Hypertension: classification and symptoms. Hypertension and hypertension - what is the difference and differences? Acute hypertension

Hypertension is a disease in which there is high blood pressure that does not change over time. In about 90% of patients with this pathology, essential arterial hypertension is diagnosed.

Hypertension often develops against the background of other ailments. In particular, high blood pressure is often observed in pregnant women. It also develops due to long-term use of certain types of drugs or due to genetic changes. Moreover, today there are about 25 combinations of genes that lead to a persistent increase in blood pressure in humans.

The reasons

The reason why hypertension is often called essential (a disease with an unclear etiology) is that modern medicine cannot give an answer as to why persistent high blood pressure is formed. There are many theories to explain this problem. However, they are all untenable. Moreover, doctors, adhering to a certain theory, can "put" the patient on pills, conduct therapy for the disease, but without achieving noticeable success.

Blood pressure rises due to various factors. For example, severe stress makes the walls of some vessels tense. As a result, the receptors located in them are irritated, which transmit excitation to the medulla oblongata. At the same time, depressor neurons are activated. They expand the walls of the vessels, due to which the pressure is restored.

Such a system ensures the normal functioning of the whole organism. That is, in a healthy person, blood pressure rises for a short time.

Hypertension is believed to arise from the following factors:

Basically, the problem under consideration arises with metabolic disorders, which are characterized by a sharp increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood. This disease is called metabolic syndrome. It occurs with weight gain, the number of certain fats (triglycerides) and other pathologies.

Symptoms

In hypertension, the clinical picture is usually unclear. Patients often do not even suspect that they have such a problem. They live as if nothing happens to them. Even rare bouts of nausea, dizziness, weakness, patients write off as an accident and do not pay attention to them, since these symptoms quickly disappear by themselves. Most often, hypertensive patients go to a doctor when the disease has already struck the internal organs, disrupting their work.

The initial stages of hypertension are characterized by the following:

• headache;
• dizziness;
• noises in the head;
• decreased performance;
• memory impairment.

All this may indicate a decrease in the blood supply to the brain. Such symptoms go away on their own over time. But later they are joined by:

• split vision;
• "Flies" before the eyes;
• weakness;
• numbness of the limbs;
• difficulty speaking.

Serious complications of hypertension that occur during the long course of the disease include heart attacks and strokes. In the early stages of the development of pathology, during the study of the heart, an increase in the size of the left ventricle of the myocardium is revealed.

It begins to grow due to the thickening of the vessel walls. Later, if you do not take any measures, the so-called heart hypertension occurs. With such a disease, atherosclerosis sometimes occurs, characterized by morphological changes that occur in the aorta: the latter begins to exfoliate. As a result, death occurs.

The most common symptom of hypertension is frequent headache. It occurs at different times of the day. Most of the pain is localized in the occipital region. In some hypertensive patients, edema of the extremities is observed, which indicates heart failure or impaired renal function.

Hypertensive crisis

Among all diseases affecting the cardiovascular system, the most common is arterial hypertension. It occurs due to narrowing of the arteries.

The arteries themselves are a kind of highway through which blood moves, delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues. Narrowing of the walls is observed quite often. However, a persistent process is diagnosed somewhat less often.

Narrowing occurs due to the thickening of the vessel walls. The heart has to work harder to deliver blood. As a result, there is a greater release of fluid into the vascular bed, which increases the overall pressure.

Unfortunately, hypertension is a chronic pathology. Moreover, every tenth patient is observed damage to one or more internal organs. In the latter case, we are already talking about the so-called symptomatic, or secondary, hypertension.

One of the most common complications of this pathology is a hypertensive crisis. It is divided into two types.

For the first stage of the disease, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• hypertrophic encephalopathy;
• acute left ventricular failure;
• eclampsia and other pathologies.

In case of a hypertensive crisis related to the first stage, it is necessary to urgently lower the level of blood pressure (BP). Some patients experience an increase in the level of catecholamines in the blood.

The second stage of the crisis is characterized by:

• malignant arterial hypertension, in which complications are not observed;
• hypertension with high (more than 140 mm) diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure in such a crisis must be reduced within 12-24 hours.

Degrees and stages

During the diagnosis, the doctor needs to identify the current degree of hypertension and the stage of its development. This will provide the most effective treatment. Moreover, the longer the disease develops, the more likely the malfunction of the internal organs is.

Normal pressure readings are as follows:

• systolic - below 130 mm;
• diastolic - below 85 mm.

High blood pressure is diagnosed at 135-140 and 90-95 mm, respectively.

For the first degree of the disease, both indicators are 140-160 and 90-100 mm. The second degree of hypertension is evidenced by systolic pressure, which is at the level of 160-180 mm, and diastolic pressure - 100-110 mm. Severe disease is characterized by the following indicators: more than 180 mm and 110 mm.

At the first stage of development, hypertension often goes away on its own without outside influence. If you measure the pressure now, the device will show no more than 160/10 mm. The pressure level will return to normal in about 1-2 weeks. The clinical picture at the first stage is mild or the symptoms do not manifest themselves in any way. In some cases, patients suffer from mild headaches and weakness.

In the second stage, the systolic pressure rises to 180 mm. At the same time, diastolic blood pressure remains at the level of 100 mm. Now the patient has shortness of breath, dizziness, frequent headaches, problems with falling asleep. Possible angina pectoris.

When contacting a doctor, a specialist during the examination reveals:

• narrowing of an artery located in the retina;
• left ventricular hypertrophy.

In urine tests, protein is found, and in the blood - an increased content of creatine.

If the second stage of pathology is detected, it is necessary to start treating it as early as possible, since heart attacks and strokes are among the complications of the disease.

In the third stage, the diastolic pressure rises to a level of 110 mm. Systolic blood pressure remains the same. At this stage, the patient is determined:

In addition, the symptoms described above are characteristic of the third stage. Treatment must be carried out immediately, since renal and hepatic insufficiency develop against the background of pathology, in most cases heart attacks or strokes occur.

