The fact that there is a diagnosis of hypertension is thought only when there is a constant increase in blood pressure on the face or frequent jumps. At the same time, the different stages of hypertension manifest themselves with different intensity. In the early stages of the disease, people are usually unaware of the development of problems. Sometimes even a slight rise in temperature is paid more attention than a violation of the condition when hypertension develops. The types of pathology differ in the manifestation of symptoms and the presence of concomitant disorders in the body. In fact, even in the absence of obvious signs, high blood pressure is no less dangerous than when supplemented with various disorders in the body. Signs of hypertension include: trembling limbs, nausea, headache, flies in front of the eyes. All symptoms develop due to problems with blood flow to internal organs.
Stages of hypertension
The clinic of hypertension, in accordance with the effect on the whole body and the strength of the accompanying symptoms, is classified by stage and severity. There are 3 stages. The division into stages helps the doctor to systematize the received diagnostic data and to choose the right tactics for correcting the patient's condition.
1 stage
The level of blood pressure in stage 1 hypertension does not exceed 159/99. This increase may last for several days. Rest will help normalize blood pressure, eliminate stress. With further progression of the pathology, it will not be so easy to restore normal blood pressure.
At this stage of the disease there are no signs that it has an effect on target organs. For this reason, high blood pressure is often asymptomatic. Only sometimes sleep is disturbed, implicit pain in the head and heart can develop.
During clinical diagnosis, a slight increase in the tone of the fundus arteries may be found. In the first stage of the disease the risk of hypertensive crisis is minimal, often this situation occurs only due to the impact of external circumstances on the body. The risk also increases in women during menopause. The initial stage responds well to treatment. For this, a change in lifestyle is usually enough. Medicines are not always needed. With timely therapy and strict adherence to the instructions of the doctor, the prognosis will be favorable.
Stage 2
This is the stage of active pathological changes in the vessels - severe hypertension. The pressure in the 2nd stage reaches 179/109. Rest does not restore its level. One complains of excruciating headaches, shortness of breath during exertion, poor sleep, dizziness and increased heart rate.
This stage is characterized by the development of the first signs of internal organs. The most common symptoms of severe hypertension are:
- signs of left ventricular hypertrophy;
- narrowing of the lumen of the retinal arteries;
- increase in blood cholesterol;
- the presence of protein in the urine.
Stage 2 hypertension significantly increases the risk of dangerous complications that can lead to stroke. It will not work without constant medical treatment.
Stage 3
This is the stage of disorders in the target organs due to pathological changes in the arteries and impaired blood flow in the body. Very severe hypertension in stage 3. The last stage of hypertension is the most severe, the body develops extensive disorders affecting the target organs. The eyes, kidneys, brain and heart are most affected. Stage 3 pressure is stable, difficult to normalize even with medication. There are often jumps up to 180/110 mm Hg. Art. and even more. The symptoms are similar to those manifested in stage 2, but are also accompanied by pathological manifestations of the affected organs. Memory often deteriorates, heart rate is severely impaired, visual acuity decreases.
This stage is dangerous because it always affects the heart. Its contractility and conduction of impulses in the myocardium are disturbed.
Degrees
With an increase in blood pressure and no effect of the measures taken, it can be assumed that the disease is progressing. The optimal blood pressure level is 120/80. The norm for systolic pressure varies from 120 to 129, and diastolic from 80 to 84. There is also a high normal pressure when a person feels well - up to 139/89 mm Hg. Art. In medicine, hypertension is classified into 3 degrees.
I degree
Grade 1 hypertension is mild, characterized by pressure drops and fluctuations from 140/90 to 159/99. The risk of crisis in such a situation is minimized, there are no symptoms of dysfunction of other organs and central nervous system. To suppress the attack, in addition to taking special pills, you need to relax a little, try to avoid stress, walking and positive emotions have a beneficial effect on health.
If the systolic pressure does not exceed 159 and diastolic - 99 mm Hg. Art. , then the person is diagnosed with mild hypertension - first degree. It is characterized by such features:
- headache, which worsens with exertion;
- a piercing, painful sensation on the left side of the chest, radiating to the shoulder blade and under the arm;
- dizziness that is so intense that it can lead to fainting;
- accelerating heart rate;
- black flies;
- noise in the ears;
- sleep disorders.
One ceases to notice the listed symptoms if they develop constantly. An attack of hypertension can begin under the influence of stress and with proper help passes without sequelae.
II degree
Grade 2 hypertension begins to develop more actively. The pressure level has already reached 160/100 - 179/109. Signs of a hypertensive crisis develop - cold sweat, itchy skin, facial skin becomes red.
Symptoms of grade 2 disease include:
- transient cerebral ischemia - deterioration of blood flow to the organ;
- increase in the concentration of creatinine in the blood;
- narrowing of the arteries in the retina;
- increase the size of the left ventricle;
- protein in the urine that is detected during the delivery of tests;
- constant fatigue;
- nausea;
- pulsations in the head;
- swelling of the face;
- heavy sweating;
- damage to internal organs;
- numbness of the fingers;
- blurred vision;
- crises.
