Hypertension (increased pressure)

Growth of pressure above the standard of age correctly calls arterial hypertension.

If the pressure increases frequently or for a long time and cannot be identified during the test, the hypertension is diagnosed.If a person has a disease that causes pressure to cause pressure (such as traumatic brain injury, kidney disease, etc.), then secondary arterial hypertension.However, in the event of a collapse, all cases of increased pressure are often referred to as hypertension.

Hypertension is called a "quiet killer" because it does not always have obvious symptoms, especially in the initial stages.It has been found that there are 20-30 % of the adult population of the increased pressure, although many people do not know for a long time.If hypertension is not treated, the increase in heart attack or stroke increases.The only way to get to know the presence of the problem is thatMeasurement of blood pressure with an electronic tonometerMeasure your blood pressure regularly.

Blood pressure is the force that the blood presses to the walls of the blood vessels and the heart.In case of hypertension, blood pressure on arteries and hearts will be too high, leading to early wear on these organs and increasing the risk of other diseases, such as damaged kidney or brain function.

Blood pressure was measured on a millimeter (hg) of mercury and is recorded in two dimensions:

  • Systolic pressure - blood pressure in the moment your heart decreases and pushes the blood into the arteries;
  • Diastolic pressure - blood pressure during relaxation between two contractions.

For example, if your doctor says your blood pressure is "140 up to 90", this means that systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg.Art. And diastolic pressure - 90 mm Hg.Art.

Optimal blood pressure in adulthood is less than 120/80 mm Hg.Art.However, within the norms there are numbers 139/89.If multiple measurements are that the pressure exceeds 140/90, then there is an arterial hypertension, further examination is required and possibly treatment.

Symptoms of arterial hypertension (hypertension)

Growth of blood pressure is not always accompanied by a well change.The only way to find out if you have hypertension is measuring blood pressure.Adults should check their blood pressure at least every five years.

If you are pregnant, it is important to constantly check your blood pressure, even if you are not high.Observation of blood pressure during pregnancy reduces the risk of complications.Increased blood pressure in a pregnant woman can lead to preeclampsia.This is a dangerous condition in which a problem arises with the placenta (the organ that ensures the circulation of the birth child).

Symptoms of high pressure are sometimes as follows:

  • headache;
  • darkness or double in his eyes;
  • Bleeding from the nose;
  • Dyspnea.

Such signs appear in people with very high pressure.If you find these symptoms, seek medical attention.Without treatment, arterial hypertension can lead to serious diseases, including stroke and heart attack.Immediately consult your therapist if you find these symptoms or increased pressure.If the symptoms are significantly expressed, call an ambulance.

Causes of hypertension (arterial hypertension)

In more than 90% of cases, the cause of increased blood pressure cannot be determined.Then high blood pressure is called basic or primary.Factors that increase the risk of primary hypertension, including:

  • Age: The risk of developing hypertension increases with age;
  • There were cases of hypertension in his family (the disease may be hereditary);
  • Excess salt in your diet;
  • lack of physical exercises;
  • fulness;
  • smoking;
  • alcohol consumption;
  • voltage.

Known causes of high blood pressure

The high pressure is approx.10% is the result of a certain disease or a given cause.These cases apply to secondary hypertension.Typical causes of pressure in this case are:

  • kidney disease;
  • Diabetes mellitus;
  • Narrowing of the arteries carrying the kidneys;
  • hormonal diseases such as kushing syndrome (a disease in which the body produces too much steroid hormone);
  • Diseases that affect body connective tissues, such as systemic lupus erythematosus;
  • contraceptives (oral contraceptives);
  • Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are known;
  • Club drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystalline methamphetamine;
  • Some herbal medicines, herbal additives.

Diagnosis of hypertension

In order to diagnose arterial hypertension and identify its possible causes, it is primarily a systematic measurement of blood pressure.You can do this on both medical workers and independently, using a home device to measure pressure.

Healthy people need to measure their blood pressure at least every five years at the age of more than 40.If the risk of hypertension is increased, you should often check your blood pressure, ideally once a year.

Blood pressure is usually easy to perform in most clinics and hospitals.Blood pressure usually consist of tonometer (pressure gauge), a stethoscope, cuff, measuring device, air infect and valve.

The cuff is wrapped around the shoulder and pumped to restrict the bloodstream to the artery.The air of the cuff then slows down slowly while listening to the pultoscope.Listen to the pulse in a place below the cuff, which can obtain reliable data on the reading of blood pressure.In addition, automatic (digital) tonometers are common, which measure pressure and impulse with the help of electrical sensors.