Therapy

Hypertension is treated using two methods:

• with the use of drugs;
• without the use of medicines.

Therapy begins with the elimination of concomitant diseases that caused an increase in blood pressure. The same goals are pursued by the treatment of blood pressure both with the help of medications and without them. In addition, taking appropriate medications helps to expand the walls of blood vessels. In the early stages of the development of the disease, certain medications are often prescribed. In the future, if the therapy did not have the desired effect, they resort to combined treatment.

Medicines used in the treatment of hypertension include:

Hypertension should be treated only after consulting a doctor and with the direct participation of a specialist. Without making an accurate diagnosis, identifying concomitant diseases and determining other indicators, an effective therapy cannot be prescribed. High blood pressure is a sign of a serious disorder in the body. Self-medication in this case will only harm the patient's condition.

Non-pharmacological methods of therapy include adherence to a certain diet, from which salt is excluded. Also, patients are advised to rest more, spend time in the fresh air. In addition, you need to give up bad habits and protect yourself from stressful situations. If these methods do not restore normal blood pressure (provided that hypertension is in the first stage), then drug therapy is resorted to.

Only with constant interaction between the doctor and the patient can significant progress be made in the treatment of hypertension. In particular, this approach allows you to normalize the work of the heart, reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, and improve the patient's condition.

Diet

An important component of effective therapy for pathology is diet. It ensures that the needs of the human body for vitamins and minerals are met, while protecting against the intake of harmful and carcinogenic substances.

The functions of the cardiovascular system are strongly interconnected with the work of the digestive system. Therefore, dieting always has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels. For example, when overeating, the stomach grows in size, putting pressure on the diaphragm. Because of this, the heart cannot function normally, as a result of which the volume of blood produced is reduced.

Abundant intake of salt leads to the fact that water begins to actively accumulate in the tissues of the body, which causes swelling of the hands and feet.

Basic principles of the diet:

A diet for hypertension requires limiting the following:

Nutritionists advise checking the calorie content of each product in the daily diet. It is necessary to carry out the so-called fasting days, during which you need to eat only a certain product (apples, kefir, meat or something else). In any case, a doctor should prescribe a diet, since even a diet suitable from the point of view of personal preferences can seriously harm the body.

The following elements play an important role in the treatment of hypertension:

For the treatment of hypertension, bee venom is also used. It not only has a strong diuretic effect, but also dilates blood vessels, like magnesium, thereby reducing the likelihood of spasms. It is recommended to use poison no more than twice a week.

Royal milk and propolis are natural antioxidants. Regular intake of these substances helps to actively cleanse the body of harmful microelements and toxins. Also, royal milk with propolis has a tonic effect, simultaneously creating a reliable psychological barrier against stress.

For the treatment of hypertension, you can take the fruits of chokeberry. And it doesn't matter in what state they will be: juice, fruit drink, compote and the like. The fruits must be consumed three times daily before meals.

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Today, arterial hypertension is the most common disease of the cardiovascular system. This disease is typical, which often exceeds 140/90. Constantly high blood pressure is observed in all people who often have vasospasm.

According to many experts in the field of vascular diseases, arterial hypertension most often occurs due to circulatory disorders. Heart failure also belongs to the list of reasons provoking the development of hypertension, which for such a category of patients is a harbinger of deadly diseases:, etc.

Arterial hypertension has a negative effect on the patient's blood vessels, which narrow and damage in a short time. When the blood flow is too powerful, the walls of the vessels do not withstand and burst, as a result of which the patients experience hemorrhage. Hemorrhagic infarction occurs directly in the organ in which the vessels that have lost their elasticity and are prone to fragility are located.

- This is a disease whose main symptom is high blood pressure, the causes of which are considered to be a neuro-functional disorder of vascular tone. Most often, this disease occurs in people over 40, but recently hypertension has noticeably rejuvenated and is diagnosed in people of different ages. Hypertension equally often affects both men and women. This disease is one of the leading causes of death in people with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

For many decades, scientists from around the world have been studying arterial hypertension. According to the research, the results of which are published in specialized mass media, hypertension is the main cause of disability on our planet. Statistics indicate that arterial hypertension is very often the cause of death for patients who turned to a medical institution too late for help.

Hypertension symptoms

The main symptom of hypertensionis, this is due to the narrowing and spasm of the vessels of the brain. Also frequent symptoms of hypertension - flying "flies" and a veil in front of the eyes, general weakness, sleep disturbances, dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in the head, rapid heartbeat. The listed symptoms are observed at an early stage of hypertension and are neurotic in nature. At a later stage of hypertension, heart failure may occur due to constant overwork of the heart muscle due to high pressure.

Due to the progression of the painful process, a decrease in visual acuity, damage to the vessels of the brain from high blood pressure is possible, and this can lead to paralysis, a decrease in the sensitivity of the limbs, which occurs due to vasospasm, hemorrhage, or.

In addition, many hypertensive patients experience the following symptoms:

bleeding from the nose;

• loss of sleep;

  memory impairment;

  redness of the skin of the face with any physical effort;

  strong pressure on the eyes (it hurts patients to look around, so they prefer to rest and wait for the attack to retreat in silence with their eyes closed);

  fast heart rate;

  fast fatigability, etc.

Hypertension causes and risk factors

The cause of hypertension are frequent, prolonged neuropsychic stress, prolonged stressful situations. Often a prerequisite for the occurrence of hypertension is work, during the performance of which a person is in constant emotional stress. People who have suffered a concussion are also more likely to develop hypertension. Hereditary predisposition can also be one of the causes of hypertension: if someone in the family suffered from such a disease, then the likelihood of developing hypertension increases several times.