Medications do not work well with the normalization of the patient's condition. Doctors pay attention not only to the level of pressure, but also to the rate of development of the disease. Second-degree hypertension affects the kidneys. The patient almost always complains of malaise.
III degree
Grade 3 hypertension is the most severe. When it occurs, vision drops sharply, memory deteriorates, tachycardia often occurs and the risk of hypertensive crisis is high. Complications of this condition include thrombosis, encephalopathy, aneurysm, kidney and left ventricular failure, bruising all over the body, and swelling of the optic nerve. The pathology is irreversible. With grade 3 hypertension, the patient necessarily needs outside help and care. The main signs of hypertension are:
- arrhythmia;
- gait instability;
- significant visual impairment;
- impaired blood flow to the brain, provoking paresis and paralysis;
- crisis accompanied by confusion and slurred speech;
- acute heart pain;
- expectoration of blood;
- limiting mobility and self-care;
- inability to communicate properly.
These symptoms indicate the progression of hypertension and the involvement of new organs in the disease. Gradually more irreversible complications develop.
Classification by risk factors
Hypertension, in the first place, is dangerous with its many and often irreversible complications. Most patients become disabled or die not specifically from high blood pressure, but from acute disorders in other organs that it provokes.
The most dangerous conditions are ischemic necrosis, cerebral hemorrhage, heart attack, renal failure. To prevent various complications associated with dysfunction of other organs, the doctor determines the degree of risk during the examination. Risk levels are indicated by numbers from 1 to 4. It turns out that the diagnosis contains information about the degree and risk of damage, for example GB 2 degree, risk 4.
Low risk (insignificant)
This risk indicator for the development of complications of hypertension is observed in women under 65 and men under 55 with mild hypertension in stage 1. Over the next 10 years, only 15% of people develop additional cardiovascular disorders due to hypertension. These patients are usually examined by general practitioners, as it makes no sense to visit a cardiologist and receive serious treatment.
When small risks persist, one must change one's lifestyle over the next 6 months. This will lead to positive development. If there are no results and no reduction in blood pressure can be achieved, then it is recommended to change the patient's management tactics and apply drug therapy.
Medium risk
This group of patients includes patients with hypertension whose blood pressure is no more than 179/110. As a rule, these people have 1-2 risk factors from the following:
- smoking;
- genetics;
- obesity;
- high cholesterol;
- lack of physical activity;
- impaired glucose tolerance.
Over the next 10 years, dangerous cardiovascular pathologies develop in 20% of cases. Organizing a proper lifestyle is an integral part of maintaining good health. Within 3-6 months, medications may not be prescribed to allow the patient to regain health as much as possible through lifestyle changes.
high risk
This risk group includes patients with scores of 179/110 or more in the presence of more than 2 predisposing factors. Also, a high risk is determined for people with target organ damage, diabetes, retinal vascular disorders and atherosclerosis.
There may also be no risk factors, but people with stage 3 hypertension are at high risk anyway. They must be treated by a cardiologist. The risk of complications is 30%. Normalization of lifestyle is used only as an additional tactic against the background of taking specially selected drugs. The choice of the most effective drugs should be made as soon as possible.
Treatment approaches
The main goals of the treatment of hypertension are to reduce the pressure and prevent the consequences. Complete recovery is not possible, but staging and adequate treatment help to stop the active progression of the pathology and minimize the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Drug therapy usually involves the use of antihypertensive drugs that inhibit the production of norepinephrine and its vasomotor activity. At the same time it is necessary to prescribe diuretics, antiplatelet agents, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and sedative drugs. In the absence of the expected result, a combined effect of several antihypertensive drugs at once is performed.
In a hypertensive crisis, it is necessary to reduce the pressure within one hour after the attack, otherwise the risk of dangerous complications and death increases. In such a situation, antihypertensive drugs are used by injection or drip.
Regardless of the degree and stage of dysfunction of the body, an important method of therapy is the normalization of nutrition, adherence to a special diet. The diet must include foods fortified with magnesium, potassium, vitamins. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, to give up alcohol, fried and fatty foods. With obesity, the daily calorie content of the diet decreases, sugar, pastries and other confectionery products are prohibited.
People with hypertension benefit from moderate physical activity - exercise, swimming, walking. Therapeutic massage also has a good effect on the well-being of hypertension. Smoking is strictly forbidden, you need to develop resistance to stress with the help of psychotherapeutic practices and relaxation techniques.
The effectiveness of complex therapy is assessed by several criteria:
- The short-term goals are to normalize the pressure to a level where the patient feels well.
- The medium-term goals are to prevent the occurrence and active development of pathologies in the target organs.
- The long-term goals are to prevent complications and prolong the patient's life.
Hypertension is a disease that is much easier to prevent than to fight for a lifetime, trying to relieve symptoms and prevent systemic deterioration. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the stage of hypertension is determined, the more effective the treatment will be.