Before continuing to measure your blood pressure, relax for at least five minutes and empty the bladder.To get the right blood pressure, sit and not talk during manipulation.

If you have found increased blood pressure at one measurement, this does not necessarily mean you have hypertension.During the day, blood pressure levels may fluctuate.Due to the pressure and stress, the pressure increases while taking the doctor.In these cases, it is advisable to measure daily pressure through a home tonometer during the day.If you exclude the "white cloak's fear", you can get more objective indicators.

Blood and urine tests can also be done to check the risk of hypertension, such as kidney disease.

Deciphering tonometer readings

Blood pressure is measured on a millimeter of mercury mercury (mm rt.) And are secured in two ranges:

  • Systolic pressure - blood pressure in the moment your heart decreases and pushes the blood into the arteries;
  • Diastolic pressure - blood pressure during relaxation between two contractions.

For example, if systolic blood pressure is 140 mm Hg.Art. And diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg.Art., Then they say that the pressure is 140 90.

Ideally, blood pressure should be less than 120/80.Nevertheless, signs below 140/90 are generally considered normal.If kidney, diabetes or heart disease and circulatory system have a disease, the goal should be below 130/80 mm Hg.Art.

If the pressure markers for several days are higher than the 140/90 sign, then there is an arterial hypertension and further examination is required.

Handling high pressure

Effective activities for reducing blood pressure are in a change in lifestyle and medication.The choice of treatment depends on the level of blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

If your blood pressure is slightly above 130/80 mm Hg.Art., However, the risk of cardiovascular disease in low vascular diseases, only to be able to reduce pressure by implementing certain changes in the lifestyle.

If your blood pressure is moderately high (140/90 mm Hg or higher) and there is a risk that you will develop cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years, the treatment involves medication and lifestyle adjustment.

If your blood pressure is very high (180/110 Hg or above), you will need treatment in the near future, possibly with further examination, depending on your health.

Lifestyle with arterial hypertension

Below are some changes that you can make in your lifestyle to reduce pressure.Some lead to rapid improvements within a few weeks, others influence it for a longer period of time.

  • Reduce salt consumption to less than 6 grams daily.
  • Eat healthy, low greasy, balanced foods in composition, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Be active: Maintaining physical activity is one of the most important things you need to do to prevent or control hypertension.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Refuses to smoke.Smoking significantly increases the likelihood of the development of lungs and heart disease.
  • Lose weight.
  • Drink less coffee, tea or other caffeine drinks such as cola.The use of more than four cups of coffee a day can increase blood pressure.
  • Try to use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and stress management (autogenic training).

The healthier habits you will learn, the more positive it will have.In practice, some people find that they usually need medication when maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Hypertonic drug treatment

There is a wide variety of pressure drugs.You may need to take more than one medicine as it sometimes requires a combination of several drugs to treat hypertension.

In some cases, you must reduce pressure throughout your life.However, if your blood pressure levels are under control for many years, you can stop treatment.Most high -pressure drugs can cause side effects, but this problem can be solved by replacing the drugs taken.

Tell your doctor if you have the following common side effects to take drugs:

  • the feeling of drowsiness;
  • kidney pain (lower back);
  • dry cough;
  • dizziness, fatigue or lethargy;
  • Raw on the skin.

Below is the most widely used drugs for high pressure.

  1. Angiotensin-reproductive enzymes (APF) inhibitorsReduce blood pressure and relax the walls of blood vessels.The most common side effect is constant dry cough.If the side effects are too much disturbed, drugs such as angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists can recommend you whose effect is similar to ACE inhibitors.

    ACE inhibitors can cause unforeseen side effects by taking into account others, including the number, the drugs.Before taking any additional medication, seek medical attention if they are caused by a combination of negative side effects.

  2. Calcium channel -blockers(calcium antagonists) prevent calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels.This leads to extension of arteries (large blood vessels) and a decrease in blood pressure.

    Using grapefruit juice can increase the risk of side effects when taking certain types of calcium channel blockers.You can discuss this issue in more detail with your doctor.

  3. Diuretics(diuretics) The law is due to the excess fluid and the selection of the body.

  4. Beta-blockers (beta-blockers)They behave by reducing the frequency and strength of the heart contraction, thereby reducing blood pressure.Previously, beta-blockers were popular drugs for high pressure, but is currently only used if other devices do not have the necessary effects.This is due to the fact that beta-blockers are considered less effective than other types of drugs for increased pressure.

    Beta blockers can also affect the effects of other drugs, causing side effects.Before taking other medicines, consult your doctor in combination with beta-blockers.

    Do not stop taking beta blockers without consulting your doctor.This can lead to severe side effects, such as an increase in blood pressure or to attack angina pectoris.