Physical inactivity can be one of the main causes of hypertension. With age, when older people begin to acquire and age-related changes in blood vessels occur, the development of hypertension can aggravate the problem, forcing atherosclerosis to progress. This is a rather dangerous phenomenon, since with a strong vasospasm, the access of blood to the brain, heart and kidneys becomes critically small. If there are plaques on the walls of blood vessels, then with severe vasospasm, blood may completely stop flowing to vital organs and circulate through the arteries. In this case, myocardial infarction or stroke occurs.

In women, the cause of hypertension can be a period of hormonal changes in the body with. Table salt, or more precisely, the sodium contained in it, as well as smoking, alcohol abuse and excess weight also contribute to an increase in the load on the cardiovascular system.

The following factors can be ranked among the causes of hypertension:

overweight due to metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, a sedentary lifestyle, etc. (even minor deviations from the norm can cause problems with the heart and blood vessels, against which arterial hypertension will develop);

regular emotional stress, finding the patient in stressful situations, depression, experienced tragedies, etc.;

strong nervous tension caused by problems at work, in business;

suffered brain injuries (accidents, falls, hypothermia);

chronic diseases that have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system (diabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis);

hereditary predisposition (according to statistics, children whose parents suffered from arterial hypertension often inherit these problems and begin to observe the first symptoms of high blood pressure at a young age);

age-related changes in blood vessels;

high blood cholesterol levels, in which plaques form on the walls of blood vessels that interfere with normal blood circulation (spasms often occur in such vessels, which interfere with the flow of blood to vital organs and can trigger a stroke or heart attack);

the climacteric state in which women who have overcome the 40-year mark are found (during significant hormonal changes in the body, latent diseases often begin to progress, against which arterial hypertension can develop);

addictions (smoking, drinking large quantities of alcohol, excessive passion for coffee);

daily salt intake in large quantities;

a sharp increase in adrenaline in the blood;

spending a long time at the computer;

sedentary lifestyle;

rare walks in the fresh air, etc.

A hypertensive crisis is the peak manifestation of hypertension. When blood pressure rises sharply, all of the above symptoms are observed, but nausea, sweating and darkening in the eyes are added to them. Such crises can last from several minutes to several hours. Patients complain of rapid heartbeat, they are agitated and scared. In this condition, red spots may appear on the cheeks, sometimes during an attack, there may be profuse urination or loose stools. Hypertensive crises occur most often after severe emotional stress in women during menopause, in the afternoon or at night.

There is another type of hypertensive crisis, which has a more severe course, its development is gradual, and in time it is quite long - it can torment a person for four to five hours or even several days. Such a crisis most often occurs in the later stages of the development of hypertension, and, as a rule, it occurs against the background of chronically high blood pressure. A severe crisis is very often accompanied by cerebral symptoms - for example, speech impairment, a failure in limb sensitivity may occur. Sometimes this crisis is accompanied by severe heart pain.

Video: Svetlana Pogoretskaya - Chief Physician, Ph.D. the multidisciplinary center for preventive medicine, and Olga Burunova, therapist-cardiologist, talk about hypertension:

Diagnosis of hypertension

In order to make an accurate diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with signs of arterial hypertension, a specialist must carry out a set of diagnostic measures, including both laboratory and hardware examination. The purpose of the diagnosis is to determine the stage and degree of hypertension. Thanks to this data, the attending physician will be able to choose the most effective therapy.

Due to the fact that arterial hypertension in the first stage of its development is often asymptomatic, most patients arrive at a medical facility too late. In such cases, patients should be patient, since hypertension is very difficult to treat and can accompany a person throughout the rest of his life. In order not to waste precious time and receive timely medical care, you must carefully monitor your health and immediately respond to any alarm signals from the body.

At home, each person should regularly measure their blood pressure using a tonometer. The optimal values \u200b\u200bare 120/80, for the elderly, the permissible value is 130/90. An increase in systolic pressure by 5-10 units can be caused by changes in climatic conditions, too much physical and mental stress. Too much difference between the "upper" and "lower" pressure is also a cause for alarm - normally this figure should not exceed 50 units. If a person often observes jumps in blood pressure, he urgently needs to contact the nearest medical institution and get detailed advice from a narrow-profile specialist.

Hypertension stages

Modern medicine defines 3 stages of arterial hypertension:

Stage 1 is blood pressure 140–159 / 90–99 mm Hg. Art. The pressure can return from time to time to normal values, and then rise again;

Stage 2 is blood pressure, which fluctuates between 160-179 / 100-109 mm Hg. Art. The pressure is often understood and very rarely returns to normal;

3rd stage - when the pressure rises to 180 and above / 110 mm Hg. Art. The pressure is almost constantly kept high, and its decrease can be a sign of a malfunction of the heart.

Stage 1 hypertension:

At the first stage of arterial hypertension, the patient may not feel strong changes in his body. Very often, the pressure, which, due to certain reasons, rises to 140/90 or 160/100, independently returns to the usual range (120/80).

It is possible to identify hypertension at the first stage only if the patient independently controls his blood pressure. The compiled schedule will allow the specialist to draw certain conclusions and make an accurate diagnosis.

Stage 2 hypertension:

At the second stage, arterial hypertension is often accompanied by headaches, nausea, lethargy, general weakness, etc.

In patients, blood pressure rises and remains for a long time in the range from 160/100 to 180/110. Pressure on its own rarely returns to normal, therefore, patients need medication.

Stage 3 hypertension:

The third stage of arterial hypertension is considered the most dangerous, since with it in most patients the pressure can reach 180/110 and above. An unexpected decrease in blood pressure at the 3rd stage of hypertension by specialists can be regarded as a sign of a malfunction of the heart and serve as a reason for consulting a cardiologist. In patients, the symptoms of hypertension begin to manifest themselves clearly, which forces people to seek help from medical institutions.

With the disease, arterial hypertension in many patients (especially at stages 2 and 3) may experience hypertensive crises, during which blood pressure rises rapidly.

