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hypertension

symptoms of hypertension

Hypertension is a systemic disease that is a persistent increase in blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg.Art.

Causes of hypertension

In clinical cardiology, arterial hypertension is classified into primary, which appears as an independent disease, and secondary, which develops as a complication of other pathologies.

The causes of primary hypertension can be the following factors:

  • dysregulation of vascular pressure;
  • excessive cardiogenic reactivity (sudden change in blood pressure against the background of external stimuli);
  • increased arteriolar tone;
  • interruption of the sodium excretion process from the urinary system.

Secondary hypertension develops as a complication in several pathologies, including:

  • Diseases of the kidneys and adrenal glands - chronic glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, tumors of the kidneys and adrenal glands, obstruction of the renal artery, etc.These diseases lead to inhibition of the intensity of blood circulation in the kidneys, as a result of which the organs secrete a substance to complicate the condition.
  • Endocrinological diseases - diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, myxedema, tumors, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalance, etc.
  • Cardiovascular pathologies - atherosclerotic narrowing of blood vessels, aortic lumen, valve defects, etc.

In addition, provocative factors such as:

  • a diet with excessive consumption of fats, salt, sugar and insufficient amounts of plant-based products on the menu;
  • age over 55 years;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • physical inactivity;
  • smoking, alcohol abuse;
  • chronic stress.

Hypertension can also develop while taking certain medications (glucocorticosteroids, anabolic steroids, antidepressants).

Types of disease

Depending on the cause and nature of the lesion, the following are distinguished:

  • primary hypertension;
  • hypertensive disease with primary heart damage;
  • hypertension with predominant kidney damage;
  • arterial hypertension with predominant heart and kidney damage;
  • secondary hypertension.

Taking into account the degree of impact of the pathology on the internal organs, it is diagnosed as follows:

  • Stage I (uncomplicated) - there is no damage to the target organs, but there is a constant increase in blood pressure;
  • Phase II (asymptomatic) - characterized by damage to the target organs, but there are no signs of the pathological process;
  • III - organ damage occurs, which is accompanied by severe clinical symptoms.

According to severity, hypertension is divided into:

  • mild - increased blood pressure in the range of 140/90-159/99 mm Hg.Art.;
  • moderate - indicators within 160/100-179/109 mm Hg.Art.;
  • severe - blood pressure more than 180/110 mm Hg.Art.

Isolated hypertension is also distinguished, the peculiarity of which is the increase only in systolic pressure.

Symptoms

Clinical manifestations of hypertension depend on the cause of the pathology and the degree of increase in blood pressure.In the initial stages, the disease may be asymptomatic, then patients complain of:

  • headache, dizziness;
  • noise, ringing in the ears;
  • the appearance of "flies" and spots before the eyes;
  • the feeling of an active heartbeat, throbbing in the temples, in the back of the head;
  • facial flushing;
  • pressing pain in the area of the heart;
  • shortness of breath;
  • swelling of the face, hands;
  • excessive sweating;
  • loss of appetite, nausea.

Other manifestations depend on the form and presence of complications of hypertension.This can include blurred vision, tremors, numbness in the limbs, impaired coordination, fine motor skills, etc.

Very often, with a long course of the disease, the patient is initially disturbed by the above symptoms, but then they go away.This is due to the fact that the receptors lose sensitivity and the body adapts to the increased parameters of blood pressure.However, it is necessary to measure blood pressure regularly, record indicators and follow medical recommendations.

Possible complications of hypertension

In advanced forms of the disease, complications such as:

  • hypertensive crisis;
  • stroke;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • encephalopathy (decrease in cognitive abilities with subsequent development of vascular dementia);
  • renal, chronic heart failure;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • aortic aneurysm dissection;
  • hypertensive retinopathy (retinal damage);
  • nephrosclerosis (mainly shriveled kidney).

The risk of complications depends on the combination of various provoking factors, but even a slight increase in blood pressure can have negative consequences.

Diagnosis of the disease

If symptoms of hypertension appear, you should consult a doctor or cardiologist.During the consultation, the doctor asks about the complaints, their characteristics, as well as studies the medical history in detail to identify the factors in the development of the disease.After that, the specialist performs an examination, including a general examination, auscultation, percussion, palpation, measurement of heart rate and blood pressure. 

To confirm the diagnosis, a minimum of 3 isolated blood pressure measurements (on different days in a medical institution) or ABPM data (24-hour blood pressure monitoring) is required. 

As part of the initial diagnosis, the patient is prescribed:

  • clinical analysis of blood, urine;
  • blood test for the content of hormones and glycated hemoglobin.

To clarify the provoking factors and detect pre-existing pathological processes, the patient can undergo the following diagnostic methods:

  • electrocardiography;
  • echocardiography;
  • Duplex ultrasound examination of the brachiocephalic, renal and iliofemoral arteries;
  • Ultrasound of the heart, urinary system;
  • ophthalmological examination.

Depending on the causes of the disease, the general practitioner may refer the patient for further treatment and diagnostic measures to a cardiologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, neurologist or ophthalmologist.

Treatment of hypertension

The goal of hypertension treatment is to normalize the function of the heart, eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of complications.The treatment regimen is selected on an individual basis.

Non-drug therapy

It means a change in lifestyle.To do this you need:

  • regularly engage in therapeutic exercises;
  • control weight;
  • give up bad habits and coffee drinks;
  • exclude from the diet fatty, spicy, canned food, fast food and confectionery products;
  • minimize the consumption of salt and sugar;
  • eat more seasonal vegetables, fruits, fish, low-fat dairy products;
  • normalize the drinking regime (the daily volume of liquid should be 1-1.5 liters).

Drug therapy

Several groups of drugs are used to treat hypertension:

  • diuretics;
  • beta-blocker drugs;
  • angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors;
  • calcium channel antagonists, as well as angiotensin II receptors;
  • centrally acting substances. 

According to the indications, renin inhibitors, vasodilators, lipid-lowering drugs, sedatives, etc. can be prescribed.Specific drugs, dosage and frequency of administration are determined by the doctor.

Prevention of hypertension

There is no specific prevention of the disease.To minimize the risk of developing hypertension and dangerous complications, it is necessary to follow a number of general preventive measures:

  • maintaining optimal body weight;
  • exercise regularly;
  • respect dietary food;
  • give up bad habits;
  • immediate treatment of endocrine, nephrological and heart diseases;
  • minimize stressful situations;
  • check blood pressure levels.

It is also important to undergo regular preventive examinations and follow all medical recommendations.If your blood pressure rises, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

In a multidisciplinary medical center you can get advice from qualified specialists.Experienced therapists and cardiologists will prescribe the necessary examination and choose effective treatment for each patient.