Hypertension

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

Arterial essential hypertension is another name for it. This accounts for over ninety percent of cases of arterial 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 whom an increase in blood pressure is one of the symptoms of the underlying disease.

Among the different types of iatrogenic hypertension, the methods of various dietary supplements and contraceptives differ. In general, the occurrence of hypertension contributes to more than 25 combinations in the genetic code of the human body.

Causes of hypertension

When doctors talk about the cause of hypertension, they admit that the cause of its occurrence is still unclear. Therefore, this disease is also called essential or a disease of unclear etiology.

Theories that exist in our time and that try to explain the origin of hypertension are in themselves unsustainable and can lead a person to a hopeless situation (when all methods have been tried), without explaining anything, either concretely or scientifically. The patient is, to put it mildly, being treated for treatment. The person is forced to almost constantly resort to the help of medications to alleviate the hypertensive condition.

There is a so-called system in the human body that regulates blood pressure. It can also increase for a variety of reasons. In the case of an increase in blood pressure, the walls of blood vessels such as the aortic arch or carotid artery become very tense. Therefore, the receptors contained in them are irritated. The resulting excitation, passing through the nerves, reaches the medulla oblongata. There is a vasomotor center. The activity of depressor neurons, unlike pressor neurons, will increase, causing blood vessels to dilate and blood pressure to decrease. In the case of lowering blood pressure, such processes take place quite the opposite. This explains the normal process of increasing and decreasing blood pressure in the human body. For no reason, the pressure will not increase. Everything in the body is interconnected.

Causes of hypertension include:

1. Obesity and overweight. People with this problem very often have high blood pressure and as a result hypertension. People with such metabolic disorders, as a rule, should keep it under control.
2. In five percent of patients, the causes of hypertension may be kidney or thyroid problems.
3. If a person is not overweight and is slender. There are 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: adrenal tumor, pituitary tumor, mercury poisoning, lead poisoning, etc.

More specifically, the main cause of hypertension in most patients is metabolic syndrome. As a rule, the content of cholesterol in the blood is disturbed in such patients. Metabolic syndrome is determined by several reasons: increase in waist circumference (more than 80 cm in women, more than 94 cm in men); the 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. Overall, if hypertension is combined with being 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, role play and heredity.

Symptoms of hypertension

Clinical manifestations of hypertension have no specific symptoms. Patients for many years may not even know what disease they have. He will feel high vitality. Although sometimes they may still be overtaken by attacks of dizziness, weakness, and sometimes dizziness. But, as a rule, these people believe that it is due to overwork. Problems occur when, as they are called, the target organs are affected. These are the organs that are most sensitive to changes in blood pressure.

The appearance of headache and dizziness in a person, noise in the head, decreased work capacity and memory indicate the initial changes in the supply of cerebral blood. Later, double vision, flies in front of the eyes, weakness, speech problems, numbness of the arms and legs join, but at the initial level these changes in the blood supply are of an upcoming nature.

If the phase of hypertension has gone far, then it can bring 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 walls of the left ventricle thicken, then the heart chamber of this ventricle expands. The same goes for hypertension. Alternatively, this condition may be called cardiac hypertension or hypertensive heart disease. In this form of hypertension, gross morphological changes in the aorta (atherosclerosis) may combine, and may expand, resulting in rupture or dissection. Cardiac hypertension is very insidious in this regard.

A sign or common symptom of hypertension is, of course, a headache. And as the most characteristic sign of this disease, with 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 can be as a shot or as a weight in the occipital region, and can cover other areas of the head. With hypertension, swelling of the legs can occur, which also indicates heart failure. In addition, they may be a sign of impaired kidney function.

arterial hypertension

Arterial hypertension is the most common disease of the entire cardiovascular system. The word "arterial hypertension" refers to blood pressure that remains constantly elevated. An increase in blood pressure occurs when the arteries and arterioles narrow.

An artery is the main transport route through which blood is delivered to all tissues in the body. In many people, the arterioles narrow very often. Initially due to spasm, and later, their lumen remains almost constantly narrowed due to wall thickening. And then, in order for the blood flow to overcome the contractions, more effort is put in, 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 most often suffer from hypertension.