With such attacks, patients may experience the following symptoms:

severe headaches;

increased sweating, etc.

A hypertensive crisis can end in a few minutes, or it can drag on for several hours. These patients need urgent medical attention.

How is hypertension treated?

- are able to expand the cavity of blood vessels and arteries (these drugs prevent the development of vascular spasms and facilitate the work of the heart);

- normalize the heart rate (with increased pressure, the heart begins to work at an accelerated rate);

Alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers, which are capable of very gently expanding peripheral vessels.

Hypertension (hypertension) is a serious chronic disease characterized by a persistent increase in blood pressure. A number of practicing doctors call hypertension nothing more than an "invisible killer", since this diagnosis is often made by resuscitators, and in case of an asymptomatic course - only by a pathologist.

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The danger of hypertension

A person does not always suspect that he has this pathology, since many clinical manifestations of hypertension have obvious similarities with the symptoms of ordinary fatigue. The disease very often leads to the development of severe complications, including life-threatening conditions. In particular, if it was previously believed that atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels lead to myocardial infarction and hemorrhagic strokes, it has now been established that for the development of these conditions, only the presence of hypertension is sufficient.

Arterial hypertension, like a number of other chronic diseases, cannot be completely cured, but its development can be prevented. Even with a diagnosis already made, adequate therapeutic measures can minimize the manifestations of hypertension, greatly improving the patient's quality of life.

note: The risk of complications is almost directly dependent on the age of the patient. If hypertension is diagnosed in a young person, then the prognosis is less favorable than in patients of the middle age group.

To "catch" the disease at the initial stage, when the changes are reversible, you need to regularly measure your blood pressure. If, during periodic measurements, numbers that exceed normal values \u200b\u200bare often detected, blood pressure correction is necessary.

Numbers are considered normal:

• for people aged 16-20 years - 100/70 - 120/80 mm. rt. Art .;
• at 20-40 years old - 120/70 - 130/80;
• 40-60 - not higher than 135/85;
• 60 years and more - no more than 140/90.

Hypertension symptoms

The latent course of hypertension or the initial stage of the disease can be suspected if the following are periodically noted:

• unmotivated feeling of anxiety;
• hyperhidrosis (increased sweating);
• chilliness;
• hyperemia (redness) of the skin of the facial area;
• small spots before the eyes;
• memory impairment;
• low efficiency;
• irritability for no reason;
• and faces in the morning;
• heart palpitations at rest;
• numbness of the fingers.

The listed symptoms can occur regularly or be noted quite rarely. One cannot but attach importance to them, since the disease is very insidious. These clinical manifestations require an urgent change in the lifestyle, since the correction that is not carried out in a timely manner leads to a fairly rapid progression of the disease. As the pathology develops, the list of permanent symptoms of hypertension expands. Impaired coordination of movements, a drop in visual acuity are added.

Note: even the presence of just a few characteristic symptoms from the above list is the basis for an immediate visit to the doctor. Especially carefully you need to listen to your body if there are certain risk factors for hypertension. Self-medication is dangerous; uncontrolled intake of drugs can only worsen the situation.

Etiology and pathogenesis of hypertension

The onset of hypertension is due to certain disorders in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, which are responsible for vascular tone.

Important:in men from 35 to 50 years old and in women in menopause, the likelihood of developing hypertension increases.

One of the most important risk factors for hypertension is a family history. In patients with a hereditary predisposition, increased permeability of cell membranes is revealed.

The external factors that provoke the development of the disease include strong and frequent psychoemotional (nervous shocks, difficult experiences). They cause the release of adrenaline, which increases cardiac output and increases the rate of myocardial contraction. In combination with aggravated heredity, this often provides the appearance of hypertension.

The immediate causes leading to hypertension include:

• dysfunctions of the nervous system;
• violations of ion exchange at the cellular and tissue level (increased levels of sodium and potassium ions);
• metabolic disorders;
• atherosclerotic vascular lesions.

Important: overweight people have a 3-4 times higher risk of hypertension than others.

The risk of hypertension increases significantly with alcohol abuse, nicotine addiction, with the consumption of large amounts of table salt and physical inactivity.

A periodic increase in blood pressure forces the heart to function with increased stress, which leads to myocardial hypertrophy, and subsequently to wear of the heart muscle. As a result, chronic heart failure (CHF) develops, and malnutrition of organs and tissues leads to severe consequences and the development of a number of concomitant diseases. High pressure becomes the reason for the thickening of the vascular walls and narrowing of the very lumen of the vessel. Gradually, the walls become brittle, which greatly increases the risk of hemorrhages (including the development of hemorrhagic strokes). Permanent spasm of blood vessels maintains high blood pressure, closing this circle of disorders.

note: Normally, fluctuations in blood pressure during the day do not exceed 10 units. In hypertensive patients, the numbers may differ by 50 mm. rt. Art. and more.

Hypertension may result from the intake of certain pharmacological agents (FS).

With extreme caution, you need to take the following FS groups:

• glucocorticoids;
• Supplements for appetite suppression;
• some anti-inflammatory drugs (in particular - Indomethacin).

Hypertension vs.Hypertension: What's the Difference?

Hypertension is understood as an increase in blood pressure above 140/90. We can say that hypertension and hypertension are practically identical concepts. But hypertension is a disease, and hypertension is one of its symptoms. In about every tenth patient, an abnormally high blood pressure is a manifestation of another pathology.

The following types of symptomatic hypertension are distinguished:

• hemodynamic;
• renal;
• endocrine;
• renovascular.

Hypertension classification

To select the optimal treatment tactics, it is necessary to first determine the type of this pathology.

By etiology, it is customary to distinguish:

• primary hypertension (also called idiopathic or essential);
• symptomatic hypertension (against the background of other pathologies or taking certain drugs).

