Recommend
Capsules Tonerin

Hypertension

Symptoms of hypertension

Hypertension is a systemic disease that is a continuous increase in blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg.Art.

Causes of hypertension

In clinical cardiology, hypertension is classified into primary, which occurs as an independent disease, and secondary, which develops as a complication of other pathologies.

The main causes of hypertension may be the following factors:

  • vascular pressure dysregulation;
  • excessive cardiogenic reactivity (sudden changes in blood pressure against the background of external stimuli);
  • increased arteriolar tone;
  • Disruption of sodium excretion by the urinary system.

Secondary hypertension develops as a complication in certain pathologies, including:

  • Kidney and adrenal gland diseases - chronic glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, kidney and adrenal gland tumors, renal artery obstruction, etc.
  • Endocrinological diseases - Diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, myxedema, tumors, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalance, etc.
  • Cardiovascular pathology - Atherosclerotic narrowing of blood vessels, aortic lumen, valve defects, etc.

In addition, provoking factors such as:

  • diet with the use of fat, salt, sugar and insufficient amount of plant-based products in the menu;
  • age over 55 years;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • physical inactivity;
  • smoking, alcohol abuse;
  • chronic stress.

Hypertension can also develop while taking certain medications (glucocorticosteroids, anabolic steroids, antidepressants).

Type of disease

Depending on the cause and nature of the wound, the following are distinguished:

  • primary hypertension;
  • hypertensive disease with primary damage to the heart;
  • hypertension with predominant renal impairment;
  • arterial hypertension with primary damage to the heart and kidneys;
  • secondary hypertension.

Taking into account the degree of pathological influence on internal organs, the following are diagnosed:

  • Stage I (uncomplicated) - There is no damage to the target organ, but there is a persistent increase in blood pressure;
  • Stage II (asymptomatic) - characterized by damage to the target organ, but there are no signs of the pathological process;
  • III - Organ damage occurs, which is accompanied by severe clinical symptoms.

According to severity, hypertension is classified into:

  • Mild blood pressure - increased in the range of 140/90-159/99 mm Hg.Art.;
  • Moderate - Indications in 160/100-179/109 mm Hg.Art.;
  • Severe blood pressure greater than 180/110 mm Hg.Art.

Isolated hypertension is also distinguished, the peculiarity is an increase in systolic pressure only.

Symptoms

The clinical manifestations of hypertension depend on the cause of the pathology and the degree of increase in blood pressure.In the early stages, the disease may be asymptomatic, so the patient complains of:

  • headache, dizziness;
  • noise, ringing in the ears;
  • the appearance of "flies" and places in front of the eyes;
  • feeling of an active heartbeat, throbbing in the temples, back of the head;
  • facial redness;
  • squeezing pain in the region of the heart;
  • breathing difficulties;
  • swelling of the face, hands;
  • excessive sweating;
  • Loss of appetite, nausea.

Other manifestations depend on the form and presence of hypertension complications.These may include blurred vision, tremors, numbness in limbs, impaired coordination, fine motor skills, etc.

Often, with a long illness, patients are initially bothered by the above symptoms, but then they go away.This is due to the fact that the receptors lose sensitivity and the body adapts to the increase in blood pressure parameters.However, it is necessary to measure blood pressure regularly, record indications and follow medical recommendations.

Possible complications of hypertension

In the form of advanced disease, complications such as:

  • hypertensive crisis;
  • stroke;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • encephalopathy (decreased cognitive abilities with subsequent development of vascular dementia);
  • renal heart failure, chronic;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • dissecting an aortic aneurysm;
  • hypertensive retinopathy (damage to the retina);
  • Nephrosclerosis (mainly kidney).

The risk of complications depends on the combination of various provoking factors, but even a slight increase in blood pressure can have a negative effect.

Disease diagnosis

If symptoms of hypertension appear, you should consult a doctor or cardiologist.During the consultation, the Doctor asks about the complaints, their characteristics, and also studies the medical history in detail to identify the factors in the development of the disease.After this, the specialist conducts an examination, including a general examination, auscultation, percussion, palpation, measurement of heart rate and blood pressure. 

To confirm the diagnosis, at least 3 isolated blood pressure measurements (on different days at a medical facility) or ABPM data (24-hour blood pressure monitoring) are required. 

As part of the initial diagnosis, the patient is prescribed:

  • clinical analysis of blood, urine;
  • Blood test for hormone content and glycated hemoglobin.

To clarify the provoking factors and detect the existing pathological process, patients can undergo the following diagnostic methods:

  • electrocardiography;
  • echocardiography;
  • duplex ultrasound examination of the brachiocephalic, renal, and iliofemoral arteries;
  • Ultrasound of the heart, urinary system;
  • Ophthalmological examination.

Depending on the cause of the disease, the general practitioner may refer the patient for further treatment and diagnostic measures to a cardiologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, neurologist, or ophthalmologist.

Treatment of hypertension

The goal of treating hypertension is to normalize heart function, eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of complications.The treatment regimen is selected individually.

Non-drug therapy

Implies lifestyle changes.To do this you need:

  • regularly engaged in therapeutic exercises;
  • control weight;
  • giving up bad habits and drinking coffee;
  • Exclude fatty, spicy, canned food, fast food, and candy products from the diet;
  • minimize the use of salt and sugar;
  • eat more seasonal vegetables, fruits, fish, low-fat dairy products;
  • normalize the drinking regime (daily amount of liquid should be 1-1.5 liters).

Drug therapy

Several groups of drugs are used to treat hypertension:

  • diuretics;
  • beta-blocker drugs;
  • angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors;
  • Calcium channel antagonists, as well as angiotensin II receptors;
  • Central Action Materials. 

According to indications, renin inhibitors, vasodilators, lipid-lowering drugs, sedatives, etc. can be prescribed.Certain medications, dosage and frequency of administration are determined by the doctor.

Prevention of hypertension

There is no specific disease prevention.To minimize the risk of developing hypertension and dangerous complications, it is necessary to follow a set of general preventive measures:

  • maintain an optimal body weight;
  • exercise regularly;
  • adhere to dietary nutrition;
  • giving up bad habits;
  • immediately treat endocrine, nephrological, and cardiac diseases;
  • minimize stressful situations;
  • control blood pressure levels.

It is also important to undergo regular preventive examinations and follow all medical recommendations.If your blood pressure rises, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

In a multidisciplinary medical center, you can get advice from qualified specialists.Experienced therapists and cardiologists will prescribe the necessary examinations and choose an effective treatment for each patient.