Hypertonic disease

Hypertension is a disease of a chronic nature, which is characterized by a continuous increase in blood pressure to a high amount 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 develop in people after the age of 40, but there is a risk of its development at any age. So, more and more often the disease begins to be detected in patients of working age. It should be noted that the fair sex suffers several times more often than men. But in men hypertension is worse, because they are more prone to the development of atherosclerosis of blood vessels.

Blood pressure can increase with strong mental or physical stress for a short time - this is a completely normal phenomenon. A longer increase in blood pressure is observed in some diseases of the kidneys, endocrine glands, as well as 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, painful process.

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

Etiology

The main reason for the development of hypertension is an increase in the activity of the sympathetic-adrenal system. The vasomotor center is located in the human medulla oblongata. From it, certain impulses go along the nerve fibers to the vessel wall, causing the vessel to expand or contract. If this center is in a state of irritation, then only impulses will come to the vessels that increase 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 the development of arterial hypertension;
• hypodynamia;
• irrational eating. Not adhering to a diet and eating large amounts of fatty and fried foods;
• excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• smoking;
• narcotic drug use.

Endogenous risk factors:

• burdened offspring;
• obesity;
• atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries of the heart;
• increased blood viscosity (the heart cannot filter it completely through the vessels);
• kidney diseases such as nephritis, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis;
• metabolic disorders;
• the presence of endocrine pathology;
• increased calcium concentration in the blood;
• the action of adrenaline on the heart during stressful situations;
• increased concentration of sodium in the blood.

Classification

For all the time studying this disease, scientists have developed more than one classification of hypertension - according to the appearance of the patient, according to etiology, according to the degree of increased pressure, nature of the course, etc. Some have been out of fashion for a long time, while others, on the contrary, are used more and more often.

The degree of hypertension (according to the level of pressure):

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

Level of hypertension according to WHO:

• Stage 1 hypertension - the pressure increases, but there are no changes in the internal organs. It is also called temporary. Pressure stabilizes after a short rest period;
• level 2 or stable. At this stage of hypertension, the pressure rises continuously. Major target organs are affected. During the examination, it can be observed that damage to the heart, fundus, kidneys;
• Stage 3 or sclerotic. This level of hypertension is characterized not only by a critical increase in DM and DD, but also by significant sclerotic changes in the blood vessels of the kidney, heart, brain, and fundus. Dangerous complications develop - stroke, coronary artery disease, angioretinopathy, heart attack, etc.

Form of the disease (depending on which organ channel is affected):

• kidney shape;
• heart shape;
• brain shape;
• mixed up.

Types of hypertension:

• gentle and slow flowing. In this case, the symptoms of the gradual development of the pathology can appear for 20 years. Phases of both exacerbation and remission are observed. The risk of complications is minimal (with timely therapy);
• malignant. The pressure increased dramatically. This form of hypertension can be said to be unsuitable for therapy. As a rule, pathology is accompanied by various kidney diseases.

It should be remembered that often with hypertension of the 2nd and 3rd degree, the patient experiences a hypertensive crisis. This is a very dangerous situation not only for human health, but also for his life. Clinicians distinguish the following types of crisis:

• neurovegetative. The patient is hyperactive and very restless. Symptoms of such hypertension are shown: hyperhidrosis, tremors in the upper part of the legs, tachycardia and copious urination;
• hydropic. In this case, the patient is drowsy and his reactions are inhibited. There is muscle weakness, swelling of the face and hands, a decrease in diuresis, a constant increase in blood pressure;
• convulsions. This option is the most dangerous, because there is a high risk of developing dangerous complications. Keep in mind that it is the most unusual. It is characterized by symptoms such as: seizures and impaired consciousness. Complications - bleeding in the brain.

symptoms

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

neurogenic

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

sclerotic

The clinical picture shown is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• increased headache;
• dizziness;
• sensation of a rush of blood to the head;
• poor sleep;
• periodic numbness of the fingers in the limbs;
• fatigue quickly;
• "flies" before the eyes;
• persistent increase in blood pressure.

Keep in mind that this stage can develop over several years and at the same time the patient will be active and mobile. But a violation of the supply of certain organs with blood requires a violation of its function.

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 happen often.

With the form of the heart, the patient gradually develops into heart failure. Appears shortness of breath, pain in the projection of the heart, hepatomegaly, edema. With the shape of a person's brain, severe headaches, disturbing visual disturbances.

Hypertension and childbirth

Hypertension during pregnancy is the most common cause of premature birth or stillbirth. Usually, women's hypertension already exists before the beginning of pregnancy and is only activated later, because giving birth is a kind of stress for the body.

Given the high risk for the mother and unborn child, in the case of diagnosing the disease, it is important to accurately determine the level of this risk in order to resolve the issue of further pregnancy or termination of pregnancy. Doctors distinguish three degrees of risk (based on the degree of arterial hypertension):

• 1 degree of risk - pregnancy complications are minimal, crises are rare. Possible angina. Pregnancy in this case is allowed;
• 2 degrees of risk - specified. Complications develop in 20-50% of cases. A pregnant woman has a hypertensive crisis, insufficiency of the coronary vessels of the heart, high blood pressure. Termination of pregnancy is indicated;
• 3 degrees of risk. Pregnancy complications occur in 50% of cases. Perinatal death was observed in 20% of cases. Perhaps detachment of the placenta, uremia, impaired blood circulation in the brain. Pregnancy poses a danger to the mother's life, so it is interrupted.

Patients who continue to become pregnant should make sure to visit the doctor once a week so that he can monitor their condition. Mandatory treatment of hypertension. It is allowed to use antihypertensive drugs such as:

• antispasmodic;
• saluretic;
• sympatholytic;
• clonidine derivatives;
• rauwolfia preparation;
• ganglion blockers;
• beta blockers.

Also, to treat diseases during pregnancy, doctors use physiotherapy.

Diagnostics

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

A comprehensive plan to diagnose hypertension includes:

• collection of anamnesis;
• SMAD;
• Urine analysis;
• blood biochemistry;
• determining the level of bad cholesterol in the blood;
• x-rays;
• ECG;
• fundus examination;
• ultrasound.

Treatment

Treatment of hypertension is carried out in the hospital, so that the doctor constantly monitors the patient's condition and, if necessary, adjusts 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;
• diuretic. This group of drugs is very important, because it helps to reduce the level of sodium in the blood, thus reducing the swelling of the blood vessel walls.

All these drugs should be taken only as prescribed by the attending physician. Uncontrolled withdrawal of funds can only worsen the patient's condition. These medicines are taken according to a specific scheme.

Diet

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

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

Diet for this pathology implies restrictions:

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

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

• honey;
• prunes;
• vinegar;
• jam;
• cranberries
• lemon

Diet is indicated not only during treatment, but also after, so as not to cause a deterioration in the condition. It should be remembered that the diet is developed strictly individually for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of his body. One important thing - during the diet 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 normalize your diet, as well as lead an active lifestyle. In order for the vessels to become elastic, you need to eat more vegetables and fruits, drink up to 2 liters of water every day. You can take vitamin preparations. Also, the prevention of hypertension involves the exclusion of smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

If possible, stress should be avoided, as it is one of the factors that provoke the disease. Prevention of hypertension should be addressed as early as possible to minimize the risk of this disease.