By the nature of the course, hypertension is divided into:

• benign(gradually progressive form, including 3 stages);
• malignant(severe, usually - endocrine etiology).

The benign form, which is diagnosed in most cases, is characterized by a gradual development with damage to certain organs.

The malignant form is relatively rare; it can be detected even in childhood. It is characterized by consistently high blood pressure and severe complications. Often, decompensated heart failure, hypertensive encephalopathy and a sharp impairment of the functional activity of the kidneys develop.

By the degree of increase in blood pressure, it stands out:

• mild hypertension (blood pressure indicators - not higher than 140/90, medication is usually not required);
• moderate form (1-2 stages, pressure up to 180/110 mm Hg);
• severe hypertension (Stage 3 or malignant form).

note: The terms "mild" and "severe" speak only of BP numbers, but not of general condition.

Experts distinguish three stages of hypertension in a benign course:

• 1st (preclinical) stage of hypertension. Moderate headaches and mild sleep disturbances may occur. Blood pressure does not rise above 140-160 / 95-100 and decreases after good rest.
• 2nd stage of hypertension... There is a narrowing of the arteries and hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart. HELL is higher and is stable, and at rest the numbers reach 160-180 / 100-110 mm. rt. Art. In a laboratory study, tests reveal an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood and protein in the urine.
• 3rd stage of hypertension... Angina pectoris, impaired cerebral blood flow, hemorrhages in the fundus, dissection of the aortic walls develop. The risk of developing heart attacks, strokes and loss of vision is especially high in this case.

Note: some patients may experience the so-called. "White coat hypertension." With her, symptoms appear only in the presence of medical workers.

A special form of pathology is. This is an extreme manifestation of the disease, which is characterized by a sharp increase in blood pressure to critical levels. A severe condition with intense headache, nausea and vomiting can persist for up to a day. Due to the violation of cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure increases. Depending on the mechanism of increasing blood pressure, eukinetic, as well as hypo- and hyperkinetic crises are distinguished.

Important: in case of a hypertensive crisis, it is important to provide the patient with first aid and urgently call an ambulance.

Hypertension can be isolated systolic or diastolic. With this form, an increase in only the "upper" or only "lower" blood pressure figures is noted.

By refractory hypertension it is customary to mean a form of the disease in which therapy with three or more pharmacological agents is ineffective.

Hypertension treatment

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Therapeutic measures for hypertension can include both medication and non-medication methods, as well as traditional medicine.

Medicines indicated for hypertension

Drugs are prescribed if non-drug therapy of the 1st degree of the disease does not give a positive effect within 3-4 months or the 2nd stage of the disease is diagnosed. Monotherapy is indicated (that is, the use of one FS). The "first line" agent does not affect the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, does not lead to fluid retention, does not disturb the electrolyte balance, does not have a depressing effect on the central nervous system and does not provoke a sharp increase in blood pressure after cancellation.

At stages 2-3, combinations of β-blockers with calcium antagonists, diuretics or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can be shown. It is also possible to combine ACE inhibitors with diuretics or calcium antagonists.

In severe hypertension, combinations of 3-4 drugs belonging to the above groups, as well as α-blockers, are sometimes prescribed.

Treatment of hypertension with folk remedies

Non-drug therapy

Non-drug treatments are indicated for grade 1. With hypertension, it is important to give up bad habits, follow a diet with a limited content of sodium chloride (salt) and animal fats. Acupuncture therapy, acupuncture, auto-training and massage can become an alternative to pharmacological drugs. Patients are advised to strictly adhere to the regimen, take antioxidant agents and fortifying herbal remedies.

Gymnastics helps with hypertension. Regular dosed physical activity contributes to the development of a pronounced antihypertensive effect. Exercises should be performed daily for 30 minutes, increasing the load gradually.

Remember that if you have been diagnosed with hypertension, then with a sharp deterioration in general condition, you should immediately call a doctor at home! Before his visit, it is better to take a semi-sitting position, take a hot foot bath or put mustard plasters on the calves, take Valocordin (30-35 drops) and your "usual" medicine to lower blood pressure. For chest pain, you need to put a capsule of Nitroglycerin under the tongue, and in case of severe headache, take a diuretic.

Essential hypertension is a chronic ailment, which is characterized by a persistent increase in blood pressure to high numbers due to a violation of the regulation of blood circulation in the human body. Also, terms such as arterial hypertension and hypertension are used to refer to this condition.

Medical statistics are such that today hypertension is one of the most common diseases. It usually begins to progress in people after 40 years, but there is a risk of its progression at any age. So, more and more often, the disease began to be detected in patients of working age. It is worth noting that the fair sex is sick several times more often than men. But it is in men that hypertension is more severe, since they are more prone to the development of blood vessels.

Blood pressure can increase with strong mental or physical stress for a short time - this is absolutely normal. A more prolonged increase in blood pressure is observed in a number of diseases of the kidneys, endocrine glands, and also during pregnancy. But in this case, hypertension is only one of the symptoms that indicate changes in the organs. In hypertension, an increase in blood pressure is an independent, initially arisen, painful process.

The pathogenesis of hypertension is such that, under the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors, the tone of the walls of arterioles in the body increases. As a result, they gradually narrow and the blood flow in the affected vessels is disrupted. During this pathological process, blood pressure increases on the walls of the arteries, which entails further symptoms.

Etiology

The main reason for the progression of hypertension is an increase in the activity of the sympathetic-adrenal system. In the medulla oblongata in humans, the vasomotor center is localized. From it, along the nerve fibers to the walls of the vessels, certain impulses go, forcing the vessels to expand or contract. If this center is in a state of irritation, then only impulses will come to the vessels, increasing the tone of their walls. As a result, the lumen of the artery narrows.

Arterial hypertension is characterized by a simultaneous increase in systolic and diastolic pressure. This is observed under the influence of various adverse factors.

