Treatment of hypertension

Hypertension is a multifactorial pathology, its origin cannot be explained by a single specific cause. And this makes it difficult to choose therapeutic measures to influence it. Treatment of hypertension comes down to maintaining optimal blood pressure levels, alleviating the patient's condition, and preventing possible complications. The disease can be fought by various 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

heart pain with 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 elevated when the values on the tonometer scale regularly, for a certain time, exceed the norm, reaching 140/90 and more. Other signs appear with further progression of the pathological condition. Common symptoms of hypertension include:

  • headache;
  • frequent dizziness and weakness;
  • nausea, which may turn into vomiting;
  • signs of increased excitement (nervousness, aggression, irritability);
  • bad sleep;
  • arrhythmia, heart pain;
  • oblivion.

Arterial hypertension occurs 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 cause prolonged stress on the vascular system. The main provocative factor of hypertension is considered to be excessive excitation of the central nervous system caused by strong emotional experiences.

Other factors also play a significant role:

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

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

a physician examining a patient with hypertension

In most cases, essential arterial hypertension is diagnosed. It occurs as an independent pathology under the influence of a number of different factors. When treating primary hypertension, maintenance drug therapy is prescribed for life, which is combined with optimization of the general lifestyle and rhythm of life.

Symptomatic arterial hypertension occurs as a manifestation (symptom) of another disease. Arterial hypertension of the secondary type manifests itself sharper and clearer, flowing harder and faster. To deal with such pathology, you must directly influence the cause of its appearance. Often, hypertension in this case can only be treated with surgery.

Hypertension and its treatment go through different stages in its development. There are three stages based on the degree of damage to the target organs: 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 indicates the level of increase in blood pressure in hypertension. There are also three degrees: on the first, the pressure rises slightly and irregularly, and the third is characterized by high, persistent, poorly corrected tonometer readings. The second degree and the second degree can be characterized as transient.

Modern methods of 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 of traditional treatment for hypertension. All of them are prescribed only by a doctor, they are taken throughout life, according to the prescribed regimen and dosage. Unauthorized cancellation or replacement of medications is not permitted. When hypertension develops, treatment should not be interrupted, even if the blood pressure level has returned to normal and the person is feeling well.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Characteristics of drugs:

  • They have few side effects.
  • They are able to protect the kidneys and heart from possible complications, they can keep the pressure normal for a long time.
  • These drugs are often used as monotherapy, but can be used in combination with other drugs.
  • 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 from this group in case hypertension responds well to medication control.

Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

ARBs are relatively new drugs. It has been used in the treatment of hypertension not so long ago. Recognizable features:

  • Modern drugs give even fewer side effects.
  • Effectively protects internal organs.
  • They have good antihypertensive properties.
  • Angiotensin 2 cannot narrow blood vessels under the influence of these drugs, because the receptors inside the blood vessels that transmit the signal for the contraction of the vascular 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 mellitus, arrhythmia, obstructive processes in the bronchi).

calcium antagonists

Recognizable features and characteristics:

  • They do not allow calcium ions to penetrate into the blood vessel cell, which reduces the stiffness of the vascular walls.
  • Drugs dilate blood vessels, improve coronary circulation in hypertension.
  • They allow you to effectively control the level of upper and lower pressure.
  • There are some side effects.
  • The tablets have contraindications (narrowed aorta, metabolic disorders).

Diuretics

hypertension tablets

Otherwise called diuretics. Main features:

  • 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 single drugs and in combination with other drugs.

And now briefly about some alternative treatments for the condition such as arterial hypertension.

Physiotherapy

Such therapy very well complements the main treatment of hypertension. Its use allows you to reduce the dose of medication taken, and in some cases allows you to 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, which treatment can be recommended:

  1. Use of a galvanic necklace based on a solution of magnesium sulfate and novocaine.
  2. Use of general darsonvalization.
  3. Electrosleep.
  4. Massage procedures. The blow is in the head and collar area.
  5. Bromine electrophoresis treatment.

What treatment for the disease can still be tried?

Iodine treatment

iodine for the treatment of hypertension

Iodine is necessary to ensure normal oxidative processes that stimulate brain activity. Without this, the normal functioning of the thyroid gland is impossible. The mineral can neutralize unstable microbes, which leads to improved mood and reduced irritability. It increases the elasticity of blood vessel walls and has a beneficial effect on blood plasma. It gives energy, helps burn fat deposits, keeps teeth healthy, nails and hair strong and shiny.

Treatment of hypertension with iodine is the so-called "Indian method". How to overcome hypertension with its help? Courses of such treatment should be carried out twice: in early autumn and early spring. The whole course lasts 20 days. After the first 10 days of treatment, there is a break for another 10 days, and then it continues for the next decade. The essence of the treatment comes down to drawing circles with iodine and cotton wool on certain parts 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 medication.

