high pressure

• disease:hypertension
• The surprising part is:Cardiovascular system, target organs (brain, kidney, other organs)
• reason:Nerve overload, hormonal imbalance, vascular dystonia of various causes
• symptom:Headache, dizziness, weakness, spots in front of eyes
• complication:Cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, kidney disease
• doctor:cardiologist
• treat:Be conservative and change your lifestyle
• prevention:Pay attention to your diet and check in time

Hypertension – What kind of disease is it?

Blood pressure is one of the main indicators of the functional stability of the cardiovascular system. It is measured in millimeters of mercury and should not exceed 120/80 at rest.To understand what hypertension is, you need to know what blood pressure is. At the moment the heart contracts, a certain amount of blood is pushed into the blood vessels - this depends on the contractility of the heart muscle. The blood is then distributed throughout the body through blood vessels, providing oxygen and nutrients to cells.Healthy blood vessel walls are elastic. They stretch easily when the heart muscle contracts, releasing large amounts of blood, and contract rapidly when the heart muscle relaxes.Problems occur when blood vessel walls lose elasticity or blood flow is blocked due to changes in the vessel wall (atherosclerotic plaque, loss of elasticity). Increased pressure within blood vessel walls is called hypertension.Additionally, elevated blood pressure is caused by the heart pumping out too much blood and the blood being too thick to flow through the blood vessels. Not only atherosclerosis, but also spasms during stressful situations, smoking and some systemic diseases can cause vasoconstriction.Hypertension (hypertension, essential hypertension) is considered a "disease of civilization" - it is one of the most common causes of death and disability worldwide.The dangers of persistent high blood pressure are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. In addition to medical issues, the problem of hypertension has a social dimension. Every year more and more young people under the age of 40 complain of high blood pressure. Although just a few decades ago, the age structure of patients was still dominated by people over 60 years old.

What blood pressure is considered hypertension?

Blood pressure is a variable value. During periods of increased physical activity, the heart works harder as the muscles require extra oxygen. And during sleep and rest, the heart pumps less blood and the pressure decreases.Under normal circumstances, blood pressure should not exceed 120/80 mm. RT. Art. The first number is called systolic blood pressure - this is the load on the blood vessel walls after the heart valves open. Feel this moment by placing your hand on the left side of your chest or feeling your pulse on your wrist. The maximum pressure in blood vessels occurs immediately after the heart beats, which is why it is also called cardiac pressure or systolic pressure.The second number is the pressure between shocks, when the heart muscle is resting, called diastole.A cardiologist diagnoses "arterial hypertension" or "hypertension" if the tonometer shows a higher-than-normal number when regularly measuring blood pressure. Furthermore, even an increase of just one number indicates the presence of pathology.

causes of high blood pressure

In the vast majority of observations, blood pressure increases steadily with hypertension. This form of high blood pressure is called essential hypertension. Essential hypertension develops gradually, with high blood pressure problems most often appearing after 50 years.There are many reasons why blood pressure frequently rises. In modern science and medicine, new data on cardiovascular disease appear frequently. However, the mechanisms of hypertension have not been fully studied.The leading theory of hypertension is neurogenic. It was developed by domestic scientists and is still considered one of the most reliable. According to him, the driving force for the emergence and development of the pathology is neural overload, which affects the brain structures that regulate stress.In addition, persistently elevated blood pressure can lead to:

• Impaired vascular tone due to brain or spinal cord injury. High blood pressure can also be caused by cervical osteochondrosis—continuous tension in the back and neck muscles can cause vasospasm.
• Hormone imbalance during pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, or taking oral contraceptives.

symptom

High blood pressure is a dangerous disease that does not manifest immediately. The first warning signs are often ignored and unpleasant symptoms are attributed to overexertion or a minor cold.Symptoms of high blood pressure may appear periodically, but some symptoms occur regularly. Pay attention to the following symptoms in the early stages of hypertension:

• Occipital and temporal headaches;
• Persistent weakness, decreased performance, and feeling tired even in the morning;
• Dizziness with mild nausea;
• Tinnitus, hearing problems;
• Flashing spots in front of the eyes and blurred vision;
• Changes in emotional state, becoming anxious and nervous for the most trivial reasons;
• Rapid pulse, periodic chest pain;
• Increased sweating and chills;
• Feeling of lack of air and inability to take deep breaths;
• Periodic nosebleeds.

Symptoms of high blood pressure can appear alone or in combination, but even one of the worrisome symptoms is a good reason to consult a doctor.

important!For typical high blood pressure headaches, taking painkillers can temporarily relieve the symptoms of high blood pressure, but painkillers do not eliminate the underlying cause. Prolonged attempts to relieve the condition with medications may worsen the course of the disease and complicate further treatment.