Exogenous risk factors:

• severe nervous tension is the most common cause of progression;
• hypodynamia;
• poor nutrition. Failure to follow a diet and eat a lot of fatty and fried foods;
• excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• smoking;
• the use of narcotic drugs.

Endogenous risk factors:

• burdened heredity;
• atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels of the heart;
• increased blood viscosity (the heart cannot fully distill it through the vessels);
• kidney ailments, such as;
• metabolic disorder;
• the presence of endocrine pathologies;
• increased concentration of calcium in the blood;
• the action of adrenaline on the heart during stressful situations;
• increased concentration of sodium in the blood.

Classification

For the entire time of the study of the disease, scientists have developed more than one classification of hypertension - by the patient's appearance, by etiology, by the level of pressure increase, the nature of the course, and so on. Some have long been irrelevant, while others, on the contrary, are being used more and more often.

The degree of hypertension (by pressure level):

• optimal - indicators 120/80;
• normal - upper from 120 to 129, lower - from 80 to 84;
• increased normal - the upper values \u200b\u200bare from 130 to 139, the lower ones are from 85 to 89;
• hypertension of the 1st degree - DM from 140 to 159, DD - from 90 to 99;
• hypertension of the 2nd degree - indicators of systolic pressure increase to 160-179, and diastolic - up to 100-109;
• hypertension of the 3rd degree - systolic pressure increases over 140, and diastolic - over 110.

Stages of essential hypertension according to WHO:

• stage 1 hypertension - the pressure rises, but changes in the internal organs are not observed. It is also called transient. The pressure stabilizes after a short rest period;
• Stage 2 or stable. At this stage of hypertension, the pressure rises constantly. The main organs of the target are affected. During the examination, it can be noted that the heart, vessels of the fundus, kidneys are damaged;
• Stage 3 or sclerotic. This stage of hypertension is characterized not only by a critical increase in diabetes mellitus and DD, but also by pronounced sclerotic changes in the blood vessels of the kidneys, heart, brain, fundus. Dangerous complications develop - angioretinopathies, and so on.

Forms of the disease (depending on the vessels of which organs are affected):

• renal form;
• heart shape;
• brain form;
• mixed.

Types of hypertension:

• benign and slow flowing. In this case, the symptoms of the progression of the pathology can gradually appear over the course of 20 years. There are phases of both exacerbation and remission. The risk of complications is minimal (with timely therapy);
• malignant. The pressure rises sharply. This form of hypertension is practically not amenable to therapy. As a rule, the pathology is accompanied by various kidney diseases.

It is worth noting that often with hypertension grade 2 and 3 in the patient occur. This is an extremely dangerous condition not only for human health, but also for his life. Clinicians identify the following types of crises:

• neurovegetative. The patient is hyperactive and very agitated. The following symptoms of hypertension are manifested: tremor of the upper extremities, and profuse urination;
• hydropic. In this case, the patient is drowsy and his reactions are inhibited. Muscle weakness, swelling of the face and hands, decreased urine output, persistent increase in blood pressure are noted;
• convulsive. This option is the most dangerous, since there is a high risk of developing dangerous complications. It is worth noting that it is the least common. It is characterized by the following symptoms: convulsions and impaired consciousness. Complication - cerebral hemorrhage.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease directly depend on what stage of hypertension is observed in the patient.

Neurogenic

An increase in blood pressure is usually observed against a background of severe psycho-emotional stress or due to increased physical exertion. At this stage, there may be no signs of pathology at all. Sometimes patients begin to complain of pain in the region of the heart, irritability, headache, tachycardia, a feeling of heaviness in the back of the head. Indicators of DM and DD are increasing, but they can be easily normalized.

Sclerotic

The indicated clinical picture is complemented by the following symptoms:

• increased headache;
• dizziness;
• feeling of a rush of blood to the head;
• poor sleep;
• periodic numbness of the fingers on the limbs;
• fast fatiguability;
• "Flies" before the eyes;
• persistent increase in blood pressure.

It is worth noting that this stage can progress over several years and the patients will be active and mobile. But a disruption in the supply of certain organs with blood entails a disruption of their functioning.

The ultimate

Usually at this stage, doctors detect and, as well as a violation of blood circulation in the brain. The outcome of the disease, as well as the development of complications, is determined by the form of hypertension. Crises often occur.

With a cardiac form, the patient gradually progresses heart failure. Shortness of breath, pain in the projection of the heart, edema appears. With a cerebral form, a person is worried about severe headaches, impaired visual function.

Hypertension and childbearing

Hypertension during pregnancy is the most common cause of premature birth or perinatal fetal death. Usually, hypertension in a woman already exists before the onset of pregnancy and then simply activates, because bearing a child is a kind of stress for the body.

Given the high risk for the mother and the unborn child, in the case of a diagnosis of an ailment, it is important to determine exactly the degree of this risk in order to resolve the issue of further bearing a fetus or terminating pregnancy. Doctors identify three degrees of risk (based on the stage of arterial hypertension):

• 1 degree of risk - complications of pregnancy are minimal, crises rarely develop. Angina pectoris is possible. Pregnancy in this case is acceptable;
• 2 degree of risk - severe. Complications develop in 20-50% of cases. A pregnant woman has hypertensive crises, insufficiency of the coronary vessels of the heart, high blood pressure. Abortion is indicated;
• 3 degree of risk. Pregnancy complications occur in 50% of cases. Perinatal mortality is observed in 20% of cases. Detachment of the placenta, impaired circulation of blood in the brain is possible. Pregnancy is a danger to the mother's life, so it is interrupted.

Patients who are still pregnant must visit a doctor once a week so that he can monitor their condition. Treatment of hypertension is mandatory. It is allowed to use such antihypertensive drugs:

• antispasmodics;
• saluretics;
• sympatholytics;
• clonidine derivatives;
• rauwolfia preparations;
• ganglion blockers;
• beta-blockers.

