Which organs increase blood pressure? Constantly high blood pressure: why does this happen and how to solve this problem? Treatment of hypertension with folk remedies


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The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

What is blood pressure? Why can it be "top"
and "bottom"?

Arterial pressure- This pressure blood, which is constantly maintained in circulatory system person. Why does blood constantly press on the walls of blood vessels? She is pushed by the heart - a tireless pump that beats 70 - 90 times per minute.

When you take your blood pressure, you always get two numbers. One of them is larger - it is said to indicate “upper” blood pressure. The second is “bottom”. Among doctors they are called systolic and diastolic.

Systolic pressure is higher because it is created at the moment of the next contraction of the heart, accompanied by the ejection of blood. Diastolic pressure occurs when the heart muscle relaxes, meaning it drops slightly.

Why does a person's blood pressure increase?

There are two types of arterial hypertension (hypotension, high blood pressure):
1. Essential hypertension - arises as if by itself, due to various reasons: hereditary predisposition, unhealthy diet, lifestyle, bad habits etc.;
2. Symptomatic hypertension - is symptom many diseases, for example, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, nervous system etc.

For both essential and symptomatic arterial hypertension medications are prescribed that cause a decrease in blood pressure. However, other treatments are very different. Therefore, the attending physician must accurately establish the diagnosis and understand the causes. high blood pressure.

What can cause high blood pressure?

Blood pressure levels can be influenced by a huge number of factors:
  • Emotional condition. When a person is subject to frequent stress, experiences fears, anxiety, he may be bothered by high blood pressure and increased heart rate.
  • Bad habits. Over time, smoking disrupts the normal process of relaxation of the walls of blood vessels. Systematic alcohol consumption contributes to disruption of the nervous regulation of blood vessels, the growth of atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots.
  • Change of weather. In this case, there is always a change in atmospheric pressure, and this affects the blood pressure of sensitive people.
  • Drinking strong tea, coffee.
  • Poor nutrition and excess body weight.
  • Condition of internal organs. As we have already discussed above, diseases of the kidneys, liver, nervous system, etc. can lead to so-called symptomatic arterial hypertension.
  • Consuming large quantities table salt and liquids.
  • Age. Each age group has specific causes of high blood pressure.

What blood pressure is considered normal?

The “gold standard” of blood pressure is well known to everyone: 120 and 80 mm. rt. Art. They say about such people that the pressure is “like that of an astronaut.”

In some people, blood pressure may be lower than this figure - 100 - 110 mm. rt. Art. If it rises to 120/80 they may feel unwell.

In other people, blood pressure can reach 140 and 90 mm. rt. Art. In principle, an increase in blood pressure to these figures in any person can be considered as normal.

The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the responsible attitude of the patient. It is not enough to appoint good pills, it is also necessary constantly, in set time accept them. Interruptions in treatment are unacceptable.

Today there are new generations of antihypertensive drugs. They are very effective, but have a high cost, often unacceptable for elderly patients. Often, because of this, patients do not follow the doctor’s recommendations, but begin to choose something cheaper on their own. You should absolutely not do this! It is better to consult a doctor and ask them to find something cheaper for you. But under no circumstances should you experiment at random!

Common myths about hypertension

An ancient wisdom says: “forewarned is forearmed.” It is not enough to simply prescribe good treatment to completely rid the patient of arterial hypertension. Treatment is almost always lifelong and requires the active participation of the patient. Therefore, it may be helpful for you to learn about some common misconceptions about hypertension.

With arterial hypertension, it is generally better to sit or lie down all the time. After all, due to stress, the pressure may rise again!
In fact, excessive physical activity is contraindicated for all hypertensive patients. Excessive!!! But look what happens if you constantly lie on the couch and don’t do gymnastics at all:

  • metabolic disorders become more pronounced, body weight increases, cholesterol plaques inside the vessels;
  • blood stagnation is noted, the heart begins to contract weaker;
  • overall falls vitality, in the end any pathological changes develop much faster in the body.
Even for patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, while still in the department intensive care appoint special exercises. They should also be performed by people whose high blood pressure is not accompanied by any complications. Of course, it is advisable to do this under the supervision of a doctor.

There is a "magic pill". Once you start taking it, your blood pressure will no longer rise!
We have already said above that selecting medications for high blood pressure is a long and difficult process. It is often necessary to change medications and their dosages and regimen.

In addition, pills alone are not enough to completely get rid of the problem. You must definitely lead a healthy lifestyle: eat right, do gymnastics, give up bad habits, get plenty of rest, spend more time outdoors, etc.

Some people feel fine when their blood pressure rises to 180–200 mmHg. rt. Art. If everything is normal, then there is no need to treat!
The well-being of a person suffering from arterial hypertension is not an indicator in this case. The person may not experience any symptoms. However, in his body at this time there are irreversible changes. Over time, the pressure will increase more and more, pathological changes will occur in internal organs, and a person may eventually become disabled.

In addition, high blood pressure is always a risk of developing heart attacks and strokes. This condition should not be ignored.