You should also pay attention to symptoms such as swelling of the hands and feet (especially in the morning), frequent redness and swelling of the face, and memory loss.

risk factors

Since the causes of hypertension have not yet been fully elucidated, it is more correct to talk about the precipitating factors that lead to sustained increases in blood pressure. There are:

• ground.For men, hypertension most often occurs between the ages of 40 and 50, and they are more susceptible to the disease. For women, most often the first symptoms appear during menopause and are related to the hormonal changes during this period.
• Living under constant stress:Hard work requiring sustained concentration, family problems, personal life difficulties, financial problems, etc.
• Genetic susceptibility.If both or at least one of the parents has high blood pressure, the risk of developing this disease increases significantly.
• High levels of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.Atherosclerotic plaque on blood vessel walls is one of the main reasons why blood pressure gradually increases with age.
• A sedentary lifestyle, working in front of the computer for long periods of time without taking a break to go for a walk in the fresh air.Lack of physical activity prevents enough oxygen from entering the blood and slows circulation. Hyperemia negatively affects the tone of blood vessels, and the walls of blood vessels gradually lose their elasticity.
• Overweight and obesity.People with a high body mass index almost always have high blood pressure. This is because heavy weight requires an increase in circulating blood volume, which significantly increases the load on the heart. Additionally, being overweight is often caused by poor nutrition, which can lead to the development of atherosclerosis and impair blood flow.
• A diet that contains too many salty and fatty foods.Salt can become trapped in the body and cause swelling. Excessive salt intake is associated with a faster pace of life, failure to maintain healthy eating habits, and an unbalanced diet.
• Side effects after taking certain medications.NSAIDs, some cough and headache medications, especially those containing caffeine or codeine, are not recommended for people who are prone to high blood pressure.
• smokes.Nicotine and tar enter the bloodstream with tobacco smoke, causing vasospasm and increased blood pressure.
• Alcohol abuse.Nearly all people who drink alcohol regularly are diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Secondary hypertension occurs in various organ and system diseases:

• kidney disease(renal artery stenosis) leading to deterioration of blood supply to the kidneys and compensatory "increase" in blood flow;
• Endocrine System-Adrenocortical tumors, thyroid disease, and some other hormonal imbalances can cause elevated blood pressure;
• nervous system- Encephalitis, brain tumors, etc.

The cause of persistently elevated blood pressure can only be determined after a thorough comprehensive examination. Correct identification of the cause of the disease determines the effectiveness and nature of subsequent treatment.

important!Normalization of blood pressure in secondary hypertension depends on treatment of the underlying disease. Taking blood pressure medications without a doctor's prescription will not have the desired effect.

What to do if you have high blood pressure

Taking into account the high prevalence of arterial hypertension and the numerous risk factors for the development and development of the pathology, everyone should have a device for measuring blood pressure. It's best to get into the habit of measuring your blood pressure twice a day - morning and evening.If your tonometer readings are consistently above normal, you should not put off seeing your doctor.There are several simple and easy ways you can lower your blood pressure and return it to normal before seeing a specialist:

• Gently massage the head and neck area. Circular massage movements will increase blood flow and relieve vasospasm.
• You can take a hot bath with a sea salt solution. Water temperature must be monitored very carefully; it should not be significantly higher than body temperature. Bath water that is too hot will only make the condition worse.
• Applying a mustard poultice to the back of the neck or ankle area will help dilate the arteries and normalize blood flow.

If your blood pressure suddenly rises and you feel unwell, you need to lie quietly in a dark room without being distracted by gadgets.

important!Watching TV or reading while staring at your smartphone or laptop is not recommended when your blood pressure is elevated. Excessive eye strain can cause blood pressure readings to rise further.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you must take all medications prescribed by your doctor in strict accordance with the prescribed regimen. You should not stop taking your medication as soon as you show signs of improvement.

