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hypertonic disease

blood pressure measurement

Hypertension is a disease of a chronic nature, characterized by a persistent increase in blood pressure in high numbers due to a violation of the regulation of blood circulation in the human body. Also, terms like high blood pressure 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 starts to progress in people after age 40, but there is a risk of its progression at any age. Thus, more and more the disease began to be detected in patients of working age. It should be noted that the fair sex suffers several times more than men. But it is in men that hypertension is more severe, as they are more prone to the development of atherosclerosis of the blood vessels.

Blood pressure can rise with strong mental or physical stress for a short period of time - this is an absolutely normal phenomenon. A more prolonged rise in blood pressure is seen in various diseases of the kidneys, endocrine glands and during pregnancy. But in this case, hypertension is just one of the symptoms that indicate changes in the organs. In hypertension, the increase in blood pressure is an independent, primary and 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 consequence of this, they gradually narrow and blood flow in the affected vessels is disturbed. During this pathological process, blood pressure increases in the walls of the arteries, which leads to more symptoms.

Etiology

The main reason for the progression of hypertension is an increase in the activity of the sympathetic-adrenal system. The vasomotor center is located in the human medulla oblongata. From there, certain impulses travel along the nerve fibers to the vessel walls, causing the vessels to expand or contract. If this center is in a state of irritation, only impulses will reach the vessels that increase the tone of their walls. As a result, the lumen of the artery narrows.

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 the progression of high blood pressure;
  • hypodynamia;
  • irrational nutrition. Non-compliance with the diet and ingestion of large amounts of fatty and fried foods;
  • excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
  • smoke;
  • the use of narcotics.

Endogenous risk factors:

  • overloaded heredity;
  • obesity;
  • atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels of the heart;
  • increased viscosity of blood (the heart cannot completely distil it through the vessels);
  • kidney diseases such as nephritis, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis;
  • 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

During the entire time of studying the disease, scientists have developed more than one classification of hypertension - according to the patient's appearance, according to the etiology, according to the level of pressure increase, the nature of the course, and so on. against. Some have been out of date for a long time, while others, on the contrary, are used more and more often.

Degrees of hypertension (by pressure level):

  • great - indicators 120/80;
  • normal - upper from 120 to 129, lower - from 80 to 84;
  • normal increase - upper indicators - from 130 to 139, lower - from 85 to 89;
  • 1st degree hypertension - SD from 140 to 159, DD - from 90 to 99;
  • 2nd degree hypertension - indicators of systolic pressure increase to 160-179, and diastolic - up to 100-109;
  • 3rd degree hypertension - systolic pressure rises above 140 and diastolic - above 110.

Stages of hypertension according to the WHO:

  • stage 1 hypertension - the pressure increases, but there are no changes in Organs internal organs. It is also called transient. The pressure stabilizes after a short period of rest;
  • stage 2 or stable. In this stage of hypertension, the pressure constantly increases. The target's major organs are affected. During the examination, it can be noted that damage to the heart, fundus vessels, kidneys;
  • Stage 3 or sclerotic. This stage of hypertension is characterized not only by a critical increase in DM and DD, but also by pronounced sclerotic changes in the blood vessels of the kidneys, heart, brain and fundus. Dangerous complications develop - stroke, coronary artery disease, angioretinopathy, heart attack and so on.

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

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

Types of hypertension:

  • benign and slow-flowing. In this case, symptoms of the progression of the pathology may appear gradually over 20 years. The exacerbation and remission phases are observed. 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 mentioning that often with hypertension of degrees 2 and 3, the patient has hypertensive crises. This is an extremely dangerous condition not only for human health but also for your life. Doctors distinguish the following types of seizures:

  • neurovegetative. The patient is hyperactive and very agitated. Such symptoms of hypertension are manifested: hyperhidrosis, tremor of the upper extremities, tachycardia and profuse urination;
  • dropsy. In this case, the patient is drowsy and his reactions are inhibited. There is muscle weakness, swelling of the face and hands, decreased urine output, persistent increase in blood pressure;
  • convulsive. This option is the most dangerous, as there is a high risk of developing dangerous complications. It is worth noting that it is the least common. It is characterized by such symptoms: seizures and impaired consciousness. Complication - bleeding in the brain.

