Hypertension is a disease of a chronic nature, which is characterized by a persistent increase in blood pressure to high numbers due to a violation of the regulation of blood circulation in the human body. Likewise, terms such as 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 begins to progress in people over the age of 40, but there is a risk that it will progress at any age. So, more and more often, 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, since they are more prone to the development of atherosclerosis of the blood vessels.
Blood pressure can increase with strong mental or physical stress for a short time; this is an absolutely normal phenomenon. A more prolonged increase in blood pressure is observed in a number of diseases of the kidneys, endocrine glands, and during pregnancy. But in this case, hypertension is only one of the symptoms that indicates changes in the organs. In hypertension, the increase in blood pressure is a painful, primary and independent 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 the blood flow in the affected vessels is disturbed. During this pathological process, blood pressure increases in the walls of the arteries, which leads to other symptoms.
Etiology
The main reason for the progression of hypertension is an increase in the activity of the sympatho-adrenal system. The vasomotor center is located in the human medulla oblongata. From it, certain impulses go 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 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 progression of arterial hypertension;
- hypodynamia;
- irrational nutrition. Non-compliance with the diet and consumption of large amounts of fatty and fried foods;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- of smoking;
- the use of narcotics.
Endogenous risk factors:
- burdened inheritance;
- obesity;
- atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels of the heart;
- increased blood viscosity (the heart cannot completely distill it through the vessels);
- kidney ailments such as nephritis, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis;
- metabolic disorder;
- the presence of endocrine pathologies;
- increased calcium concentration in the blood;
- the action of adrenaline on the heart in stressful situations;
- increased sodium concentration in the blood.
Classification
For all the time of studying the disease, scientists have developed more than one classification of hypertension: depending on the appearance of the patient, depending on the etiology, depending on the level of increased pressure, the nature of the course, etc. Some have long been out of date, while others, on the contrary, are used more and more often.
Degrees of hypertension (by pressure level):
- optimal - 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;
- first degree hypertension - SD from 140 to 159, DD - from 90 to 99;
- second degree hypertension - systolic pressure indicators increase to 160-179, and diastolic - up to 100-109;
- third-degree hypertension: systolic pressure rises above 140 and diastolic above 110.
WHO stages of hypertension:
- stage 1 hypertension - the pressure rises, but there are no changes in the 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 is constantly increasing. The target's major organs are affected. During the examination, it can be noted that damage to the heart, the vessels of the fundus of the eye, the kidneys;
- Stage 3 or sclera. 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, etc.
Forms of the disease (depending on the vessels of the affected organs):
- kidney form;
- heart shape;
- brain shape;
- mixed.
Types of hypertension:
- benign and slow-flowing. In this case, the symptoms of the progression of the pathology may appear gradually over 20 years. Both exacerbation and remission phases are observed. The risk of complications is minimal (with timely therapy);
- evil one. The pressure rises sharply. This form of hypertension is practically not amenable to treatment. As a rule, pathology is accompanied by various kidney diseases.
It is worth noting that often with hypertension of 2 degrees and 3, the patient has hypertensive crises. This is an extremely dangerous condition not only for human health, but also for his life. Doctors distinguish the following types of crises:
- neurovegetative. The patient is hyperactive and very agitated. Such symptoms of hypertension are manifested: hyperhidrosis, tremor of the upper extremities, tachycardia and profuse urination;
- dropsical. In this case, the patient is drowsy and his reactions are inhibited. There is muscle weakness, swelling of the face and hands, decreased diuresis, persistent increase in blood pressure;
- convulsive. This option is the most dangerous, since 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: convulsions and impaired consciousness. Complication - hemorrhage in the brain.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the disease directly depend on the stage of hypertension observed in the patient.
neurogenic
Usually, an increase in blood pressure is observed against the background of severe psychoemotional 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, a feeling of heaviness in the back of the head. SD and DD indicators are increasing, but can be easily normalized.
sclerotic
The indicated clinical picture is complemented by the following symptoms:
- increased headache;
- dizziness;
- sensation of a rush of blood to the head;
- bad dream;
- periodic numbness of the fingers in the extremities;
- rapid fatigue;
- "flies" before the eyes;
- persistent increase in blood pressure.
It is worth noting that this stage can progress for several years, and at the same time, patients will be active and mobile. But a violation of the blood supply to certain organs implies a violation of their functioning.
latest
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 a cardiac form, the patient gradually progresses to heart failure. Difficulty breathing, pain in the projection of the heart, hepatomegaly, edema appear. With the shape of a person's brain, severe headaches, visual impairments disturb.
Hypertension and maternity
Hypertension during pregnancy is the most common cause of preterm delivery or perinatal fetal death. Usually, a woman's hypertension already exists before the onset of pregnancy, and then it is simply activated, because having a child is a kind of stress for the body.
Given the high risk to the mother and the fetus, in the case of diagnosing an ailment, it is important to determine exactly the degree of this risk in order to solve the problem of further gestation or termination of pregnancy. Doctors distinguish three degrees of risk (depending on the stage of arterial hypertension):
- 1 degree of risk: pregnancy complications are minimal, crises rarely develop. Possible angina. Pregnancy in this case is allowed;
- 2 degree of risk - expressed. Complications develop in 20% to 50% of cases. A pregnant woman has hypertensive crises, insufficiency of the coronary vessels of the heart, high blood pressure. Termination of pregnancy is shown;
- 3 degree of risk. Complications of pregnancy occur in 50% of cases. Perinatal mortality is observed in 20% of cases. Perhaps placental abruption, uremia, impaired blood circulation in the brain. The pregnancy is a danger to the life of the mother, so it is interrupted.
Patients who remain pregnant should make sure to visit the doctor once a week so that she can monitor her condition. Mandatory treatment of hypertension. It is permissible to use such antihypertensive drugs:
- antispasmodics;
- saluretics;
- sympatholytics;
- clonidine derivatives;
- rauwolfia preparations;
- ganglion blockers;
- beta blockers.
Also, to treat the disease during pregnancy, doctors resort to physiotherapy.
Diagnosis
When the first signs of a disease appear, it is important to immediately contact a medical institution to confirm or refute the diagnosis. The sooner this is done, the lower the risk of progression of 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 standing up. During diagnosis, it is important to clarify the true cause of the progression of the pathology.
A comprehensive plan to diagnose hypertension includes:
- anamnesis collection;
- SMAD;
- urine analysis;
- blood biochemistry;
- determination of the level of bad cholesterol in the blood;
- bone scan;
- electrocardiogram;
- fundus examination;
- ultrasound.
Treatment
Treatment of hypertension is carried out in a hospital, so that 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;
- diureticsThis group of drugs is especially important, as it helps to reduce the level of sodium in the blood, which reduces inflammation of the walls of the blood vessels.
All of 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 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 assigned table number 10. The principles of such a diet:
- add shellfish 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;
- butter;
- sour cream and 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;
- blueberries
- 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 her body. An important point: during the diet you should consume no more than 1. 5 liters of fluid 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 be elastic, you need to eat more vegetables and fruits, drink up to 2 liters of water per day. You can take vitamin preparations. Likewise, the prevention of hypertension implies the exclusion of smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
If possible, stress should be avoided, as it is one of the triggers of the disease. The prevention of hypertension should be addressed as early as possible to minimize the risk of developing the disease.