Also, for the purpose of treating an ailment during pregnancy, doctors resort to physiotherapy.

Diagnostics

When the first signs of an illness appear, it is important to immediately contact a medical institution to confirm or refute the diagnosis. The sooner this is done, the less the risk of progression of dangerous complications (damage to the heart, kidneys, brain). During the initial examination, the doctor must measure the pressure on both hands. If the patient is elderly, then measurements are also taken in a standing position. During the diagnosis, it is important to clarify the true cause of the progression of the pathology.

A comprehensive plan for the diagnosis of hypertension includes:

• collection of anamnesis;
• SMAD;
• determination of the level of bad cholesterol in the blood;
• x-ray;
• fundus examination;

Treatment

Treatment of hypertension is carried out in a stationary setting, so that doctors can constantly monitor the patient's condition and, if necessary, adjust the treatment plan. It is important to normalize the patient's daily regimen, correct his weight, limit the use of table salt, and also completely abandon bad habits.

To correct pressure, the following drugs are prescribed:

• alpha blockers;
• beta-blockers;
• calcium channel blockers;
• diuretics. This group of drugs is especially important, as it helps to reduce the level of sodium in the blood, thereby reducing the swelling of the vessel walls.

All of these drugs should be taken only as directed by your doctor. Uncontrolled intake of such funds can only worsen the patient's condition. These drugs are taken according to a certain scheme.

Diet

During the treatment of hypertension, in addition to taking medications, it is important to adhere to a special diet. With hypertension, the patient is prescribed table number 10. The principles of such a diet:

• add seafood to the diet;
• limit salt intake;
• fractional meals;
• limit carbohydrates and animal fats in the diet.

A diet for this pathology implies a limitation:

• sahara;
• of bread;
• potatoes;
• pasta;
• cereal dishes;
• animal fats;
• ghee;
• sour cream and so on.

Diet # 10 is complete and can be followed for a long time. To improve the taste of dishes, you can add:

• prunes;
• vinegar;
• jam;
• cranberries;
• lemon.

The diet is indicated not only during treatment, but also after it, so as not to provoke a deterioration in the condition. It should be noted that the diet is developed strictly individually for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of his body. An important point - while dieting, you need to consume no more than 1.5 liters of liquid per day.

Prevention

Prevention of hypertension is quite simple. The first thing to do is to normalize your diet, as well as lead an active lifestyle. In order for the vessels to be elastic, you need to eat more vegetables and fruits, drink up to 2 liters of water per day. You can take vitamin preparations. Also, the prevention of hypertension implies the exclusion of smoking and taking alcoholic beverages.

According to statistics, hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease. The nature of the course and the possible consequences give grounds for classifying it among the most dangerous pathologies. At the same time, there is no asymptomatic stage in the development of hypertension. That is, with an attentive attitude to your health, there is every chance for early diagnosis and timely treatment. The disease is not completely cured, but its progression can be successfully contained.

Arterial hypertension is a chronic disease, the main symptom of which is persistent hypertension, high blood pressure. They talk about pathology when the tonometer records a blood pressure level of more than 140/90 mm Hg. Art.

Men are more prone to hypertension; in the stronger sex, the disease develops at an earlier age. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is female sex hormones, which inhibit the development of the disease. In the postmenopausal period, the natural defense disappears, the incidence among women and men levels off.

The symptoms of hypertension in men and women are almost the same, the causes and risk factors for the development of the disease are somewhat different.

Before talking about an increase in blood pressure, it is advisable to imagine what indicators are the norm. In children of the first year of life, the norm is considered to be blood pressure at the level of 90/40 ± 5 mm Hg. Art. With age, the indicators gradually increase, reaching 120/80 ± 10 mm Hg. Art.

In the conclusion of the World Health Organization, the upper limit for blood pressure is set at 140/90 mm Hg. Art.

It should be noted that blood pressure indicators vary depending on the time of day and the corresponding physical activity of a person. Blood pressure drops at night, reaching a physiological minimum between midnight and three o'clock. By the end of the working day, at about 5 pm, blood pressure reaches a maximum and begins to decrease from 8 pm. A situational increase in pressure occurs during unusual or excessive physical exertion, in stressful situations, against the background of particularly vivid and strong emotions.

The basis for the examination for suspected hypertension are at least three episodes of increased blood pressure recorded on different days during the month. Instrumental confirmation of an increase in pressure is necessary for differentiating the disease from other pathologies. The early symptoms of hypertension are quite typical, but in the absence of special knowledge they are mistaken for manifestations of other diseases. In addition, primary hypertension in hypertension should be distinguished from symptomatic (secondary), which develops against the background of kidney disease and pathologies of the endocrine system.

Causes and risk factors

The main role in the pathogenesis of hypertension is assigned to violations of the regulatory function of the central nervous system, in particular, the departments that control the work of vital organs.

The connection of hypertension with disturbances in the processes of nervous regulation indirectly confirms the fact that it is often provoked by prolonged and strong anxiety, fears, deep nervous shocks, and repeated episodes of nervous overstrain. The prerequisites for the development of primary arterial hypertension can be gross violations of the daily cycle of activity associated with the peculiarities of professional activity (work in night shifts, irregular working hours), exposure to noise and vibration.

The development of hypertension is also facilitated by the violation of the ionic balance caused by an excess of sodium. With the consumption of table salt in an amount exceeding 5 g per day, the risk of developing hypertension increases. With a burdened heredity, an addiction to salty food is almost tantamount to a sentence.

The predisposition to hypertension is genetically determined. The symptoms of hypertension that are detected in the closest blood relatives are a fairly clear signal about the need to carefully consider your health.

Hypertension and its further progression are also provoked by atherosclerosis, obesity, dysfunction of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and chronic infections.