Modern medicine has advanced a lot. No matter what lifestyle I lead, I can still cope with high blood pressure!
Really, modern medicine behind last years began to use many new drugs to treat a wide range of diseases, including hypertension:

  • Today, statin drugs are widely used, which help dissolve atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels;
  • stenting operations are performed - minimally invasive interventions, with the help of which the lumen of the vessel is artificially expanded;
  • There are great prospects for the use of lasers, ultrasound, and gamma therapy in treatment.
But not one, not even the most best method treatment of arterial hypertension cannot be compared in its effectiveness with competent prevention. If the pressure already “jumps” to high numbers, it means there are already metabolic disorders. And they affect not only blood vessels. It is possible to improve the patient’s condition using many methods, but to radically correct the situation is extremely difficult.

Hypertonic disease and in general, high blood pressure is the lot of those over 40.
Unfortunately, nowadays diseases of the cardiovascular system have become much younger. High blood pressure can be detected in young people, and even children. Reasons for this:

  • poor diet and lifestyle, low physical activity;
  • increase in the prevalence of bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse;
  • frequent stress, lack of sleep, intense, exhausting work.
You need to start taking care of the health of your heart and blood vessels from a young age. All diseases of older age are the result of the lifestyle a person led.

High blood pressure after 40–50 years is normal. Everyone has it.
Completely wrong point of view. U absolutely healthy person The risk of hypertension increases only after 55 years. Before this, at in the right way life and timely treatment, it is quite possible to maintain normal blood pressure levels.

Remember when it comes to diseases such as atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension, best treatment- This is competent prevention under the guidance of a doctor. And if the disease already exists, then you need to carefully follow the doctor’s prescriptions and take the necessary tests on time.

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

In the bustle of our lives, you no longer surprise anyone with headaches, and the clause “probably pressure” is becoming familiar. Let’s find out in more detail why a person’s blood pressure increases and how to deal with it.

Blood pressure - what is it?

As is known, in the human body nutrients and oxygen is delivered to the organs by blood, which flows through vessels of various diameters, while exerting a certain pressure on their walls. By supporting and forcing the blood to move further, the heart contracts and relaxes. Normally, this process is repeated 60 to 80 times per minute. At the moment when the heart contracts (systole), the maximum pressure is recorded. It is called systolic. At the moment of relaxation of the heart muscle (diastole), the lower, or diastolic, pressure is recorded. Strictly speaking, diastolic pressure shows the level of tone of the vascular wall.

A tonometer measuring device records both values. When recording, the systolic pressure is indicated first, then the diastolic pressure, which are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normally, the systolic pressure should not exceed 140 mmHg. Art. The optimal diastolic pressure is below 90. If the pressure constantly increases, then this is a manifestation of a serious disease called hypertension.

Symptoms

According to statistics, in our country, more than 40% of the population regularly experiences a rise in blood pressure, and what is much worse, almost half of the patients are not aware of it. What causes a person's blood pressure to rise? This issue has now been studied in sufficient detail, but the danger of hypertension lies in the fact that very often it is asymptomatic, and it can only be detected by chance. As a rule, an increase in pressure is accompanied by a headache, weakness, and “spots” flashing before the eyes. Often these symptoms are accompanied by sweating and throbbing in the head. If the pressure rises to high levels, nausea and even vomiting and nosebleeds are possible. Experienced hypertensive patients notice swelling of the eyelids, slight swelling on the face and hands in the morning. Such symptoms should make you wary and more attentive to your condition. Every person over 40 years of age is advised to monitor their blood pressure.

The first bells

Increased blood pressure is quite normal physiological process. Thus, the brain reacts to insufficient blood supply and lack of oxygen. But the norm is only a temporary increase and the body’s ability to correct it on its own. This can occur against the background of stress, when under the influence of adrenaline release it occurs. If this is also a completely normal process.

It is necessary to take measures when the pressure is constantly elevated; this should be done even if the patient does not experience any discomfort. It doesn’t matter what causes a person’s blood pressure to rise. You should be wary if the following signs often interfere with your quality of life:

  • from the nervous system - headaches (localized in the back of the head, occurring more often in the morning), tinnitus, sleep disturbances, increased irritability and fatigue, anxiety;
  • autonomic disorders - rapid heartbeat, rhythm disturbances, pulsation in the head, sweating and hyperemia (redness) of the face;
  • the appearance of edema - even a slight retention of fluid in the body leads to increased pressure on the walls of blood vessels, so the appearance of swelling on the eyelids and face serves as a direct indication for pressure control.

What happens if hypertension is not treated?

The work of the heart directly depends on the level of pressure - the higher it is, the more effort must be made in order to maintain normal blood supply. In this case, the walls of the heart first thicken, which causes interruptions in its work, and then become thinner, resulting in the inability of the heart to perform its pumping function. This is accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue and other signs of heart failure.

It has already been proven that hypertension accelerates damage to the vessel wall by atherosclerotic plaques, which, in turn, leads to a narrowing of the lumen. In case of defeat coronary vessels, feeding the heart, angina pectoris or myocardial infarction may develop. The risk of developing cerebral strokes also increases sharply.

