Hypertension

Hypertension is persistently elevated blood pressure above normal, usually above 140/90 millimeters of mercury.

Arterial essential hypertension is another name for it. It accounts for over ninety percent of cases of hypertension. In other cases, secondary arterial hypertension is diagnosed. These include renal up to 4%, endocrine up to 0. 4%, hemodynamic and neurological stress, which are caused by the intake of iatrogenic substances. There is also hypertension in pregnant women, in which an increase in blood pressure is one of the symptoms of the underlying disease.

Among the different types of iatrogenic hypertension, the methods of different dietary supplements and contraceptives differ. In total, more than 25 combinations in the genetic code of the human body contribute to the appearance of hypertension.

Causes of hypertension

When doctors talk about the cause of hypertension, they admit that the cause is still unclear. That is why this disease is also called essential or a disease with an unclear etiology.

The theories that exist in our time and that try to explain the appearance of hypertension are in themselves untenable and can put a person in a hopeless situation (when all methods have been tested) without explaining anything specific or scientific. The patient, to put it mildly, is undergoing treatment in the name of treatment. The person is forced almost constantly to resort to the help of drugs to relieve hypertension.

There is a so-called system in the human body that regulates blood pressure. It can increase for various reasons. In the case of an increase in blood pressure, the walls of such vessels as the aortic arch or the carotid artery become very tense. This irritates the receptors in them. The resulting arousal, passing through the nerves, reaches the medulla oblongata. There is a vasomotor center. The activity of depressive neurons, unlike pressor neurons, will increase, thus dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. In the case of lowering blood pressure, such processes take place in stark contrast. This explains the normal process of raising and lowering blood pressure in the human body. For no reason will the pressure rise. Everything in the body is interconnected.

Causes of hypertension include:

1. Obesity and overweight. People with this problem very often have an increase in blood pressure and as a result hypertension. As a rule, people with such disorders in the body's metabolism should take it under control.
2. In five percent of patients, the causes of hypertension may be kidney or thyroid disorders.
3. If a person is not overweight and has a weak physique. He has no problems with the kidneys and thyroid gland, then the cause of hypertension may be a lack of magnesium in the body
4. Hypertension is caused in five percent of patients: tumor of the adrenal glands, pituitary tumor, mercury poisoning, lead and others.

More specifically, the main cause of hypertension in most patients is metabolic syndrome. As a rule, in such patients the content of cholesterol in the blood is disturbed. The metabolic syndrome is determined by several reasons: increase in waist circumference (more than 80 cm in women, more than 94 cm in men); increase in triglycerides (so-called fats) in the blood exceeds 1. 75 mmol per liter or the patient is already receiving medication to correct the disease; high-density lipoproteins in women should be less than 1, 3 mmol per liter, in men less than 1, 0 mmol per liter; systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure exceeds 85 mm Hg; the level of glucose in the blood taken on an empty stomach is more than 5, 5 mmol per liter. In general, if hypertension is combined with overweight, then you should check for the presence of metabolic syndrome.

In addition, the causes of hypertension are: psychological stress, diabetes, kidney and thyroid disease, heredity also plays a role.

Symptoms of hypertension

The clinical manifestations of hypertension have no specific symptoms. Patients for many years may not even guess what disease they have. They will feel high vitality. Although sometimes they can still be preceded by bouts of dizziness, weakness, sometimes dizziness. But, as a rule, these people believe that this is from fatigue. Complaints arise when, as they are called, target organs are affected. These are the organs that are most sensitive to changes in blood pressure.

The appearance of headaches and dizziness in humans, noise in the head, reduced performance and memory indicates the initial changes in the cerebral blood supply. Later, double vision, flies in front of the eyes, weakness, speech difficulties, numbness of the arms and legs join, but at the initial level these changes in the blood supply are imminent.

If the stage of hypertension has gone far, then this can lead to complications in the form of heart attack or stroke. The earliest and most persistent sign of high blood pressure is an increase (hypertrophy) of the left ventricle of the myocardium. In this regard, the increase in its mass is accompanied by the fact that the walls of the vessels thicken. First, the wall thickness of the left ventricle is compacted, then there is an expansion of the ventricle of the heart of this chamber. The same goes for hypertension. Alternatively, this condition can be called cardiac hypertension or hypertensive heart disease. This form of hypertension may be accompanied by gross morphological changes in the aorta (atherosclerosis), which may dilate, resulting in rupture or dissection. Hypertension of the heart in this regard is very insidious.