Symptoms

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

neurogenic

An increase in blood pressure is usually seen in the context of severe psycho-emotional stress or due to increased physical exertion. At this stage, there may be no signs of the presence of pathology. Sometimes patients begin to complain of heart pain, irritability, headache, tachycardia, heaviness in the back of the head. SD and DD indicators are increasing but can be easily normalized.

sclerotic

The clinical picture indicated is complemented by the following symptoms:

  • increased headache;
  • dizziness;
  • sensation of blood flow to the head;
  • bad sleep;
  • periodic numbness of fingers in limbs;
  • rapid fatigability;
  • "flies" before the eyes;
  • persistent increase in blood pressure.

It is worth noting that this phase can progress over several years and at the same time patients will be active and mobile. But a violation of the supply of certain organs with blood implies a violation of their functioning.

Final

Usually, at this stage, doctors detect kidney and heart failure, 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 to heart failure. Shortness of breath appears, pain in the projection of the heart, hepatomegaly, edema. With a person's brain form, severe headaches, visual disturbances disturb.

hypertension and pregnancy

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

Given the high risk for the mother and fetus, in the event of diagnosing a disease, it is important to determine exactly the degree of this risk in order to resolve the question of continuing the pregnancy or terminating the pregnancy. Doctors distinguish three degrees of risk (based on the stage of high blood pressure):

  • 1 degree of risk - complications in pregnancy are minimal, seizures rarely develop. Possible angina. Pregnancy in this case is allowed;
  • 2 degree of risk - expressed. Complications develop in 20-50% of cases. A pregnant woman has hypertensive crises, insufficiency of the coronary vessels of the heart, high blood pressure. The termination of pregnancy is shown;
  • 3 degrees of risk. Pregnancy complications occur in 50% of cases. Perinatal mortality is observed in 20% of cases. Maybe placental abruption, uremia, impaired circulation of blood to the brain. Pregnancy poses a danger to the mother's life, so it is terminated.

Patients who are kept pregnant should visit the doctor once a week so he can monitor their condition. Mandatory treatment of hypertension. It is permissible to use these antihypertensive drugs:

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

Also, to treat the disease during pregnancy, doctors turn to physical therapy.

Diagnosis

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

A comprehensive plan for diagnosing hypertension includes:

  • anamnesis collection;
  • SMAD;
  • Urine analysis;
  • blood biochemistry;
  • determination of the level of bad cholesterol in the blood;
  • X-ray;
  • ECG;
  • eye fundus examination;
  • ultrasound.

Treatment

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

To correct the 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, thus reducing the swelling of the blood vessel walls.

All these medications should be taken only as prescribed by the treating physician. Uncontrolled intake of such funds can only worsen the patient's condition. These drugs are taken according to a certain schedule.

Diet

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

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

The diet for this pathology implies a restriction:

  • Sahara;
  • of bread;
  • potatoes;
  • pasta;
  • cereal dishes;
  • eggs;
  • animal fats;
  • ghee;
  • sour cream and much more.

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

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

Diet is indicated not only during treatment, but also after it, so as not to provoke a deterioration of the condition. It is worth noting that the diet is developed strictly individually for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of their body. An important point - during the diet, you need to consume no more than 1. 5 liters of liquid per day.

Prevention

Preventing 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 pots to be elastic, you need to eat more vegetables and fruits, drink up to 2 liters of water a day. You can take vitamin preparations. In addition, the prevention of hypertension involves the exclusion of smoking and drinking alcohol.

If possible, stress should be avoided, as it is one of the triggering factors of the disease. Prevention of hypertension should be addressed as early as possible in order to minimize the risk of developing the disease.