Why does a person's blood pressure rise?

The reasons for the primary one, as paradoxical as it may sound, are unknown in 90% of cases. Most often they are associated with hereditary factors and stress that accompany our lives. Why does a person's blood pressure rise? The reasons are most often related to the condition of the blood vessels. If the examination results reveal that you have increased vascular tone according to hypertensive type, then you only need to correctly select the drugs that will correct the condition. An example of such hypertension can be a reaction to surges in atmospheric pressure. So, if Atmosphere pressure increases, then in a person suffering from hypertension, the condition usually worsens.

Stress

Stressful situations that very often accompany our lives can also cause increased blood pressure. In a healthy person, this process is easily reversible after nervous tension subsides, the pressure returns to normal physiological levels.

However, over time, such surges can damage blood vessels, and the body will no longer cope with such overloads. In these cases, after a stressful situation in a person, you can observe not only how much the pressure has increased, but also how to lower it to normal level becomes a much more difficult task. Over time, pressure increases even in a calm state.

Nutrition

As numerous studies have shown, great value nutrition plays a role in the development of hypertension. Fatty foods are an important factor in this. This applies not only to meat, oils and other animal fats, but also to such seemingly safe products as cheese, chocolate, sausages, and cakes. In addition, it has been proven that blood pressure increases after eating large quantities.

One more important reason related to nutrition is the use of salt. Many doctors today recommend stopping its use altogether or at least reducing its amount. Salt affects the condition of the vascular walls, reducing their elasticity and increasing fragility, and this is the main answer to the question of why the increase in upper pressure in humans. The reasons lie precisely in excess salt consumption. All this makes it much more difficult humoral regulation and puts a strain on various body systems. In addition, salt makes it difficult to remove fluid from the body, which also leads to increased blood pressure.

Alcohol, especially in large doses, stimulating the heartbeat and increasing vascular tone, is also an important factor causing hypertension.

Obesity and physical inactivity

These two factors almost always accompany an increase in pressure. When a person long time conducts without movement, the blood flow through the vascular bed slows down, the resistance of peripheral vessels increases, and accordingly, the pressure increases. Despite the widespread belief that physical activity increases blood pressure, it is absolutely necessary for normal functioning.

Symptomatic hypertension

Hypertension can increase not only systolic pressure, but also diastolic, and this, as a rule, has more serious consequences. The main reasons why a person’s blood levels rise are kidney pathologies or metabolic disorders.

  1. Kidney diseases. Most often this happens when the kidneys cannot remove excess fluid and salts from the body in a timely manner. At the same time, there is an increase in the volume of blood circulating through the vascular bed, and accordingly, blood pressure increases. Depending on what causes the pressure to increase - from kidney diseases (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis) or due to a violation of their regulatory mechanisms (vegetative or humoral), treatment will be prescribed.
  2. Exchange disorders. As a rule, this occurs with a lack of potassium. In this case, the pressure rises sharply, in attacks. They are accompanied by severe pallor, sweating, rapid heartbeat and rhythm disturbances. Nausea, vomiting or bowel disturbances may occur.

Therapy

Treatment of hypertension is mandatory, regardless of what causes a person’s blood pressure to rise. The reasons for this can be very different, and even the fact that so far the deviations do not affect the quality of life in any way is not a reason to refuse therapy. Based on the example of thousands of patients, it has been proven that blood pressure needs to be adjusted. Even a rise above 140/95 mm Hg. Art. over a long period of time exerts a significant load on organs and systems. Of course, with such a small deviation from the norm, for correction it will be enough to give up bad habits, control your diet and take daily walks, but this cannot be postponed until later, when the disease fully makes itself felt!

Medicines for hypertension

In modern pharmacology there are many drugs that correct blood pressure levels. Doctors usually use complex therapy, which consists in the use of the following groups of drugs.

  • Diuretics (diuretics) - they help remove excess fluid and salts from the body.
  • Beta-blockers - drugs reduce the intensity of the heart, thereby reducing the body's energy costs.
  • ACE inhibitors - vasodilators. They increase the lumen of blood vessels by reducing the production of angiotensin (a substance that causes their spasm).
  • Alpha adrenergic blockers also relieve spasm from peripheral vessels by reducing the conductivity of nerve impulses that affect the tone of the vessel wall, thereby reducing pressure.
  • Calcium antagonists - prevent ions from entering the muscle cells of the heart or affect the heart rate.

Despite the widespread belief that only situations where pressure surges occur require drug correction, therapy must be carried out in any case. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, then taking medications becomes an integral part of your life. You need to drink them constantly, since even a temporary refusal of the drugs will lead to the return of hypertension, and all efforts will be nullified.

The happy exception may be those people who noticed the problem in time and managed to rebuild their lives, eliminating bad habits and optimizing physical activity. Precisely in order to prevent this in time insidious disease, you need to know what causes a person’s blood pressure to rise, and eliminate these factors from your life in time, because everyone knows that preventing a disease is much easier than treating it.

