An increase in pressure above the age standard is correct to call high blood pressure.
If the pressure often increases or for a long time, and during examination, it is not possible to identify the causes of this, hypertension is diagnosed.If a person has a disease that causes an increase in pressure (for example, a trauma of brain damage in the past, a kidney disease, etc.), they speak of secondary arterial hypertension.However, when collapse, all increased pressure cases are often called hypertension.
Hypertension is known as a "silent killer", because it does not always have obvious symptoms, especially in the initial stages.It has been established that increased pressure has 20 to 30% of the adult population, although many have not known their illness for a long time.If hypertension is not treated, the risks of a heart attack or an increase in a stroke.The only way to find out about the presence of a problem is
Regularly measure blood pressure.
Blood tension is the power with which the blood press against the walls of the blood vessels and the heart.With hypertension, blood pressure on the arteries and the heart becomes excessively high, which leads to premature wear of these organs and increases the danger of other diseases, for example, altered the renal or brain function.
The blood pressure is measured in millimeters of the mercury (mm Hg) and is fixed in two dimensions:
- Sistolic pressure - blood pressure at the moment when your heart is reduced and pushes blood into the arteries;
- Diastolic pressure - blood pressure at the time of relaxation of the heart muscle between two contractions.
For example, if your doctor says that your blood pressure is "140 per 90", this means that your systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg. Art., And diastolic pressure - 90 mm Hg. Art.
Optimal blood pressure in an adult is considered less than 120/80 mm Hg. Art.However, in the standard are numbers at 139/89 included.If, depending on the results of several measures, your pressure exceeds 140/90 inclusive, you have high blood pressure, additional examination is necessary and, possibly, treatment.
Symptoms of high blood pressure (hypertension)
An increase in blood pressure is not always accompanied by a change of well.The only way to know if you suffer from hypertension is to measure blood pressure.Adults should check their blood pressure at least once every five years.
If you are pregnant, it is important to constantly check your blood pressure, even if it is not high.Observation of blood pressure during pregnancy reduces the risk of complications.Increased blood pressure in a pregnant woman can cause preeclampsia.This is a dangerous condition in which there is a problem with the placenta (the organ which provides the blood circulation of the unborn child).
Sometimes the symptoms of high pressure are:
- headache;
- darken or double in the eyes;
- Nose bleeding;
- dyspnea.
These signs appear in people with very high pressure.If you find one of these symptoms, consult a doctor.Without treatment, high blood pressure can cause serious illnesses, including strokes and a heart attack.Make an appointment immediately with the therapist if you find one of these symptoms or increased pressure.If the symptoms are considerably expressed, call an ambulance.
Causes of hypertension (high blood pressure)
In more than 90% of cases, the cause of the increase in blood pressure cannot be established.Hypertension is then called essential or primary.The factors that can increase the risk of primary hypertension on your part include:
- Age: the risk of developing hypertension increases with age;
- In your family, there were cases of hypertension (the disease can be hereditary);
- Excess salt in your diet;
- Lack of physical exercises;
- Exhaustiveness;
- smoking;
- Alcohol abuse;
- Stress.
Known causes of hypertension
About 10% of high pressure cases are the result of a certain disease or a specific cause.These cases are linked to secondary hypertension.The typical pressure causes in this case are:
- kidney disease;
- diabetes mellitus;
- Arteries' narrowing supplying the kidneys;
- Hormonal diseases, such as Kushing syndrome (a disease in which the body produces too many steroid hormones);
- Diseases that affect the connective tissues of the body, for example, the systemic lupus erythematosus;
- contraceptives (oral contraceptives);
- Analgesics, called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
- Club drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystalline methamphetamine;
- Some vegetable drugs, plant additives.
Hypertension diagnosis
To diagnose high blood pressure and identify its possible causes, mainly use the systematic measurement of blood pressure.This can be done both by a medical worker and independently, using a domestic apparatus to measure the pressure.
Healthy people over 40 years old should measure their blood pressure at least once every five years.If you have an increased risk of hypertension, you should most often check the blood pressure, ideally once a year.
Verification of blood pressure is generally easy to drive in most clinics and hospitals.The blood pressure is generally measured using a toneometer (pressure gauge), a device that consists of a stethoscope, a cuff, a measurement device, an air injection and a valve.
