the fundus is best performed using optical coherence tomography. Biomicrography of the fundus using a fundus camera can also be used.
Laboratory diagnostics
Testing for hypertension includes laboratory tests. You will need to do blood tests - general and biochemical (tests for the level of creatinine, potassium, cholesterol and glucose in the blood), as well as a general urine test. Other tests may be ordered.
Methods of treatment of hypertension
The main goal of hypertension treatment is to reduce the risk of developing the most dangerous complications (stroke, myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure and nephrosclerosis). To this end, measures are taken to lower blood pressure to normal levels and reduce the vulnerability of target organs. The patient should be prepared that antihypertensive therapy will be carried out throughout life. The course of treatment for stage II and III of the disease necessarily includes drug therapy. Treatment of stage I hypertension may not require medication, but may be limited to non-drug therapy methods. In any case, non-drug therapy of hypertension is very important.
A patient with hypertension should regularly measure blood pressure and follow all the instructions of the attending physician.
Which doctor treats hypertension
Hypertension is treated by a cardiologist. Hypertension can also be treated by a general practitioner (general practitioner or family doctor), who will often detect high blood pressure when you contact them with complaints of unwellness.
Drug therapy
Medicines must be selected by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of each patient.
A change in lifestyle
First of all, you should:
- stop smoking;
- eliminating or reducing alcohol consumption;
- try to reduce your weight to normal;
- reducing salt intake to 5 g/day;
- ensure regular physical activity. The most useful are walking, swimming and therapeutic gymnastics;
- increase your resistance to stress;
- optimize nutrition (eat more vegetables, fruits, foods with a significant content of potassium, calcium and magnesium and, conversely, reduce the consumption of vegetable fats and protein foods). You should eat regularly.