A sign or common symptom of hypertension is, of course, a headache. And as the most characteristic sign of this disease, with its further progression, it can appear at different times of the day (patients often complain of night time and time after waking up). The nature of the headache may be as a rupture or as a heaviness in the occipital region, or it may involve other areas of the head. With hypertension, there may be swelling of the legs, which also indicates heart failure. In addition, they may be a sign of impaired renal function.

hypertension

Hypertension is the most common disease of the entire cardiovascular system. The word "hypertension" refers to blood pressure, which remains constantly elevated. An increase in blood pressure occurs when there is a narrowing of the arteries and arterioles.

The artery is the main transport route through which blood is delivered to all tissues of the body. In many people, the arterioles often shrink. Initially due to spasm, and subsequently their lumen remains almost constantly narrowed due to thickening of the wall. And then, in order for the blood flow to overcome the constrictions, more effort is applied, as a result of which the work of the heart muscle increases and a large amount of blood flows into the vascular bed. Such people usually suffer from hypertension.

This condition is chronic. In about 1 in 10 patients with hypertension, high blood pressure is caused by damage to a specific organ.

In these cases we talk about symptomatic arterial hypertension or as it is also called secondary. About 90 percent of patients suffer from an essential form of hypertension or as they call it primary. Patients with high blood pressure often suffer from headaches.

In hypertension, hypertensive crisis is common. There are two types of hypertensive crisis:

• The first stage of the crisis (when an immediate reduction in blood pressure is required) is classified: hypertrophic encephalopathy, acute left ventricular failure, acute aortic dissection, eclampsia, postcoronary artery bypass. In some cases, hypertension is observed, which combines an increase in the level of catecholamines circulating in the blood.
• In the second stage of the crisis (when conditions are needed to lower blood pressure within 12-24 hours): malignant hypertension without special complications, high hypertension, characterized by an increase in diastolic pressure above 140 mm Hg.

Emergency relief of hypertensive crisis occurs in conditions when it occurs: convulsive form (hypertensive encephalopathy), crisis in the presence of pheochromocytoma, crisis of myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary edema, aortic aneurysm.

Tests prescribed by a doctor for arterial hypertension should include: examination of the fundus, examination of renal function, examination of the heart. He may also prescribe antihypertensive therapy to patients, which will help identify complications that may occur during hypertension (hypertension).

Degrees of hypertension

In order to correctly diagnose hypertension, doctors must first determine the degree or stage of hypertension in the patient and make, so to speak, an appropriate entry in his medical record. If the diagnosis of hypertension occurred in the later stages, the second or third, then the consequences for the body may be more serious than in the first stage of the disease. However, few patients see a doctor in the early or early stages of the disease. And generally few people measure their blood pressure at home.

Determine: normal blood pressure with systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure below 85 mm Hg. Highly normal, with systolic blood pressure of 130-140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of 85-90 mm Hg.

• Grade 1 hypertension (mild), in which systolic blood pressure is 140-160 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure, in which 90-100 mmHg;
• Grade 2 hypertension (moderate), in which systolic blood pressure is 160-180 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure, in which 100-110 mmHg;
• Grade 3 hypertension (severe) with systolic blood pressure higher than 180 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure above 110 mm Hg.

Stages of hypertension

Hypertension first stage - is characterized by an increase in blood pressure to 160/100 mm, which can be within a few days or weeks. But under favorable conditions it usually falls to a normal level.

There are usually no symptoms of the disease at this stage. Occasionally there may be complaints of recurrent headaches, sleep problems, and mild heart pain.

In the second stage of hypertension, the pressure rises to 180/100 mm. Even if the patient dies, it does not fall to a normal level. In addition to the increase in blood pressure, there may be a narrowing of the retinal artery, hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart, protein appears in the urine during the analysis and a slight increase in plasma creatine. There may be headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, angina pectoris, shortness of breath. At this stage can come misfortunes such as heart attacks, strokes. At this stage it is necessary to take medication for hypertension.