Age and gender contribute to the manifestation of pathology. Among people under 40 years of age, the symptoms of hypertension are more common in men than in women. After 60 years, hypertension is diagnosed in every second patient. The incidence of women increases after menopause, and in the older age group of patients, it is women who predominate. Changes in the gender ratio are associated with increased premature mortality among men who become ill at an earlier age.

In addition, provoking factors are:

• Violations of the quality and diet;
• Bad habits and chronic intoxication;
• Caffeine abuse
• Physical inactivity and hard physical labor;
• Socio-economic status.

The main symptoms of the disease

Typical signs of hypertension in women and men are the same and appear at an early stage. A sustained increase in blood pressure is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Visual impairment;
• Numbness in the fingers;
• Sleep disorders;
• Deterioration in performance;
• Irritability;
• Nosebleeds;
• Noise in ears;
• Peripheral edema (mainly in women);
• Sweating;
• Heartache.

Symptoms of hypertension appear in different combinations, not all at once, but as the disease progresses. Headache attacks can develop at the end of the day, coinciding with the physiological peak of blood pressure. Not uncommon and headache immediately after waking up. This symptom is often mistaken for ordinary lack of sleep, overwork, or the manifestation of other diseases not related to the cardiovascular system.

A headache caused by an attack of hypertension is accompanied by sensations of pressure or heaviness in the back of the head, sometimes worsening when turning, tilting the head, sudden movements, sneezing, coughing, and may be accompanied by swelling of the face, general or partial. The intensity of pain is in no way related to the level of blood pressure, but sometimes it indicates an abrupt increase. In some patients, the headache is combined with nosebleeds, after which the condition usually improves. Nosebleeds can be painless, especially in the first stage of hypertension.

Excruciating headaches provoke irritability. The patient reacts painfully to bright lighting, loud and harsh sounds.

Visual impairment is described as a veil before the eyes, "flies", double vision.

Pain in the heart and a vague sensation of anxiety as a symptom of hypertension are more typical for the later stages of the development of the disease. The pain is localized in the upper part of the heart or to the left of the sternum, not always associated with emotional or physical stress. Unlike attacks of angina pectoris, pain may not subside within a few hours and is not relieved by taking vasodilators from the organic nitrate class.

Shortness of breath can occur as a reaction to physical activity, as the disease progresses - and at rest.

Peripheral edema with hypertension may indicate the development of heart failure. Puffiness can develop after taking certain medications, impaired renal function, excess sodium in the body.

In the course of hypertension, three stages are distinguished, which differ in the manifested symptoms and the severity of the patient's condition.

With an increase in blood pressure to 140-149 / 90-99 mm Hg. Art. hypertension is characterized as mild. The attacks are accompanied by dizziness, nosebleeds are possible. Characterized by deterioration in performance, lethargy, attacks of nausea and tachycardia are possible.

Moderate hypertension is diagnosed at rates from 150-179 / 100-109 mm Hg. Art. Patients experience sweating, chills, swelling, numbness of the fingers, during an attack, dull pains in the heart are possible. Retinal vasospasms appear as flashes of flies or lightning before the eyes, possibly progressive deterioration of vision, up to blindness with bleeding into the retina.

Severe hypertension leads to dysfunction of the heart and other organs.

Hypertensive crisis

With a sharp increase in blood pressure, a hypertensive crisis is possible. The consequences of a crisis can affect the heart, brain, kidneys. The most characteristic feature of a crisis is an increase in diastolic (upper) pressure.

The crisis begins suddenly, with the following possible:

• Dyspnea;
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting;
• Veil before the eyes and other visual impairments;
• Sharp redness of the face;
• Strong headache;
• Constricting pain in the region of the heart.

Symptoms that manifest themselves during a crisis can vary, according to the characteristics of the symptom complex, the following types of crisis are distinguished:

• Neurovegetative. Neurological symptoms predominate. The patient is overexcited, restless, or scared. Hand tremors, perspiration, fever are possible. As a rule, only systolic pressure rises, an attack of hypertension is accompanied by tachycardia.

• Hydropic. Both pressure indicators increase, patients quickly develop swelling of the face and hands, lethargy, and drowsiness. The person is disoriented. The edematous form of the crisis develops mainly in women, after eating salty food or a large amount of liquid.

• A rare convulsive crisis is possible in patients with a malignant course of hypertension. With a convulsive crisis, the likelihood of a hemorrhagic stroke is especially high.

Features of the course of hypertension in women

In women of childbearing age, hypertension develops less often than in men. At the same time, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, lactation and menopause are often accompanied by symptomatic hypertension. If the main signs of hypertension appear against the background of menopausal changes, the final diagnosis is possible after the complete extinction of reproductive function. The use of oral contraceptives is a purely female risk factor.

Alcohol and nicotine intoxication has a much greater effect on women than on the stronger sex. Even one cigarette can provoke a hypertensive crisis with diagnosed hypertension.

Another risk factor is the increased emotionality of women. Due to this psychological feature, the fair sex is more likely to suffer from hypertensive crises.

The symptoms of hypertension in women are usually stronger, women are more attentive to their health and go to the doctor on average much earlier than men.

Features of the development and course of hypertension in men

Since the male body does not undergo such frequent and deep hormonal changes, the main risk factors are somewhat different from those of women.

First of all, these are strong and chronic stresses that cause an increase in the level of adrenaline, and therefore blood pressure. Chronic intoxication of various origins, ranging from air pollution in industrial regions, harmful working conditions, and ending with alcohol or tobacco dependence, play an equally important role.

Diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, overweight can also provoke the development of arterial hypertension.

A hereditary predisposition to hypertension exacerbates the risk of its development in both sexes.

Signs of hypertension in men are less pronounced; early symptoms are not always taken seriously. The first visit to a doctor often occurs at a fairly advanced stage of the disease.

Hypertension in children

Since one of the key factors in the development of hypertension is a burdened heredity, hypertensive parents should know how to identify hypertension in children.