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

In these cases, we are talking about symptomatic arterial hypertension or as it is also called secondary. About 90 percent of patients suffer from the essential form of hypertension, or as it is also called primary. Patients with arterial hypertension very often suffer from headaches.

Hypertensive crisis is common in arterial hypertension. 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 grafting. In some cases, hypertension is observed, which combines an increase in the levels 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 arterial hypertension without special complications, high hypertension, characterized by an increase in diastolic pressure above 140 mm Hg.

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

Studies prescribed by a doctor for arterial hypertension should include: examination of the fundus, study of kidney function, study of the heart. Patients may also be prescribed antihypertensive therapy to help identify complications that may occur during hypertension (hypertension).

Degrees of hypertension

For the correct diagnosis of hypertension, doctors must first determine the degree or stage of hypertension in the patient and make, so to speak, the 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 organism can be more serious than for the first stage of the disease. However, a small number of patients go to the doctor in the early or early stages of the disease. And in general, few people measure their blood pressure at home.

Determine: normal blood pressure, at which systolic blood pressure, at which the indicator is less than 130 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure, at which values are below 85 mm Hg. High normal, with systolic blood pressure, with an indicator of 130-140 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure, with indicators of 85-90 mm Hg.

• Grade 1 hypertension (mild), in which systolic blood pressure has an indicator of 140-160 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure, in which the indicators are 90-100 mmHg;
• Grade 2 hypertension (moderate), in which systolic blood pressure has an indicator of 160-180 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure, in which the indicators are 100-110 mmHg;
• Grade 3 hypertension (severe), in which systolic blood pressure is greater than 180 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure, in which values are greater than 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 is resting, he does not fall to a normal level. In addition to an increase in blood pressure, there may be a narrowing of the retinal artery, left ventricular hypertrophy, the appearance of protein in the urine during the analysis and a slight increase in plasma creatine. Headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, angina pectoris, shortness of breath may occur. Disorders such as heart attacks and strokes can occur with this stage. Hypertension medications should be taken at this stage.

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. Short attacks of shortness of breath, angina pectoris, heart rhythm disorders, headaches, dizziness, sleep and hearing, vision and memory disorders are common. Development of renal and cardiac failure. Strokes and heart attacks are guaranteed. Urgent treatment should be performed.

Treatment of hypertension

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

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

The goal of drug therapy is to lower blood pressure, ie eliminate the cause of this vascular condition. Mono and combination therapy is appropriate at the beginning of treatment. When ineffective, I use small doses of antihypertensive combinations. 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 by reducing heart rate and blood volume per minute. They improve the work of the heart in his ischemic disease. But the side effect of such drugs is bronchospasm, so nowadays most doctors are moving away from this method of treatment as monotherapy. They also contribute to the development of diabetes and erectile dysfunction with long-term use.
• Diuretics. Saluretics, drugs that remove sodium and chlorine ions from the body, are also used to treat hypertension. But most diuretics cause potassium to be excreted from the body. It is best to combine them.
• Potassium antagonists. It is used to prevent brain damage. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate in case of 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 certainty that good results in treatment can be achieved in the coordinated work of the patient and the doctor. It is possible to achieve a stable improvement in the condition of the vascular system and the work of the heart, as well as an improvement in the levels of cholesterol in the blood, which will also contribute to a good relief of the patient's condition. Adherence to the absolute instructions and recommendations of the doctor will help the patient to get rid of many symptoms that this insidious disease can provide.

Diet for hypertension

A rational diet is a diet that maintains health. It also satisfies 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, diet has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the patient. A hearty meal can greatly overfill the stomach, and thus move the diaphragm, which makes it harder for the heart to work. Excess fluid also creates a large load. Well, if the diet is full of a large amount of sodium chloride, water is retained in the tissues of the body, which causes an increase in blood pressure, which sometimes leads to swelling of the extremities.