In the third stage of hypertension there is an increase in blood pressure to 180/110 mm and more. Almost all patients experience changes (severe) in the internal organs. Frequent attacks of shortness of breath, angina pectoris, heart rhythm disorders, headache, dizziness, sleep and hearing disorders, visual and memory impairment are observed. Development of renal and heart failure. Strokes and heart attacks are guaranteed. Urgent treatment must be given.

Treatment of hypertension

There are two methods of treating hypertension: drug and non-drug treatment.

There are various treatments for hypertension, but treatment should begin with treatment of diseases whose symptoms are secondary hypertension, as well as symptomatic components of hypertension. Non-drug treatment of hypertension consists of adherence to a diet that includes salt restriction, a favorable regime of rest and work, coping with stressful situations, abstinence from alcohol and smoking cessation, normalization of body weight. Only in case of low efficiency of this method the drug therapy should be connected.

The purpose of drug therapy is to lower blood pressure, namely to eliminate the cause of this vascular condition. Mono and combination therapy is appropriate at the beginning of treatment. When ineffective, I use low doses of combinations of antihypertensive drugs. The first line of treatment is prescribed drugs that improve the prognosis.

• Beta blockers. This is an outdated group of drugs that have a hypotensive effect, reducing heart rate and blood volume per minute. They improve the work of the heart in its ischemic disease. But a side effect of such drugs is bronchospasm, so nowadays most doctors are moving away from this method of treatment as monotherapy. And also with prolonged use, they contribute to the development of diabetes and erectile dysfunction.
• Diuretics. Saluretics, drugs that remove sodium and chlorine ions from the body, are also used to treat hypertension. But most diuretics provoke the release of potassium from the body. It is best to combine them.
• Potassium antagonists. Used to prevent brain damage. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate for hypertension.

Only a doctor can prescribe the right remedies for hypertension after a proper examination.

In general, although hypertension is not completely curable, it can be said with confidence that the coordinated work of the patient and the attending physician can achieve good results in treatment. It is possible to achieve a stable improvement in the condition of the vascular system and the work of the heart, as well as to improve the level of cholesterol in the blood, which will also contribute to a good relief of the patient's condition. Following the absolute instructions and recommendations of the doctor will help the patient get rid of many of the symptoms that can provide this insidious disease.

Diet for hypertension

Rational nutrition is a diet that maintains health. In addition, it meets all the needs of the human body for vitamins, nutrients and minerals, as well as energy.

The work of the entire cardiac system is closely related to the processes of digestion. In hypertension, the diet has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the patient. Eating too much can significantly overfill the stomach and thus displace the diaphragm, making it harder for the heart to work. Excess fluid also creates a large load. Well, if the diet is full of sodium chloride, this way water is retained in the tissues of the body and this provokes an increase in blood pressure, which sometimes also leads to swelling of the limbs.

Principles of diet. nutrition: diet is considered a prerequisite - regular meals at the same time, the best way would also be to adhere to frequent and partial meals - three to five times a day, which is very important in overweight; dinner is recommended to be taken no later than two hours before bedtime - a rich diet before rest provokes the accumulation of overweight and obesity, and also contributes to restless sleep; the diet should be varied and include products of different (plant and animal) origin.

What should be limited:

• Sol. It is recommended to limit to the minimum volumes and only slightly add already prepared dishes. In general, salt itself causes fluid retention in the body and contributes to the accumulation of excess weight. In the diet is usually taken five grams per day. To increase blood pressure, salt is recommended to be taken as a "preventive" type, ie with a reduced sodium content. It can also contain essential health minerals such as magnesium, iodine and potassium ions. Low sodium products are plant productsOrigin: fish, cottage cheese, meat Ready-to-eat foods such as cheese or sausage contain an incredible amount of salt, which is ten times more than natural meat If the food is not salted or not salted at all, then its taste can be improvedby adding cranberries, citric acid, parsley, cinnamon, coriander or dill. Salt restriction is very important in the diet for the treatment of hypertension.
• Liquid. Reduce the volume of drinking to one liter per day, including compote, soup, milk and tea. The purpose of this restriction is to relieve the work of the heart muscle and the work of the kidneys. You should also limit the intake of substances that excite the work of the cardiovascular system. These substances include caffeine and other tonics. They can cause palpitations, high blood pressure and insomnia. Also be careful with instant coffee, as it contains much more caffeine than regular coffee. The intake of animal fats should be limited to 25 grams per day. Hypertension and atherosclerosis are closely related. High blood pressure contributes to the development of a disease such as atherosclerosis, and this in itself can occur against its background. To combat this syndrome, you need to reduce the consumption of animal fats, which are rich in saturated fatty acids, and replace them with vegetable oils (olive oil, sunflower, cottonseed and others). Patients should avoid eating foods that contain cholesterol (kidneys, liver, fatty meats, egg yolks).
• sugar. The sugar limit should be up to 40 grams per day. Its excess is involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
• Bakery products. Patients with hypertension are often overweight. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the caloric content of food, thus limiting not only the consumption of sugar, but also limits the consumption of jam, flour products, white bread and more. In such cases it is a very effective tool e. g. fasting days are welcome. But again, only on the recommendation of a doctor who monitors the patient. You can organize fasting days once a week. That is, absolutely nothing to eat, just drinking water. This will significantly contribute to weight loss. You can also organize days of cottage cheese: 400 grams of cottage cheese for five doses, two cups of kefir, two cups of unsweetened and weak tea. And you can also organize apple days: two kilograms of apples for five doses.

