Treatment of hypertension

Hypertension is a multifactorial pathology, its origin cannot be explained by a specific reason. And this complicates the choice of therapeutic measures to influence it. The treatment of hypertension is to maintain an optimal level of pressure, alleviate the patient's condition and prevent possible complications. The disease can be fought with different methods, and each stage requires a special approach. To achieve maximum effect, the treatment of hypertension should reasonably combine traditional and non-traditional methods, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

What is hypertension

Before you know how to treat hypertension, you need to understand what it is. Hypertension is a disease whose sure sign is an increase in blood pressure. It is considered to be increased when the values of the scale of the tonometer regularly, for a certain time exceed the norm, reach 140/90 and more. Other signs appear with further progression of the pathological condition. Common symptoms of hypertension include:

• headache;
• often dizziness and weakness;
• nausea, which may lead to vomiting;
• signs of increased agitation (nervousness, aggression, irritability);
• bad sleep;
• arrhythmia, heart pain;
• forgetfulness.

Arterial hypertension develops when the walls of blood vessels are damaged and lose the ability to relax and contract on their own, adapting to changing conditions. This happens under the influence of certain factors that provoke prolonged stress on the vascular system. The main provoking factor in hypertension is considered to be excessive excitation of the central nervous system caused by strong emotional experiences.

Other factors also play a significant role:

• a large amount of salty foods on the menu;
• obesity;
• lack of physical activity;
• aging of the body;
• severe fatigue;
• the habit of using cigarettes, alcohol;
• hereditary predisposition to the disease.

To understand how to deal with hypertension, you need to have an idea of its types, stages and degrees.

In most cases, essential arterial hypertension is diagnosed. It manifests itself as an independent pathology under the influence of a number of different factors. In the treatment of primary hypertension, lifelong supportive drug therapy is prescribed, which is combined with optimization of the general lifestyle and rhythm of life.

Symptomatic arterial hypertension manifests itself as a manifestation (symptom) of another disease. Secondary arterial hypertension manifests itself more sharply and vividly, is more severe and faster. To deal with such pathology, you need to directly influence the cause of its occurrence. Often hypertension can be treated in this case only by surgery.

Hypertension and its treatment go through various stages in their development. Based on the degree of damage to the target organs, three stages are distinguished: the first stage is characterized by the absence of such lesions, the third stage causes irreversible, life-threatening processes. Such a concept as the degree of the disease shows the level of increase in blood pressure in hypertension. There are also three degrees: in the first the pressure rises slightly and unevenly, the third is characterized by high, constant, poorly corrected readings of the tonometer. The second stage and the second stage can be characterized as transient.

Modern methods for dealing with pathology

Modern treatment includes traditional, classical methods of treatment, which can be supplemented by non-traditional, alternative methods. The traditional method is based on drug therapy.

About drug therapy

There is a list of drugs that meet the standard for traditional treatment of hypertension. All of them are prescribed only by a doctor, are taken for life, according to the prescribed regimen and dosage. Unauthorized cancellation or replacement of drugs is not allowed. When hypertension develops, treatment should not be stopped, even if the blood pressure level has returned to normal and the person is feeling well.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Characteristics of the drugs:

• They have few side effects.
• They are able to protect the kidneys and heart from possible complications, can maintain normal blood pressure for a long time.
• These drugs are often used as monotherapy, but can be used in combination with other means.
• The essence of the action of ACE inhibitors is to prevent the transition of ACE 1 to ACE 2.
• You can start taking antihypertensive medicines for hypertension in this group if the hypertension responds well to the control of the medicines.

Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

ARBs are a relatively new drug. In the treatment of hypertension has been used not so long ago. Characteristics:

• Modern drugs give even fewer side effects.
• Effectively protects internal organs.
• They have good antihypertensive properties.
• Angiotensin 2 cannot constrict blood vessels under the influence of these drugs, because the receptors inside the vessels that send a signal to constrict the vessel wall are blocked.

Beta blockers

Description:

• They belong to the group of drugs of the older generation.
• They are prescribed for persistent arterial hypertension with high blood pressure.
• Suitable for patients with heart problems.
• They have a lot of side effects.
• Medications are usually combined with diuretics.
• There are contraindications for use (diabetes, arrhythmia, obstructive processes in the bronchi).

calcium antagonists

Distinctive features and characteristics:

• They do not allow calcium ions to penetrate the vascular cell, which reduces the hardness of the vascular walls.
• The drugs dilate blood vessels, improve coronary circulation in hypertension.
• Allows you to effectively control the level of upper and lower pressure values.
• There are some side effects.
• The tablets have contraindications (narrowed aorta, impaired metabolism).

Diuretics

Otherwise called diuretics. Main characteristics:

• Remove excess fluid from the body.
• Reduce the level of potassium in the cells.
• May cause dehydration and hypokalaemia (potassium deficiency).
• Normalize blood pressure well.
• They are used as separate drugs and in combination with other drugs.

And now briefly for some alternative treatments for a condition like hypertension.