The armband is rolled around the shoulder and pumped to limit the blood flow in the artery.Then, the air in the cuff begins to slow down slowly, while listening to the pulse with a stethoscope.Listening to your pulse in a place under the armband with descent air allows you to obtain reliable data on the readings of your blood pressure.In addition, the automatic (digital) (digital) tones are now common, which measure pressure and pulse using electrical sensors.
Before proceeding with blood pressure, you should relax for at least five minutes and empty your bladder.To obtain the right testimony of blood pressure, you must sit down and not speak during manipulation.
If with one of the measures, you have found an increase in blood pressure, this does not necessarily mean that you suffer from hypertension.During the day, the blood pressure level can fluctuate.Pressure can increase while taking the doctor due to anxiety and stress.In these cases, it is recommended to measure the pressure during the day by yourself, using a domestic toneometer.By excluding the "fear of the white dress", you can get more objective indicators.
You can also pass blood and urine tests to check the presence of diseases that increase the risk of high blood pressure, for example, kidney disease.
Decipher readings of the Tonometer
The blood pressure is measured in millimeters of the mercury mercury (mm Rt. Art.) And is fixed in two beaches:
- Sistolic pressure - blood pressure at the moment when your heart is reduced and pushes blood into the arteries;
- Diastolic pressure - blood pressure at the time of relaxation of the heart muscle between two contractions.
For example, if your systolic blood pressure is 140 mm Hg. Art., And the diastolic blood pressure is 90 mm Hg. Art., Then they say that your pressure is 140 per 90.
Ideally, the blood pressure should be less than 120/80.However, indications below 140/90 are generally considered normal.If you have kidney disease, diabetes or heart disease and a circulatory system, your target blood pressure should be less than 130/80 mm Hg. Art.
If the pressure indicators for several days are higher than the mark of 140/90 - you have high blood pressure and an additional examination is necessary.
High pressure treatment
Effective actions to reduce blood pressure are changing the lifestyle and drugs.The choice of treatment regime will depend on the level of blood pressure and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
If your blood pressure is slightly greater than 130/80 mm Hg. Art., And at the same time, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in your low -vascular diseases, then you should not be able to reduce pressure by making certain changes in your lifestyle.
If your blood pressure is moderately high (140/90 mm Hg or more) and there is a risk of developing cardiovascular disease in you over the next 10 years, treatment will include medicines and the adjustment of your lifestyle.
If your blood pressure is very high (180/110 mm Hg or more), then in the near future, you need treatment, perhaps with additional examination, depending on the condition of your health.
Lifestyle with high blood pressure
You will find below some modifications that you could make to your lifestyle to reduce the pressure.Some of them will lead to rapid improvement in a few weeks, others will influence a longer period.
- Reduce salt consumption to less than 6 grams per day.
- Eat a healthy and low composition in the event of a composition, including a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Be active: maintaining physical activity is one of the main things you need to do to prevent or control hypertension.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Refuse smoking.Smoking considerably increases the probability of developing lungs and heart disease.
- Lose weight.
- Drink less coffee, tea or other caffeine drinks, such as cola.The use of more than four cups of coffee per day can increase your blood pressure.
- Try to use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and stress management (autogenic training).
The more you master healthy habits, the more it will have a positive effect.In practice, some people note that when they maintain a healthy lifestyle, they usually need to take medication.
Treatment of hypertension drugs
There is a wide selection of drugs lowering the pressure.You may need to take more than one type of medication, as sometimes the treatment of hypertension needs a combination of several drugs.
In some cases, you will have to undergo pressure reduction pressure throughout your life.However, if your blood pressure level remains under control over several years, you will have the possibility of stopping medicinal treatment.Most high pressure drugs can cause side effects, but this problem can be resolved by replacing the drugs taken.
Tell your doctor if you have one of the following current side effects of taking medication:
- a feeling of drowsiness;
- renal pain (in the lower back);
- dry cough;
- dizzy, exhaustion or lethargy;
- Raw on the skin.
You will find below the most used drugs for high pressure.
Inhibitors of the reproductive enzymes of angiotensin (APF)Reduce blood pressure, relaxing the walls of blood vessels.The most common side effect is a constant dry cough.If side effects are starting to disturb too much, drugs such as angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists can recommend, whose action is similar to the action of ECA inhibitors.