The number of hypertensive patients increases every year, so many are interested in why a person’s blood pressure increases. There are many reasons for this and they are all very different. Most people don’t even think of linking their high blood pressure to certain conditions or diseases.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the issues related to high blood pressure.

High blood pressure - what is it?

It is common knowledge that the cardiovascular system consists of vessels, filled with blood, and the heart muscle, which ensures its movement.

During blood circulation, pressure is exerted on the vessels, which is called arterial pressure. It consists of two indicators upper (systolic) and lower (diastolic). First value occurs when the heart is under tension, and the second– when relaxation sets in.

The disease caused by an increase in maximum blood pressure in a person is called systolic hypertension. In the case of an increased minimum indicator, diastolic hypertension develops.

WHO specialists managed to establish the limits of the average blood pressure in humans. Blood pressure should not be below normal 100-110 per 70 and above 120-140 per 90.

However, every rule has its exceptions. Individual blood pressure and for each, its indicator differs by several units.

Symptoms and signs of high blood pressure

Increased blood pressure in humans may leak no symptoms. Some people learn about hypertension by chance, not realizing that anxiety, dizziness, sleep problems, and mild nausea signal an increase in blood pressure.

This symptomatology is accompanied by heart pain, feeling of heaviness in chest and increased heart rate. If a person’s blood pressure has risen sharply, the face turns red, problems arise with coordination of movement, the secretion of sweat glands increases, the vision becomes dark, and the patient is bothered by hot flashes.

The blood vessels in the brain become so constricted that headaches occur. practically does not pass. High blood pressure in humans in later stages leads to shortness of breath, swelling, numbness of the limbs. Not uncommon when high rate AD there is vomiting and bleeding from the nose.

If you observe such symptoms, it is recommended to seek help from specialists.

People over 40 strongly recommend doing controlling your blood pressure, to prevent sudden hypertensive crisis and more dangerous conditions such as stroke or heart attack.

What causes a person's blood pressure to rise?

Pressure high reasons and treatment directly related. If a person’s blood pressure increases due to problems with the spine, then the primary problem needs to be fixed, while simultaneously fighting high blood pressure. Without eliminating factors, due to which blood pressure rises, therapy will be ineffective.

Video on the topic:

Poor nutrition

What causes a person to constantly have high blood pressure? In fact, even nutrition is hypertensive must be correct. Blood pressure may rise sharply due to the consumption of many foods.

Among them are:

  1. Any pickles.
  2. Marinated fish.
  3. Salted lard.
  4. Smoked meats.
  5. Selected varieties of cheeses.
  6. Conservation.
  7. Semi-finished meat products.
  8. Fast food.
  9. Chips, crackers, etc.
  10. Flavored soda.
  11. Coffee and strong tea.
  12. Energetic drinks.
  13. Beer and stronger spirits.

Whenever a person’s blood pressure has risen, you can drink green tea with a slice of lemon, a fruit drink based on seasonal berries, or a couple of grams of natural dry wine.

Kidney diseases

What can frequent consequences lead to? stressful situations in life? All this adds up to increased blood pressure. If a person is absolutely healthy, after nervous tension blood pressure quickly normalizes on its own and won't bother you anymore. Sometimes it's like this Negative influence does not pass without a trace.

How more people experiences emotional turmoil, the more the blood vessels are damaged. Over time, the indicator only grows, and it becomes much more difficult to reduce it.

As a result, if you don't control your emotions, you will achieve constant high blood pressure, which will appear regardless of any factors.

Useful video:

Violation of vascular tone

A person’s blood pressure can also rise due to weakened vascular tone. In this case, hypertension classified as primary, that is, independent.

This can be determined only after a comprehensive study by analyzing urine, blood, electrocardiogram, x-ray of the respiratory system and ultrasound of all internal organs.

If a person’s constant increase in blood pressure occurs due to problems with blood vessels, doctors prescribe special medications that have a strong hypotensive effect.

In addition, it will help regulate high blood pressure special diet and physical activity. Thereby vascular walls will strengthen and blood pressure will rise less and less.

Physical inactivity and obesity

The complexity of hypertension depends on how the spinal problem changes, because the larger it is, the more severe the symptoms.

Diagnosing whether one is related to the other is easy. To do this, an X-ray of the spinal vertebrae or a more modern and accurate MRI examination is done. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the back is treated first.

It's interesting that a healthy person can face the same problems. High blood pressure can be caused by sedentary work at a computer or papers, when the neck and eye muscles are most tense. Blood pressure increases in the evening, but returns to normal during the night's rest.

There are factors that contribute to increased blood pressure in humans, which differentiate by gender. Something is negatively affecting female body, something on the men's side. What exactly?

Among women

Almost all representatives of the fair sex who have crossed the 40-year mark are at risk.

Experts are inclined to believe that it increases blood pressure in women hormonal imbalance . Many people experience menopause at this age.

Lack of hormones negatively affects blood pressure. For this reason, women should periodically measure their blood pressure using a tonometer.

In men

With high blood pressure, the same thing happens to men as in the case of women. However, the cause of hypertension is not the same.