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, increasing the risk of developing diabetes. These factors negatively affect the condition of blood vessels. By reducing the amount of carbohydrates in your diet with the help of a special diet, you can achieve a reduction in blood pressure. Good results can be achieved by combining diet with magnesium intake, as well as moderate exercise.

In addition to these methods, arterial 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 treating hypertension with medications.

  1. Clinical recommendations for the treatment of arterial hypertension in this case are as follows: drug exposure should be started with monotherapy. One drug is prescribed first. The dose at the same time is offered the minimum possible in a given situation. If the effect is insufficient, the dose is gradually increased. If there are still no results or the drug has side effects, it is replaced by another. As the most extreme option, monotherapy is being replaced by combination therapy.
  2. The principles of treatment of arterial hypertension are completely different here. Proponents of a different approach are convinced that it is advisable to start treatment with several drugs immediately. It is believed that two or more drugs from different groups, which combine well 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.
drugs for hypertension

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 (drink one a day), and that is an important advantage.

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

Recommended combinations of drugs for the treatment of arterial hypertension:

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

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

First phase (140/90 - 160/100)

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

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

Second phase (160/100 - 180/110)

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

Drug therapy is combined with preventive measures, lifestyle optimization and elimination of provoking factors.

Third phase (180/110 and more)

measuring blood pressure for hypertension

Principles of treatment of hypertension at this stage:

  • You cannot abruptly reduce the pressure.
  • It is recommended to reduce the tonometer indicators by a maximum of 15% of the initial figures.
  • When treating a severe stage of the disease, the patient must be prescribed a combination therapy of 2-3 drugs.
  • If symptomatic hypertension is detected, then medication is prescribed. affects the cause of the main disease. If necessary, surgical treatment is prescribed.

It is necessary to try to minimize the risk factors, to adhere to all the recommendations for the treatment of hypertension suggested by the doctor. At this stage, it is important to monitor the condition of the organs called the targets of hypertension: heart, kidneys, brain, eyes, blood vessels.

Kidney disease often causes high blood pressure. Treatment of nephrogenic (secondary) arterial hypertension with drugs should provide:

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

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

How to treat properly and effectively

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

There are many effective and safe methods for lowering blood pressure offered by traditional medicine. How to treat arterial hypertension without medication?

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

red currant for hypertension

Grenade. Fruit in hypertension is very useful in itself. But you can treat yourself with pomegranate peel. They are cooked instead of tea and drunk in unlimited quantities.

Currants. 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 berries, crushed with sugar. It will eliminate the unpleasant symptoms associated with high blood pressure.

Useful vegetables. Arterial hypertension can be treated by consuming various types of vegetables. Beets are useful in any form. Its juice copes well with atherosclerosis, lowers blood pressure. Baked potatoes "in uniform" contain a lot of potassium, which is good for the heart and blood vessels. It fights against pressure and strengthens blood vessels onions, as well as garlic, it is necessary 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 cook after boiling for 15 minutes on low heat. Then pour a pinch of herbs: dill, dill, primrose. Mix everything well and cook for another 15 minutes.

After cooking, cool and strain. Then, get rid of high blood pressure by taking one and a half tablespoons up to 4 times a day. The drug should be drunk before meals, half an hour. The whole course will last about ten days. After a break of 21 days, go through the course of treatment again.

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

Drink mineral water. In mineral water (200 g) add honey (1 tablespoon), lemon (juice of half a fruit), stir everything. To fight hypertension, it is necessary to take the medicine before meals in the morning, one glass during the week.

Is it possible to get rid of hypertension permanently?

headache with hypertension

If secondary hypertension is diagnosed, then fighting it can be quite effective. How to treat arterial hypertension 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 end high blood pressure once and for all.

In the case of essential (primary) hypertension, complete cure can be expected only at a very early stage of disease development. To do this, you must acquire the habit of measuring blood pressure regularly, this applies to absolutely everyone, even healthy people. Anyone can dedicate a few minutes to this simple procedure. Timely observed fluctuations in indicators can stop the progression of hypertension.

How to get rid of hypertension forever? To combat the onset of the disease, you need to rethink 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;
  • protects the nervous system;
  • almost completely give up salt;
  • force yourself to walk more often, move more, exercise regularly, or at least do exercise;
  • don't sit at the computer for long;
  • try to lose weight if the weight has exceeded the allowable limits;
  • forget about cigarettes, coffee, alcohol;
  • eliminate harmful foods from your diet, especially those that increase cholesterol and affect weight.
heart and arterial hypertension

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 the hypertensive disease passes the first phase, it is necessary to adjust to lifelong treatment and not cultivate vain illusions. How to beat hypertension in the chronic form - no one knows. Now all a person can do in this situation is learn to keep the disease under control.

When fighting hypertension, we must keep in mind that self-medication without taking prescribed medications can only do harm. You must take the tablets constantly, even when your health seems to be in perfect order. Treating hypertension with additional methods can prevent possible complications, reduce the side effects of medications and reduce their dose. But discontinuation of drug therapy can be considered only in the early stages of the disease, only after permission from a doctor.