Hypertension(hypertension) is a persistent increase in blood pressure, which requires constant monitoring of health and timely treatment. Otherwise, the risk of developing dangerous diseases and even death increases.
The human vascular system is a transportation network in which the transport, blood, is in constant motion. For blood to move, it must be under pressure. Pressure is created due to the contraction of the heart muscle, as a result of which with each heartbeat a new portion of blood is thrown into the arteries. 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 systolic pressure (systole means "contraction" in Greek), the smaller (lower) value is called diastolic pressure (diastole means "expansion"). Normally the upper value should be around 120-140 mmHg. Art. , lower - about 70-80 mm Hg. Art. Lower rates are normal for young people, higher rates for people over 40. If the pressure measurement shows values higher than those indicated, then this pressure is considered high. A prolonged increase in blood pressure is called arterialhypertensionand 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 blood moves are elastic and when pressure increases they stretch. As a result, the pressure normalizes. Furthermore, when pressure increases, blood from arterial vessels enters the capillaries. That is, the body has an effective mechanism for normalizing pressure. Hypertension develops when, for some reason, this mechanism stops working.
Modern medical science 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 prolonged increase in blood pressure. This:
- overweight (obesity);
- diabetes mellitus;
- smoking, alcohol abuse;
- high level of adrenaline in the blood (also due to stress experienced);
- atherosclerosis (mainly atherosclerosis of the aorta);
- kidney disease;
- thyroid diseases;
- 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 a deficiency of magnesium in the body.
Phases and complications of hypertension
High blood pressure leads to increased stress on the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. Hypertension can cause diseases and conditions such as:
- heart failure, myocardial infarction;
- cerebrovascular accidents (ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes);
- nephrosclerosis, renal failure;
- deterioration of vision (due to circulatory problems in the retina).
Therefore, those who are at risk of developing the disease, as well as those who have already been diagnosed with hypertension, need to monitor their condition and regularly measure blood pressure.
The following procedure is recommended for measuring blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured while sitting, after resting for five minutes. The measurement is performed three times in a row, the lowest values are taken into account.
Depending on the blood pressure detected, three stages of hypertension are distinguished.
Stage I hypertension characterized by increases in blood pressure in the range 160-180/95-105 mmHg. Art.
Stage II hypertension diagnosed with a pressure between 180-200/105-115 mm Hg. Art.
Stage III hypertension – it is a serious pathological condition in which blood pressure is within the range 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 itself with symptoms such as:
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- heachache;
- decrease in performance.
However, these symptoms may be perceived by a person simply as signs of tiredness. Furthermore, 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 interruption of blood circulation occurs in the most important organs: brain, heart, kidneys. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis are:
- severe headache;
- darkening of the eyes;
- nausea and vomiting;
- angina pectoris, sensation of increased heartbeat;
- cold sweat, weakness, trembling hands.
Symptoms of stage I hypertension
Possible increases in blood pressure in the range 160-180/95-105 mm Hg. Art. After rest, the pressure normally returns to normal. There may be no additional symptoms, but tinnitus, heaviness in the head, mild headaches, poor sleep, decreased performance, and sometimes dizziness and nosebleeds may occur.
Symptoms of stage II hypertension
The pressure rises to values between 180-200/105-115 mm Hg. Art. In this case the increase in pressure appears to be more stable than in the case of stage I. Stage II hypertension manifests itself with headache and angina, dizziness and hypertensive crises should also be expected. Blood supply to the brain, kidneys and retina is reduced. Possible hits.
Symptoms of stage III hypertension
Blood pressure is recorded in the range 200-230/115-130 mm Hg. Art. With this pressure, the likelihood 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 measurements. The 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) method can be used for diagnosis.
It is of great importance to establish the cause that caused the increase in pressure. Without eliminating the cause, 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 internal organs, various instrumental and laboratory studies are carried out.
ECG
The ECG is a fundamental test in cardiology. It allows you to identify the heart disease that is the cause or the hypertension that accompanies it. Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG monitoring) can be used to take an ECG.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography for hypertension provides the doctor with information about pathological processes in the patient's heart. In the first stage of the disease, echocardiography shows an increase in the speed 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, a dilation of the left ventricle can be observed, accompanied by a decrease in its contractility.
Ultrasound exams
In case of persistent increase in blood pressure, ultrasound of the kidneys and adrenal glands, as well as ultrasound of the brachiocephalic and renal arteries may also be prescribed.
Optical coherence tomography
If you suffer from hypertension, it is important to undergo an examination of the fundus of the eye, as increased pressure can lead to pathological changes in this area and cause vision problems. Fundus examination is best performed using optical coherence tomography. It is also possible to use fundus biomicrography using a fundus camera.
Laboratory diagnostics
Examination for hypertension includes laboratory tests. You will have 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 for hypertension
The main goal of treating hypertension 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 bring blood pressure back to normal levels and reduce the vulnerability of target organs. The patient must be prepared for the fact that antihypertensive therapy will be carried out throughout his life. The course of treatment in stages II and III of the disease necessarily includes drug therapy. Treatment of stage I hypertension may not require drugs, but may be limited to nondrug treatment methods only. In any case, non-pharmacological therapy for hypertension is very important.
A patient with hypertension should regularly measure blood pressure and follow all instructions of the attending physician.
Which doctor treats hypertension
Hypertension is treated by a cardiologist. High blood pressure can also be treated by a primary care physician (family doctor or family doctor), who often detects high blood pressure when you contact him or her with complaints of feeling unwell.
Drug therapy
Medicines should be selected by a doctor, who does this taking into account the individual characteristics of each patient.
Lifestyle change
First of all, you need to:
- stop smoking;
- eliminate or reduce alcohol consumption;
- try to reduce your weight to normal;
- reduce salt intake to 5 g/day;
- provide regular physical activity. The most useful are walking, swimming and therapeutic exercises;
- increase 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.