Hypertension in men is caused by:

  1. Smoking.
  2. Frequent drinking.
  3. Eating in large quantities fried or salty dishes.
  4. Lack of physical activity.

Sharp increase in blood pressure

High blood pressure may appear suddenly in a person. A sharp rise in blood pressure occurs due to:

  • Smoking cigarette products.
  • Drinking drinks with high content caffeine
  • Treatment with certain medications.
  • Excessive physical activity.
  • High temperature and humidity of a bath or sauna.

Treatment

What treatment to prescribe for hypertension can only be determined by a doctor after complex diagnostics . Often, antihypertensive drugs alone are not enough. Therapy also depends on What diseases cause high blood pressure in humans?

Even if the patient feels great with blood pressure readings of 140 over 90, he needs to take something to reduce them. Don't forget that sooner or later a fatal leap will occur, the consequences of which are better not known.

How longer person ignores high blood pressure, the more irreversible changes occur throughout the body.

A large number of hypertensive patients were saved in the early stages of the disease folk remedies, diet. You can take frequent walks.

When there is a chance to slow down the progression of the disease and prolong your life, this needs to be done without delay. This is relevant at this time, and not later, when you won’t be able to take a step without medication.

Drugs

We already know the name of the disease that is characterized by high blood pressure. But how exactly should it be treated?

There are main groups of drugs, who are capable reduce a person's high blood pressure.

No.Medication groupWhat effect do they have?Scroll
1 DiureticsRemove excess water and salts from the body.Indapamide
Hypothiazide
Noliprel
Cyclomethiazide
Chlortalidol
2 Beta blockersNormalize cardiac contractile activity.Carvedilol
Metoprolol
Oxpenolol
Atenolol
Bisoprolol
Betaxolol, etc.
3 Calcium antagonistsPositively affects heart rate. Prevents calcium ions from entering the heart muscle.Diltiazem
Verapamil
Amlodipine
Cordipin
4 AP enzyme inhibitorsThey expand the vascular lumen, reducing the secretion of angiotensin.Lotezin
Captopril
Kapoten
Zokardis
Enap
Enalapril, etc.
5 α-blockersEliminate vascular spasms.Produced on the basis of:
Prazonina
Doxazonin
Terazonin
Phentolamine
Sporigna alkaloids
Dopegita
Yohimbine
Clonidine

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a very common disease. The value of blood pressure reflects the force with which blood presses on the walls of the arteries. After reading our article, you will learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments for hypertension

High blood pressure indicates that the heart has to work harder to pump blood. High blood pressure can also damage artery walls. Over time, hypertension increases the risk of developing heart, kidney, and brain diseases.

Hypertension may not cause any symptoms, even if you have had it for several years. That's why it is sometimes called the "silent killer."

It is believed that every fifth person with high blood pressure does not know that this is a major risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction.

With high blood pressure, not only the blood vessels and heart are damaged, but also the heart and circulatory systems, lungs, brain, retina, and kidneys. Without treatment, the risk of these complications increases.

The main symptoms of high blood pressure are:

  • headache;
  • dizziness;
  • rapid heartbeat (tachycardia);
  • sweating;
  • facial redness;
  • sensation of pulsation in the vessels of the head
  • chills;
  • anxiety;
  • memory impairment;
  • irritability;
  • decreased performance;
  • flickering of flies before the eyes;

swelling of the hands and numbness of the fingers

The cause of most cases of hypertension is unknown. Sometimes high blood pressure is caused by kidney or adrenal disease.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers, for example – 110/70 mmHg. Art. The first numbers, the higher value (systolic) is the pressure that develops when the heart contracts.

The lower value (diastolic) - displays the pressure between contractions, during the period when the heart is filled with blood. Values normal blood pressure– lower than 140/80 mmHg. Art.

According to the WHO classification, prehypertension means your blood pressure reaches upper limit norms, and ranges from 130/85 to 139/89 mm. rt. Art.

About one quarter of people have prehypertension, and they have twice the risk of developing heart disease compared to people with lower blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes can help many people with prehypertension lower their blood pressure.

You are considered to have hypertension if your blood pressure readings are 140/90 mmHg. Art. or higher, according to one of two digits. At this level of blood pressure, you may not experience any symptoms.

When blood pressure reaches 180/110 mm Hg. Art. or higher, a serious condition known as hypertensive crisis may occur, which often leads to stroke.

If you measure your blood pressure and it is high, rest for a few minutes and measure again. If the values ​​remain high, call ambulance. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis include anxiety, nosebleeds, severe headache and shortness of breath.

High blood pressure is more common in older people.

At age 45, hypertension is more common in men than in women. By age 65, this ratio changes, and women are more likely to suffer from hypertension.

People who have close relatives with hypertension also have an increased risk of developing it. People with diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of developing arterial hypertension. Approximately 60% of all patients with diabetes have high blood pressure.

African Americans have a higher risk of developing hypertension compared to people of other races. Some studies suggest that African Americans may be more sensitive to table salt than other races.

For those who are genetically sensitive to salt, even a small amount (half a teaspoon) can increase blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Art. Nutrition factors and overweight may also increase blood pressure.