Principles of nutrition. diet: adherence to a 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 for overweight; dinner is recommended to take no later than two hours before bedtime - a rich meal before rest causes the accumulation of excess weight and obesity, and also contributes to restless sleep; food during the diet should be varied and include products of different (plant and animal) origin.

What to limit:

• Sol. It is recommended to limit it to minimal quantities and just lightly add already cooked dishes. In general, salt itself causes fluid retention in the body and contributes to the accumulation of excess body weight. When you are on a diet, you usually take five grams a day. To increase blood pressure, it is recommended to take salt as a "preventive" type, ie with a reduced sodium content. It may also contain essential health minerals such as magnesium, iodine and potassium ions. Products with a low sodium content are products of plant origin: fish, cottage cheese, meat. Ready-made foods such as cheese or sausages contain an incredible amount of salt. There is ten times more of it in them than in natural meat. If the food is not salted or not salted at all, its taste can be improved by adding cranberries, citric acid, parsley, cinnamon, coriander or dill. Salt restriction is very important in the diet to treat hypertension.
• Liquid. Reduce the amount 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. The intake of substances that stimulate the work of the cardiovascular system should also be limited. These substances include caffeine and other tonic substances. They can cause heart 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 diseases such as atherosclerosis and can occur on its own. To combat this syndrome, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of animal fats, which are rich in saturated fatty acids, and replace them with vegetable oils (olive, sunflower, cotton and the like). Patients should avoid foods that contain cholesterol (kidneys, liver, fatty meat, 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 that case, it is necessary to reduce the caloric content in food products, which limits not only the consumption of sugar, but also the consumption of jam, flour products, white bread, etc. In such cases, it is a very effective medicine, e. g. fasting days are welcome. But again, only on the recommendation of the doctor observing the patient. You can organize fasting days once a week. That is, absolutely nothing to eat, just drinking water. This will greatly contribute to weight loss. You can also arrange days of fresh cheese: 400 grams of fresh cheese for five doses, two cups of kefir, two cups of unsweetened and weak tea. And you can also arrange apple days: two kilograms of apples for five doses.

You should increase your intake of the following:

• Potassium. Products containing it are very useful in treating hypertension. And there should be more of these products. Potassium improves the work 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, pomegranate.
• Magnesium. It is necessary to provide the body with magnesium. It, like potassium, is essential in the treatment of hypertension. Magnesium salts have a vasodilating effect, which contributes to the prevention of vasospasm. This macronutrient is found in soft bread and rye bread, as well as in oatmeal, wheat, millet, buckwheat, barley, beets, carrots, lettuce, parsley, black currant, walnuts and almonds.
• Iodine. Iodine also has a good effect on metabolism and metabolism in general in hypertension. Foods that contain iodine: fish, seaweed, squid. Salt restriction, providing the body with a sufficient amount of products containing magnesium and potassium salts, which are among the main characteristics of therapeutic and preventive nutrition for arterial hypertension.

In general, the ratio of diet and treatment should be agreed with the doctor observing the patient, because if any prescription is violated, there can be serious consequences for the body.

Folk remedies for hypertension

Treatment of hypertension with folk remedies is very, very effective. Its effect will be more long-lasting and positive, but only if the patient leads a healthy lifestyle, as well as to adhere to 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 using for quite some time. You can take breaks of five to ten days every two to three months. The composition of these fees and decoctions includes special herbs for lowering blood pressure. They also have sedative, sedative, diuretic and antispasmodic effects. Such collections contain many certain compounds that have a beneficial effect on our body. They are called biologically active compounds. They include: macroelements and microelements, vitamins, phytoncides, 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 the juice from the onion, mixing it with honey, adding partitions of nuts to this mixture. All this is poured over vodka and infused for ten days. After that, this infusion can be taken three times a day, one tablespoon.
2. One lemon, two glasses of beet juice, one and a half glasses of cranberry juice, a glass of vodka, 250 grams of flower honey. Mix all this and take 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 spasms of blood vessels, spreading them. This action leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to prick the limbs of bees twice a week.

Traditional medicine gives recommendations on 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.

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