Physiotherapy

Such therapy very well complements the basic treatment of hypertension. Using it allows you to reduce the dose of medication, and in some cases allows you to cope completely without them. Advantages of physiotherapy:

• improves the condition of blood vessels;
• normalizes blood flow to the brain;
• stabilizes coronary circulation;
• helps relieve nervous tension.

When hypertension develops, what treatment may be recommended:

1. The use of galvanic collar based on a solution of magnesium sulfate and novocaine.
2. The use of general darsonvalization.
3. Electrosleep.
4. Massage procedures. The blow is in the head and collar area.
5. Treatment with bromine electrophoresis.

What treatment for the disease can still be tried?

Iodine treatment

Iodine is needed to provide normal oxidative processes that stimulate brain activity. Without it, the normal functioning of the thyroid gland is impossible. The mineral is able to neutralize unstable microbes, which improves mood and reduces irritability. Increases the elasticity of blood vessel walls and has a beneficial effect on blood plasma. Gives energy, helps burn fat, keeps teeth healthy, nails and hair healthy and shiny.

The treatment of hypertension with iodine is the so-called "Indian method". How to overcome hypertension with its help? It is necessary to conduct courses of such treatment twice: in early autumn and early spring. The whole course lasts 20 days. After the first 10 days of treatment, they take a break for another 10 days, then continue for the next decade. The essence of the treatment comes down to drawing circles with iodine and a cotton swab in certain areas of the body according to a certain pattern. Every day a new circle is drawn in a new place.

Treatment with vitamins and minerals

It is believed that for the effective treatment of hypertension it is necessary to take a special complex of minerals and vitamins. This method is based on the assumption that one of the main causes of high blood pressure is a lack of magnesium in the blood. Proponents of this method believe that by taking magnesium in combination with vitamin B6, as well as elements such as taurine (a natural diuretic), fish oil (a natural source of valuable amino acids), you can strengthen the cardiovascular system and completely abandon drugs.

Low carb diet

How to eliminate the symptoms of a diet for hypertension? Fast carbs are a source of excess weight and cholesterol in the blood, increase the risk of developing diabetes. These factors negatively affect the condition of the vessels. By reducing the amount of carbohydrates in the diet with the help of a special diet you can achieve lowering blood pressure. Good results can be achieved by combining a diet with magnesium intake, as well as with moderate exercise.

In addition to these methods, hypertension can be treated with homeopathy, hirudotherapy, exercise therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, breathing exercises, herbal medicine, yoga.

Principles and standard schemes of complex therapy

There are two approaches to drug therapy for hypertension.

1. The clinical recommendations for the treatment of hypertension in this case are as follows: drug exposure should begin with monotherapy. One drug is prescribed first. The dose at the same time is offered the minimum possible in a particular situation. If the effect is insufficient, the dose is increased gradually. If there is still no result or the drug has unwanted side effects, it is replaced with another. As the most extreme option, monotherapy is replaced by combination therapy.
2. The principles of treatment of hypertension here are completely different. Proponents of a different approach are convinced that it is advisable to start treatment immediately with not one but several drugs. It is believed that two or more drugs from different groups, which are well combined with each other, will work more effectively together than separately. Each of them eliminates the side effects caused by the other. In this case, it is possible to reduce the dose of both drugs as much as possible. And the effect will be high. This method of treatment is especially good for patients who are at high risk of developing complications in the form of cardiovascular disease.

For the convenience of patients, combination drugs have begun to appear in pharmacies, combining several active ingredients from different groups of drugs at once. It is convenient to take such tablets (take one a day) and this is an important advantage.

Effective treatment of hypertension depends on the right combination of drugs.

Recommended combinations of drug treatment of hypertension:

• diuretic in combination with an ACE inhibitor;
• An ACE inhibitor together with a calcium antagonist;
• the use of a calcium antagonist in combination with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker;
• diuretic and calcium antagonist;
• diuretic together with angiotensin 2 receptor blocker;
• beta-blocker and diuretic;
• calcium channel blocker together with beta-blocker.

Each stage of the disease requires adherence to a specific scheme and principles of treatment of hypertension.

First stage (140/90 - 160/100)

How to treat hypertension in the first stage? In the early stages of the disease drugs are not prescribed. It is recommended to use them only in case of hypertensive crisis, when you need to quickly and effectively provide first aid. The first stage is the easiest, the pressure can be normalized by maintaining a proper lifestyle. At this stage you can actively use herbal medicine, massage, exercise, physiotherapy and other non-drug alternative methods of therapy.

Hypertension, as a pathology in the first stage, does not require the use of drugs. They are not used to stabilize the pressure, but only if necessary to reduce the excitation of the central nervous system, to normalize cerebral blood flow, as well as to affect the underlying disease (if we talk about secondary hypertension).

Second stage (160/100 - 180/110)

In most cases, this involves taking medication. Some patients cope with small doses and monotherapy. For others, you should increase the dose or prescribe combinations of drugs. Medications are prescribed not only to reduce pressure, but also to prevent the development of complications.

Drug therapy is combined with preventive measures, optimizing lifestyle and eliminating provoking factors.