Sodium – chemical element contained in salt. It increases blood pressure, promoting fluid retention in the body. This increases the load on the heart. The American Heart Association recommends daily norm sodium intake at 1500 mg.

According to the labels food products you will be able to calculate the amount of sodium you consume. Cooked meats and soups are particularly rich in sodium.

Stress leads to occasional increases in blood pressure. With frequent stress, hypertension can be permanent. Under the influence of stress factors, the heart rate increases and blood vessels spasm.

In addition to stress, bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse) and an unbalanced diet lead to increased blood pressure and heart disease.

Being overweight increases your risk of developing hypertension and puts more strain on your heart. Diets designed to lower blood pressure focus on reducing the number of calories you consume.

Most of these diets involve limiting fatty foods and sugars and increasing protein, fiber, fruits and vegetables. Losing just 5 kg in weight can change your blood pressure readings.

Alcohol abuse is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure. Many cardiologists advise keeping alcohol intake to a minimum, or even giving it up altogether.

One standard drink is equal to approximately 350 ml of beer, 120 ml of wine or 30 ml of pure ethyl alcohol.

Caffeine can cause overstimulation, but there is no evidence that it causes hypertension. However, caffeinated drinks can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, especially in those people who are not used to it.

Gestational hypertension is an increase in blood pressure that develops during pregnancy. At improper treatment it can develop into preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by increased blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can be dangerous for both mother and fetus. After the baby is born, blood pressure that is high during pregnancy usually returns to normal levels.

Some medications, when taken systematically, can increase blood pressure. These include corticosteroids, contraceptives, vasoconstrictor drops in the nose, some psychotropic drugs.

Talk to your doctor about medicines ah that you are taking and ask if they may affect your blood pressure.

Sometimes blood pressure rises during a visit to the doctor. This may be due to anxiety or nervousness.

For more accurate readings, measure your blood pressure at home. different times and show these numbers to your doctor. To determine if your blood pressure is being measured accurately, bring your home apparatus doctor to check it and evaluate the technique of its use.

Although hypertension is more common in older adults, it can also develop in children. Normal values A child's blood pressure depends on his age, gender and height.

Your doctor can tell if your baby's blood pressure is abnormal. Children are at increased risk of developing hypertension if they are obese, African American, or have a family history of the disease.

Dietary changes can help control blood pressure. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is designed to help lower blood pressure.

The DASH diet recommends eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, nuts and fish. Red meat, saturated fat and sweets should be avoided. Eating this way can also help reduce your sodium intake.

Exercise is another lifestyle factor that can lower blood pressure. It is recommended that adults spend approximately 150 minutes per week doing moderate exercise. physical exercise. These may include walking, cycling, gardening or other exercise fresh air. Strength exercises not recommended for hypertension.

If diet and exercise fail to lower your blood pressure, you can start taking diuretics (water pills). An increase in the volume of urine excreted leads to a decrease in the volume of blood circulating through the vessels.

Some diuretics reduce potassium levels, which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias. Less commonly, erectile dysfunction may occur.

Beta blockers are another group of drugs used to treat hypertension. They reduce the heart rate, and thus reduce the load on the heart. They can also be used to treat tachyarrhythmias - rhythm disorders with a high heart rate.

Side effects of beta blockers include dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, cold extremities, erectile dysfunction, disturbances in impulse conduction through the myocardium.

Treatment: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Under the influence of this enzyme, the hormone angiotensin I is activated into angiotensin II, which constricts the arteries, thereby increasing blood pressure. These medications block the enzyme, and angiotensin II is not formed, and the arteries do not spasm.

Angiotensin receptor blockers do not reduce angiotensin II levels, but rather prevent its action on the arteries. This means that the arteries are more dilated and blood pressure is reduced. Angiotensin receptor blockers need to be taken for several weeks to work.

Side effects may include dizziness, muscle cramps, insomnia and elevated levels potassium As with ACE inhibitors, women taking angiotensin receptor blockers should not become pregnant.

Blockers calcium channels– these are drugs that interfere with the movement of calcium inward muscle cells heart and blood vessels. This reduces the force of the heart's contractions and relaxes the arteries, allowing them to remain more open, lowering blood pressure.

Side effects of calcium channel blockers may include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, swelling, and bowel movements.

Due to the mutual enhancement of the effect, calcium channel blockers should not be combined with alcohol and grapefruit juice.

There are many types of medications that can lower blood pressure. These are alpha blockers, vasodilators and central alpha agonists. Your doctor may prescribe these medications if other treatments have not been effective or if you have concomitant disease along with hypertension.

AFTER TAKING these medications, you may experience tachycardia, palpitations, diarrhea, or headache.

Meditation and other relaxation techniques have been shown to help lower blood pressure. Yoga, tai chi and breathing exercises may also help reduce blood pressure values. It is best if these methods are combined with diet and physical activity.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any herbal preparations, because some of these drugs may actually increase blood pressure or interact with hypertension medications.

Hypertension is for life. Therefore, regular medication use and careful blood pressure monitoring are necessary. This will reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and renal failure, and will improve the quality of your life.

