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hypertension

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Hypertension is a systemic disease that refers to a sustained increase in blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg.Art.

causes of high blood pressure

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

Essential hypertension may be caused by the following factors:

  • Dysregulation of vascular pressure;
  • Excessive cardiogenic response (sudden changes in blood pressure against the background of external stimuli);
  • increased arterial tone;
  • Disruption of the sodium excretion process in the urinary system.

Secondary hypertension is a complication of certain pathologies, including:

  • Kidney and adrenal diseases - chronic glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, kidney and adrenal tumors, renal artery obstruction, etc.These diseases cause the intensity of blood circulation in the kidneys to be suppressed, causing the organ to secrete a substance to compensate for the pathological condition.
  • Endocrine diseases - diabetes, hyperthyroidism, myxedema, tumors, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, etc.
  • Cardiovascular disease - atherosclerotic vascular stenosis, aortic lumen, valvular defects, etc.

In addition, triggering factors include:

  • Too much fat, salt, and sugar in the diet and not enough plant-based products on the menu;
  • Aged over 55 years old;
  • genetic predisposition;
  • lack of physical activity;
  • Smoking, drinking;
  • Chronic stress.

High blood pressure can also occur when taking certain medications (glucocorticoids, anabolic steroids, antidepressants).

disease type

According to the cause and nature of the disease, it can be divided into the following types:

  • essential hypertension;
  • Hypertension that primarily damages the heart;
  • High blood pressure, mainly kidney damage;
  • Arterial hypertension, which mainly damages the heart and kidneys;
  • Secondary hypertension.

Taking into account the extent of the pathology's impact on the internal organs, the diagnosis is as follows:

  • Stage 1 (simple) - there is no damage to target organs, but blood pressure continues to rise;
  • Stage II (asymptomatic) - characterized by target organ damage but no evidence of pathological process;
  • III-Organ damage occurs, accompanied by severe clinical symptoms.

Depending on severity, high blood pressure is divided into:

  • Mild - Elevated blood pressure in the range of 140/90-159/99 mmHg.Art.;
  • Moderate - Indicators within 160/100-179/109 mm Hg.Art.;
  • Severe - blood pressure above 180/110 mm Hg.Art.

Isolated hypertension is also distinguished and is characterized by an increase in systolic blood pressure only.

symptom

The clinical manifestations of hypertension depend on the pathological cause and the degree of elevated blood pressure.In the initial stages, the disease may be asymptomatic, and then the patient complains of:

  • Headache, dizziness;
  • Noise, ringing in the ears;
  • "Flies" and spots appear before eyes;
  • The feeling of an active heartbeat, pulsing in the temples and back of the head;
  • facial redness;
  • squeezing pain in the heart region;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Swelling of face and hands;
  • excessive sweating;
  • Loss of appetite and nausea.

Other manifestations depend on the form and presence of hypertensive complications.This may include blurred vision, tremors, numbness in the extremities, impairment of coordination, fine motor skills, etc.

Often, due to the long course of the disease, patients are initially troubled by the above symptoms, which then disappear.This is due to the loss of sensitivity of the receptors and the body adapting to the increased blood pressure parameters.However, it is necessary to regularly measure blood pressure, record indicators and follow medical advice.

Possible complications of high blood pressure

In advanced forms of the disease, the following complications occur:

  • Hypertensive crisis;
  • stroke;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • Encephalopathy (cognitive decline followed by development of vascular dementia);
  • Kidney, chronic heart failure;
  • Atherosclerosis;
  • Aortic dissecting aneurysm;
  • Hypertensive retinopathy (retinal damage);
  • Nephrosclerosis (mainly atrophy of the kidneys).

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

Diagnosis of disease

If you develop symptoms of high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor or cardiologist.During the consultation, the doctor will ask about the main complaints and their characteristics and study the medical history in detail to determine the factors in the development of the disease.Afterwards, the specialist performs an examination, including general examination, auscultation, percussion, palpation, heart rate and blood pressure measurements. 

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

As part of the initial diagnosis, patients receive the following prescriptions:

  • Clinical analysis of blood and urine;
  • Blood tests for hormone and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

In order to identify predisposing factors and detect existing pathological processes, patients can undergo the following diagnostic methods:

  • electrocardiogram;
  • echocardiography;
  • Duplex ultrasonography of the brachiocephalic, renal, and iliofemoral arteries;
  • Ultrasound examination of heart and urinary system;
  • Eye exam.

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

Treatment of high blood pressure

The goals of treating high blood pressure are to normalize heart function, eliminate symptoms of the disease, and prevent complications.Treatment options are chosen based on individual circumstances.

non-pharmacological treatment

It means a change in lifestyle.To do this you need:

  • Perform regular therapeutic exercises;
  • control weight;
  • Quit bad habits and coffee drinks;
  • Eliminate fats, spicy foods, canned foods, fast food and confectionary products from your diet;
  • Minimize salt and sugar consumption;
  • Eat more seasonal vegetables, fruits, fish, and low-fat dairy products;
  • Regularize drinking habits (daily fluids should be 1-1.5 liters).

drug treatment

Several groups of drugs are used to treat high blood pressure:

  • diuretics;
  • Beta-blocker medications;
  • angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors;
  • Calcium channel blockers and angiotensin II receptors;
  • Centrally acting substances. 

Depending on the indication, renin inhibitors, vasodilators, lipid-lowering drugs, sedatives, etc. can be given.The specific drug, dosage, and frequency of administration are determined by your doctor.

Prevent high blood pressure

There is no specific way to prevent this disease.To minimize the risk of high blood pressure and dangerous complications, it is necessary to follow a set of general precautions:

  • maintain optimal body weight;
  • exercise regularly;
  • Adhere to dietary nutrition;
  • break bad habits;
  • Prompt treatment of endocrine, kidney and heart diseases;
  • Minimize stressful situations;
  • Control blood pressure levels.

It is also important to have regular preventive check-ups and follow all medical advice.If your blood pressure is elevated, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

At the multidisciplinary medical center you can get advice from highly qualified specialists.Experienced therapists and cardiologists will conduct necessary examinations and select effective treatments for each patient.