You should increase your intake of the following:

• potassium. Products that contain it are very useful in the treatment of hypertension. And there must be more of these products. Potassium improves the functioning of the heart muscle and also helps to remove excess fluid. Potassium salts can be found in large quantities in vegetables, fruits and berries, as well as in juices. They are also rich in cabbage, potatoes, pumpkin, apricots, prunes, raisins, dried apricots, rose hips.
• magnesium. It is necessary to provide the body with magnesium. It, like potassium, is needed in the treatment of hypertension. Magnesium salts have a vasodilating effect, which helps prevent vasospasm. This macronutrient is found in bran bread and rye bread, as well as in oatmeal, wheat, millet, buckwheat, barley nuts, beets, carrots, lettuce, parsley, blackcurrants, walnuts and almonds.
• iodine. Iodine also has a good effect on metabolism and metabolism in general in hypertension. Foods containing iodine: fish, seaweed, squid. Limiting salt, providing the body with a sufficient amount of products that contain magnesium and potassium salts, which are among the main characteristics of therapeutic and preventive nutrition in hypertension.

In general, the ratio of diet and treatment should be agreed with the doctor who monitors the patient, because if a prescription is violated, it can have serious consequences for the body.

Folk remedies for the treatment of hypertension

Folk remedies for hypertension are very, very effective. Its effect will be more long-lasting and positive, but only if the patient leads a healthy lifestyle and follows a strict diet.

How exactly to treat hypertension with folk remedies?

Herbal decoctions, as well as infusions for the treatment of hypertension, which are prepared according to folk recipes, doctors recommend to use for a long time. You can take breaks for five or ten days every two to three months. The composition of these fees and decoctions includes special plants to lower blood pressure. They also have sedative, sedative, diuretic and antispasmodic effects. Such collections contain many specific compounds that have a beneficial effect on our body. These are called biologically active compounds. These include: macronutrients and micronutrients, vitamins, phytonutrients, organic acids and other substances.

Examples of folk recipes used for hypertension:

1. Peeled onions - three kilograms, flower honey - half a kilogram, vodka - half a liter, partition nuts - about thirty pieces. The method of preparation consists of squeezing onion juice, mixing with honey, adding parts of nuts to this mixture. All this is poured with vodka and infused for about ten days. This infusion can then be taken three times a day on one tablespoon.
2. One lemon, two glasses of beet juice, a glass and a half of cranberry juice, a glass of vodka, 250 grams of flower honey. All this is mixed and taken one tablespoon on an empty stomach twice a day.
3. Take half a cup of honey and chopped beets. Mix everything and take one tablespoon before meals three times a day for three months.

Also, bee venom has good diuretic properties and blocks the spasms of blood vessels, dilating them. This action lowers blood pressure. Therefore, bee stings are recommended twice a week.

Traditional medicine gives recommendations for the use of royal jelly and propolis. They are good powerful antioxidants, and also reduce fatigue and help cleanse the body, increase its resistance to nervous and physical stress.

In the treatment of hypertension, the fruits of chokeberry are also prescribed. They can be prepared in the form of jellies, compotes, fruit drinks, syrups and even jams. The juice of these fruits has a great therapeutic effect, which is taken half an hour before meals three times a day.