- what they are, how they differ

Dear visitors of the Farmamir website. This article does not constitute medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for consultation with a physician.

The pressure with which blood presses on the walls of human blood vessels is called arterial. The blood is forced to do this by the heart, which constantly pushes it into the vessels with contracting movements from 70 to 90 times per minute. If blood pressure measured at rest is in the range of 110/70 - 139/89 millimeters of mercury, it can be considered normal. If the reading is higher than this norm, the blood pressure is considered elevated, and the disease itself is called hypertension. What increases blood pressure? There are many reasons, but if it has increased as a result of emotional and physical activity, then this can be considered the norm.

Symptoms of hypertension

This disease manifests itself slowly. The first signs of high blood pressure resemble a cold: irritability occurs, you want to sleep during the day, and at night, on the contrary, you have poor sleep. The patient cannot concentrate and turns red eyeballs. The person may feel weak, dizzy, often with nausea.

Following these troubles may come fast fatiguability, headaches that recur with some frequency, tinnitus occurs, the skin of the face may turn red, “hot flashes” or a feeling of heat may occur. There may be pulsation in the temples, and spots may appear before the eyes. It may occur in the heart pressing pain, it begins to beat faster.

Sometimes, especially in at a young age, the increase in pressure can be imperceptible to a person and can only be detected when medical examinations. That is why such examinations must be carried out regularly, especially for people over the age of 30.

Measurement Rules

There is no need to draw your own conclusions about the disease and rush to stuff yourself with medications. First you need to make sure that the pressure is measured correctly.

Pressure is measured in a position comfortable for the person, with the hand at heart level. The cuff is attached 2 cm above the elbow. The air ducts are positioned so as not to compress inner part shoulder The cuff itself must match the size of the arm and cover about 80% of the shoulder. The cuff is inflated until the pulse disappears and 20 mmHg. Art. higher.

The pressure decreases slowly. The first audible beat indicates the largest ejection of blood from the heart into the vessels, and the pressure level is called “upper” or systolic. During the period when the ventricles of the heart begin to rest, the beats cease to be heard. The pressure indicator is called “lower” or diastolic.

Even having correctly measured the pressure, it is impossible to immediately name the real reasons for its increase; this requires additional examination.

In order for your blood pressure reading to be reliable, before measuring it you must prohibit yourself from:

  • Drink strong tea or coffee an hour before the procedure;
  • Load yourself with physical exercise or emotional experiences half an hour before the measurement;
  • Smoke an hour before the procedure;
  • Use eye or ear drops.

Blood pressure must be measured at least twice and the interval should not exceed a minute between measurements. If there is a discrepancy in the indicators, a third measurement follows. The average value is used for further analysis.

A blood pressure of 120/80 can be considered normal. If blood pressure remains at 130/80-139\89 throughout the day, it is considered “normally high.” Of all people with hypertension, up to 80% of them do. But in this case, the disease can be cured without using chemicals. To avoid high blood pressure, you must adhere to the following rules:

  • Complete smoking cessation;
  • Reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum;
  • Adjustment to normal body weight of a person, since losing weight by just 5 kg can lead to a change in blood pressure levels;
  • Compulsory physical education, but not excessive, but with light feeling fatigue;
  • Increase in diet plant food, lean meats, whole grains, nuts, fish;
  • Food should be taken in small portions and preferably separate proteins from carbohydrates;
  • Maintaining an optimal drinking regime;
  • Exclusion from food of canned food, marinades, sausages, spicy foods;
  • Exclusion of acidic drinks: carbonated drinks, compote, tea. It is better to drink only clean water;
  • At any age, it is necessary to monitor the emotional and psychological state, since experiences and stress can provoke a state of high blood pressure.

If blood pressure remains at 140 mm Hg, it is considered elevated.

Why does blood pressure rise?

Hypertension may also be an echo of other serious illnesses: heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, diseases thyroid gland. The disease in this case is called symptomatic hypertension. However, these causes account for only 5% of all causes of hypertension.

There are other reasons for high blood pressure: heredity, mental stress, bad habits, tumors of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland, lead or mercury poisoning (work in hazardous industries), taking contraceptives, diet pills, and some antipyretic drugs. More reasons:

  • Blood thickening, which occurs when the body is dehydrated;
  • Increased amount of cholesterol in the blood. In this case, the blood becomes fatty, the heart has to contract harder and compress the blood vessels.
  • Protein in the blood. At the same time, the blood becomes viscous and thick, and it is more difficult to pump such blood.
  • Increased adrenaline levels. With constant, nervous tension, a person’s blood vessels narrow, and it is harder to push blood through narrow vessels.
  • Hormonal imbalances in the body. If there is not enough hormone adolsterone, the potassium content in the blood increases and muscle weakness may occur.
  • Injuries. In case of spinal injuries, as well as concussions, there may be a risk of increased pressure in the blood vessels.
  • Meteosensitivity. Sensitive people may develop hypertension during magnetic storms and sudden changes in weather.