What to do before the doctor arrives

If a hypertensive crisis occurs, an ambulance needs to be called. There are several simple methods that can be used to normalize the condition before the doctor arrives. These tips are important for anyone who has high blood pressure or lives with someone who is at high risk. You can do the following:

• Place 1 vasodilator tablet under the tongue until completely absorbed;
• Lie on your back with a high pillow under your head;
• Open windows and unbutton clothes to let fresh air circulate;
• Hot water foot bath for 10-15 minutes;
• Drink an alcoholic solution of motherwort or valerian.

important!Refusing treatment during a hypertensive crisis can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Precaution

Hypertension is best described by the fact that prevention of any disease is easier than treatment. If at least one risk factor for hypertension is present, it is necessary to start intensive preventive measures as early as possible:

• Keep a blood pressure diary and record sphygmomanometer readings, including pulse rate, twice daily;
• Eat right, normalize your weight and give up bad eating habits - overeating, eating too much fatty foods, lots of sweets and salty foods;
• Abstain from alcohol and tobacco – Alcoholic beverages, even in small doses, can have an extremely negative impact on vascular conditions;
• Make time regularly for physical activity and walks in the fresh air, preferably in a gym under the supervision of an experienced trainer;
• Avoid stress as much as possible – regular communication with friends and family, relaxing outdoors, and normalizing team and family relationships will help.

A healthy lifestyle and careful attention to health are the keys to staying healthy for many years.

Treatment of high blood pressure

Treatment of high blood pressure occurs in an outpatient or hospital setting.Hypertensive crisis with a high risk of stroke requires mandatory hospitalization. In this case, the patient must receive continuous medical monitoring until dangerous symptoms subside. In the future, patients may be transferred to outpatient care, subject to strict medical advice.The treatment plan for hypertension and the components of comprehensive therapy are determined by the attending physician based on comprehensive examination results.

pills and medicines

Modern pharmacology offers a wide range of drugs for the treatment of various types of hypertension. Most medications are available at pharmacies without a prescription. In addition to the positive aspects of this approach, there are also negative aspects. Many people with high blood pressure start taking medications haphazardly or on the advice of friends and relatives, which leads to worsening of the condition.Medications for treating high blood pressure are divided into several categories:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)- Drugs that inhibit the production of certain vasoconstrictor hormones in the body;
• Sartans- Receptor blockers that sense hormones that affect vascular tone;
• calcium antagonist- Dilate blood vessels and reduce resistance of blood vessel walls;
• DihydropyridinesLong- and short-acting drugs selectively affect vascular conditions.

Among the drugs that lower blood pressure, diuretics, beta-blockers and many other drugs should also be noted.Medications to treat high blood pressure are selected strictly individually based on the test results. It should be taken strictly in accordance with the regimen prescribed by the attending physician.

diet

Proper and balanced nutrition is an important factor in preventing and treating high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should have a balanced diet.Alcohol should be completely eliminated from the diet and alcohol consumption should be limited to:

• Animal fats, palm oil, butter and coconut oil, margarine;
• Sweets, white bread, milk chocolate and other sweets;
• Salt - taking into account its content in the finished product, no more than 5 g per day.

It is recommended to include in the diet as much as possible:

• Marine fish, rich in healthy fatty amino acids;
• Fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables (at least 5 per day), herbs;
• Vegetable oils - olive oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, sesame oil;
• High-fiber foods (including brown rice, durum wheat pasta, in addition to vegetables and fruits);
• Whole wheat porridge.

If you have high blood pressure, be careful when drinking coffee. A cup of freshly ground coffee in the morning won't hurt, but it's best to drink plain water or green tea throughout the day.

folk remedies

Folk remedies are widely used to lower blood pressure and improve the overall condition of the body, but should only be taken after consulting a doctor. You need to understand that any traditional medicine can only be a supplement to the main treatment and cannot replace it.The following measures will help lower blood pressure:

• garlic tincture;
• Boil a mixture of beets, honey and lemon;
• oatmeal soup;
• Viburnum infusion;
• Clove decoction and some other medicines.

Ready-made antihypertensive herbal mixtures can be purchased in pharmacies - this is much safer than buying them on the market.

What not to do if you have high blood pressure

Strict prohibitions and restrictions mainly concern the severe stages of hypertension. During the first symptoms of the disease, only drinking and smoking are completely prohibited.The progression of the disease can be halted by correcting lifestyle and diet - giving up bad habits, moderate physical activity, proper nutrition and avoiding stressful situations.

complication

It should be understood that the health of the entire body depends on the state of the cardiovascular system. The vascular pathology of hypertension can lead to serious consequences, especially cerebrovascular accidents and myocardial infarction.Other complications of high blood pressure include:

• Atherosclerosis, heart failure, angina;
• visual impairment;
• diabetes and other endocrine diseases;
• Cerebral hemorrhage, encephalopathy, etc.

Seeing your doctor promptly and following all recommendations carefully will help you avoid the dangerous complications associated with high blood pressure.

in conclusion

Persistent elevation of blood pressure or hypertension is the most common pathology of the cardiovascular system in the world. Although there are questions about the cause of this disease, modern medicine has learned to combat it successfully. The keys to success are contacting a specialist at the first symptom, a healthy lifestyle, and trust in your doctor.