  5. Alpha blockers (alpha blockers)Usually it is not recommended as a first choice to reduce hypertension, unless other drugs have adequate effects.Alfa blockers do the blood flow to the blood flow significantly.

    The general side effects of alpha blockers are as follows:

    • fainting at the first administration of the drug (“first dose effect”);
    • dizziness;
    • headache;
    • swelling of the ankles;
    • fatigue.

Complications of high blood pressure

Increased blood pressure causes additional load on your heart and blood vessels.If hypertension is not treated, the risk of developing heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease will increase after a while.

Cardiovascular disease in case of hypertension

Hypertension can cause a variety of diseases of the heart, heart and blood vessels and heart (cardiovascular diseases), including the following:

  • stroke;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • Embolia: It occurs when a blood clot or an air bubble blocks blood flow in a vessel;
  • Aneurysm: It develops when the walls of the blood vessels are extended and exploded at any time, causing internal bleeding.

Kidney disease and increased pressure

Hypertension can also lead to damage to the kidneys and worsened their function.This complication can cause symptoms such as:

  • fatigue;
  • ankle, leg or hand edema (due to the delay in body water);
  • dyspnea;
  • the presence of blood in the urine;
  • Frequent urination, especially at night;
  • Itching of the skin.

Kidney diseases are treated with drugs and food additives.In more severe cases, it requires dialysis (a treatment procedure in which blood in the body is artificially cleansed by toxic metabolism products) or kidney.

To prevent increased pressure

High blood pressure can be prevented by a healthy diet, maintaining normal weight, regular physical exercises, restrictions on alcohol consumption and denial of smoking.

Smoking alone does not cause high blood pressure, but significantly increases the risks of myocardial infarction and stroke.Smoking, as well as hypertension, leads to narrowing of arteries.If you smoke in the presence of hypertension, your arteries will narrow much faster, and in the future the risk of developing cardiovascular disease will increase significantly.

Power supply at high pressure

Reduce the amount of salt in your diet, eat lots of fruits and vegetables.Salt increases the pressure.The more salt consumes, the higher the pressure.Try to eat less than 6 g of salt daily, which is approximately the same as a teaspoon.

As we have proven, the use of low fat and high fiber content (such as whole grain rice, bread and pasta) and large amounts of fruits and vegetables will help to reduce blood pressure.Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers that support your body in a healthy condition.Try to eat five portions a day 80 g 8 80 g of fruits and vegetables.

Regular drinking alcohol exceeds allowed standards over time and increases blood pressure.Men do not recommend that they use more than 2-4 alcohol a day and women use more than 2-3.Regular use every day of the week or on most days.The 1 dose of alcohol corresponds to about a glass of vodka, half a glass of wine or half a mug of beer.

In addition, since alcohol is very calorie, regular use leads to weight gain and accordingly to increase blood pressure.

If you drink more than four cups of coffee a day, this can lead to an increase in pressure.If you are a big fan of coffee, tea or other caffeine drinks (such as Coca-Cola and some energy drinks), consider the possibility of reducing consumption.It is very good to drink tea and coffee as part of a balanced diet, but it is important that such drinks are not the only source of fluid.

Weight and physical exercises for high blood pressure

Excessive weight causes the heart to work more intensely to pump blood throughout the body, which usually leads to an increase in blood pressure.If you really have to lose weight, it is important to note that loss of weight of up to two or three kilograms will lead to a significant change in reading blood pressure and generally improves your health.

Active lifestyle and regular exercise lead to a reduction in blood pressure as the heart and blood vessels keep it in good condition.Regular exercise also helps to lose weight, which also helps to lower blood pressure.

The adult should be filled for at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) for moderate open -minded exercises such as cycling or quick walks.When performing exercises, focus on the fact that you need to feel warm and slightly breath.To achieve the condition, a whole person can be quite small on the hill.Physical activity can include various exercises, from sports to walking and working in the garden.

Relaxation exercises can lower blood pressure.They belong to:

  • Stress management (autogenous training), meditation or yoga.
  • Cognitive-denomination psychotherapy that focuses on how your thoughts and beliefs can affect your well-being and the ability to deal with problems.You can discuss with your doctor to do such psychotherapy.
  • Biological feedback (a method of self -regulation that helps consciously regulate blood pressure): On a small monitor, it shows heart rate or blood pressure in real time.The gear for biological feedback can be done by your doctor.

Which doctor contacts high blood pressure?

If you have increased pressure, look for a good therapist who understands the causes of the disease and prescribes treatment.If you have a heart complaint or chronic cardiovascular disease, choose a cardiologist.