High blood pressure can occur during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. This period is characterized by acceleration metabolic processes in a woman’s body, the appearance of new hormones in the blood, an increase in body weight, a shift in the position of the heart, which causes blood pressure to rise. After the birth of a child, the pressure most often decreases and returns to normal levels.

Drug treatment

After a proper examination, you need to choose the right doctor to prescribe the right treatment.

A huge number of drugs have been created. Usually doctors prescribe 2-3 drugs with different spectrum of action at once in order to block several mechanisms of increasing blood pressure:

  • Diuretics (diuretics), they are prescribed at the beginning of treatment. These medications work to lower sodium and fluid levels in the body, which begins to reduce high blood pressure. However there is by-effect Such drugs lead to a decrease in potassium in the body, which causes leg cramps and fatigue. Another side effect for people with diabetes is that your blood sugar levels may spike.
  • Beta blockers are prescribed to slow the heart rate and reduce the workload on the heart. As a result of use, a side effect in the form of general fatigue is possible.
  • Calcium channel blockers reduce the penetration of calcium into the heart and blood vessels. These drugs reduce the force of heart contractions and help relax the arteries, which lowers blood pressure.
  • Alpha blockers, vasodilators, central alpha agonists are prescribed if all the drugs described above do not help.
  • Nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, nifedipine are prescribed for intravenous administration to sharply reduce blood pressure (during hypertensive crisis). They act quickly, which is why medical supervision is essential.
  • In particularly severe cases it is required surgery. This is necessary for tumors, as well as for narrowing of the artery leading to the kidney.

Treatment with folk remedies

Along with drug treatment apply and traditional methods treatment. They do not act sharply and are mainly effective only on initial stage diseases:

  • If the cause of high blood pressure is constant worry, stress, insomnia, then the following herbs can be used for treatment: valerian, lemon balm, hop cones, mint.
  • If increased pressure leads to swelling of the face and limbs, accompanied by increased shortness of breath, you can use diuretic herbs: bearberry, elderberry flowers, acacia flowers, rose hips. But along with the use of these herbs, it is necessary to replenish potassium in the body by using bananas, dried apricots, persimmons, lettuce, and buckwheat.
  • Infusions of hawthorn and mountain ash help increase the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and prevent atherosclerosis, which is one of the main causes of hypertension.
  • Beetroot juice with honey is taken for hypertension, a tablespoon 3 times a day.

For hypertension, the following herbs are contraindicated: sandy immortelle, St. John's wort, rosea radiola, Chinese magnolia vine.

Procedure for high blood pressure

If your blood pressure has risen sharply, the following recipes may help:

  1. Measure your blood pressure and call an emergency doctor;
  2. Take a tablet of nifedipine – 10 mg or captopril – 25-30 mg under the tongue;
  3. For chest pain, take a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue.

According to the American Heart Association, hypertension causes 56,000 deaths per year in the United States alone.

Complications

According to experienced doctors, people suffering from high blood pressure are highly susceptible to arteriosclerosis. When blood pressure rises to 180/110, a condition called hypertensive crisis may occur. It is dangerous because it can lead to loss of consciousness, kidney damage, heart attack, and stroke.

Also, such people may experience lameness, since the blood supply to the legs is impaired. The load on the heart is enormous, it may not be able to cope with it, which will also damage the small and big circle blood circulation This may also cause hemoptysis, shortness of breath, and swelling of the extremities.

Brain complications can also be a consequence of hypertension. If a person for a long time Hypertension is noted, then pinpoint hemorrhage may appear in the vessels of the retina, which leads to a disruption of the blood supply, and as a consequence, darkening of vision and blindness.

Prevention

It is not possible to completely cure hypertension, but by observing certain rules and by carrying out the treatment prescribed by your doctor, you can significantly improve your condition and maintain it for many years.

A big misconception is the fact that people with high blood pressure need to move less and sit and lie more.

Yes, excessive loads are contraindicated for such people. But only excessive ones! Regular gymnastics has not been canceled! After all, if you change your lifestyle to a sedentary or lying one, then: body weight will increase, metabolism will be disrupted even more, stagnation will occur in the blood, the heart will begin to contract weaker, the general vitality will weaken, from which all negative changes in the body will begin to develop even faster. An adult needs at least 150 minutes a week of physical exercise, and even more for young people. Walking, cycling, strength training, or other exercises can be a great option.

There is no magic pill that will improve a person’s blood pressure. Only a complex of drugs along with management healthy image, giving up bad habits can help restore health.

Hypertension has long ceased to be a disease of those over 40, but has spread to people at a young age. Now even children get it. Why? The reasons are banal:

  • low physical activity, poor diet;
  • growth of habits such as smoking, uncontrolled drinking;
  • severe nervous tension, lack of sleep, hard work.

Diseases in older age are a consequence of the lifestyle that a person has led all his life.

In a healthy person, the risk of developing hypertension increases after 55 years of age. The described disease at the age of 45 years is more common in men than in women. But the situation changes after 65 years, women more often begin to suffer from the disease. Until this period, with the right lifestyle and timely treatment, you can maintain your blood pressure at a normal level.