Third stage (180/110 and more)

Principles of treatment of hypertension at this stage:

• You cannot suddenly reduce the pressure.
• It is recommended to reduce the tonometer readings by no more than 15% of the original figures.
• When treating a severe stage of the disease, the patient should be prescribed a combination therapy of 2-3 drugs.
• If symptomatic hypertension is detected, then medication is prescribed. affecting the cause of the underlying disease. If necessary, surgical treatment is prescribed.

It is necessary to strive to minimize the risk factors, to follow all the recommendations for the treatment of hypertension that the doctor offers. It is important at this stage to monitor the condition of organs called targets of hypertension: heart, kidneys, brain, eyes, blood vessels.

Kidney disease often causes high blood pressure. Drug treatment of nephrogenic (secondary) arterial hypertension should provide:

• normalization of the pressure level;
• relieving the patient's well-being, eliminating unpleasant symptoms;
• inhibition of the development of renal failure;
• prolonging the life of the patient.

Most often, drugs are used to prepare the patient for surgery or in the postoperative period. Complex treatment is recommended for both the elderly and those who are contraindicated for anesthesia. The most effective and often the only measure to combat renal pathology is surgical treatment.

How to properly and effectively treat yourself

You can treat hypertension at home, but it is advisable to discuss all your actions with your doctor so that the treatment is beneficial and not harmful.

There are many effective and safe methods for lowering blood pressure that traditional medicine offers. How to treat high blood pressure without drugs?

Baths. Using hot foot baths reduces pressure well and quickly, especially when mustard powder is added to the water.

Grenade. Fruits in hypertension are very useful in themselves. But you can treat yourself with pomegranate peels. They are brewed instead of tea and drunk in unlimited quantities.

Black currant. It is useful in any form, especially fresh. You can make compote, drink juice, make jam, it is very tasty and healthy to eat fresh fruit, crushed with sugar. It will eliminate the unpleasant symptoms associated with high blood pressure.

Useful vegetables. Hypertension can be treated by eating a variety of vegetables. Beets are useful in any form. Its juice copes well with atherosclerosis, lowers blood pressure. Potatoes baked "in uniform" contain a lot of potassium, which is good for the heart and blood vessels. It fights pressure and strengthens blood vessels onions, as well as garlic, you need to eat them every day.

Healing elixir. Ingredients: onion (1 pc. ), Garlic (4 cloves), dried mountain ash (tablespoon). Grind all this, pour cold water (1 liter) and after boiling boil for 15 minutes on low heat. Then pour a pinch of herbs: pickled vegetables, dill, parsley. All this mix well and cook for another 15 minutes.

After preparation, cool and strain. Then get rid of high blood pressure by taking one and a half tablespoons up to 4 times a day. It is necessary to drink the drug before meals for half an hour. The whole course will take about ten days. After a break of 21 days, undergo a course of treatment again.

Rosehip with honey. Boil a tablespoon of dried rose hips (fruit) in boiling water (500 g), then heat on low heat for 10 minutes. Then cool and pass through cheesecloth. You can drink the recommended medicine in any amount by adding honey (1 tablespoon) to the drink.

Drink with mineral water. In mineral water (200 g) add honey (1 tablespoon), lemon (juice of half a fruit), mix everything. To deal with hypertension, you need to take the drug before meals in the morning, one glass a week.

Is It Possible To Get Rid Of Hypertension Forever?

If secondary hypertension is diagnosed, then fighting it can be quite effective. How to treat high blood pressure in this case? Timely detection of the cause of the disease and its elimination will lead to a complete cure of hypertension. Surgical treatment gives a good result. The patient can avoid serious complications and put an end to high blood pressure once and for all.

In essential (primary) hypertension, a complete cure can be expected only at a very early stage of the disease. To do this, you need to create a habit of regularly measuring blood pressure, this applies to absolutely everyone, even healthy people. Anyone can spend a few minutes on this simple procedure. Promptly observed fluctuations in performance can stop the progression of hypertension.

How to get rid of hypertension forever? To fight the onset of the disease, you need to reconsider your priorities. It is important to understand that the further development of events depends only on the person himself. What needs to be done to cure the disease:

• time and complete rest;
• protection of the nervous system;
• give up salt almost completely;
• force yourself to walk more often, move more, exercise regularly, or at least exercise;
• do not sit in front of the computer for a long time;
• try to lose weight if the weight has exceeded the permitted limits;
• forget about cigarettes, coffee, alcohol;
• Eliminate harmful foods from your diet, especially those that raise cholesterol and affect weight.

Folk remedies will come to the rescue, as well as various methods of alternative medicine without drugs. The main thing is not to overdo the treatment and consult a doctor on how to deal with hypertension as effectively as possible.

When hypertension has passed the first stage, you need to adjust to lifelong treatment and not make illusions in vain. How to beat hypertension in a chronic form - no one knows. Now all one can do in this situation is learn to keep the disease under control.

When fighting hypertension, we must remember that self-medication without prescription drugs can only do harm. You need to take pills constantly, even when your health seems to be in perfect condition. Treating hypertension with additional methods can prevent possible complications, reduce the side effects of drugs and reduce their dosage. But one can think about discontinuing drug therapy only in the early stages of the disease, only with the permission of the attending physician.