ECA inhibitors can cause unforeseen side effects if they are taken with others, including drugs on -counters.Before taking an additional medication, consult a doctor if their combination of negative side effects will cause them.
Calcic channel blockers(Calcium antagonists) prevent calcium in the cells of the muscle tissue of the heart and blood vessels.This leads to the expansion of your arteries (large blood vessels) and a decrease in blood pressure.
Using grapefruit juice when taking certain types of calcium channel blockers may increase the risk of side effects.In more detail, you can discuss this problem with your doctor.
Diuretics(Diuretics) Act due to the excretion of excess liquid and salt from the body.
Beta-blockers (beta-blockers)They act by reducing the frequency and strength of heart contractions, thus reducing blood pressure.Previously, beta-blockers were a popular drug for high pressure, but at present, they are generally only used when other means do not have the required effect.This is due to the fact that beta-blockers are considered less effective than other types of drugs for increased pressure.
Beta-blockers can also affect the effect of other drugs, causing side effects.Consult your doctor before taking other drugs in combination with beta-blockers.
Do not stop taking beta-blockers suddenly without consulting your doctor.This can lead to serious side effects, such as an increase in blood pressure or a pectoral chest attack.
Alpha blockkers (alpha-blockers)Usually, they are not recommended as a first choice drug to reduce high blood pressure, except when other drugs do not have the right effect.Alpha blockers act by relaxing your blood vessels, considerably facilitating blood flow inside.
The common side effects of alpha blockers include:
- vanish with the first administration of the drug ("first dose effect");
- dizziness;
- headache;
- swelling of the ankles;
- fatigue.
Hypertension complications
The increase in blood pressure exerts an additional load on your heart and your blood vessels.If hypertension is not treated, after a certain time, the risk of developing a heart attack, brain vascular accidents and kidney diseases increase.
Cardiovascular diseases for hypertension
Hypertension can cause many different diseases of the heart and blood vessels and heart vessels (cardiovascular diseases), in particular:
- stroke;
- myocardial infarction;
- Embolism: it occurs when a blood clot or an air bubble blocks a flow of blood in a container;
- Aurneysm: It develops when the wall of the blood vessel stretches and can burst at any time, causing internal bleeding.
Kidney diseases and increased pressure
Hypertension can also cause damage to small blood vessels in the kidneys and has altered their function.This complication can cause symptoms such as:
- fatigue;
- edema of the ankles, feet or hands (due to the delay of water in the body);
- dyspnea;
- the presence of blood in the urine;
- Frequent urination, especially at night;
- Skin itching.
Renal diseases are treated with drugs and food additives.The more serious cases require dialysis (the treatment procedure in which the blood is artificially cleaned toxic metabolism products in the body) or a renal transplant.
Increased pressure prevention
The development of hypertension can be avoided by a healthy diet, maintaining a normal weight, by performing regular physical exercises, restrictions on alcohol consumption and the refusal of smoking.
Selfless smoking does not cause high blood pressure, but considerably increases the risks of myocardial and stroke infarction.Smoking, such as high blood pressure, leads to a narrowing of the arteries.If you smoke in the presence of hypertension, your arteries will shrink much faster and the risks of development of heart and pulmonary diseases in your future will increase considerably.
High pressure power supply
Reduce the amount of salt in your diet, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.Salt increases the pressure.The more salt you consume, the higher your pressure.Try to eat less than 6 g of salt per day, which is approximately equal to a teaspoon.
As has proven, the use of low fat and high fiber content foods (for example, whole grain rice, bread and pasta) and a large amount of fruits and vegetables help reduce blood pressure.Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers that support your body in a healthy state.Try eating five 80 g portions of fruits and vegetables every day.
Regular consumption of alcohol is greater than the standards authorized over time will increase in your blood pressure.Men are not recommended to regularly use more than 2-4 portions of alcohol per day and women more than 2-3.Regular use is meant every day or most days of the week.1 portion of alcohol corresponds approximately to a glass of vodka, half a glass of wine or half a cup of beer.
In addition, as alcohol is very caloric, its regular use leads to weight gain and, therefore, to increase your blood pressure.
If you drink more than four cups of coffee a day, it can increase the pressure.If you are a big fan of coffee, tea or other caffeine drinks (such as Coca-Cola and certain energy drinks), think of the possibility of reducing their consumption.It is very good when you drink tea and coffee as part of a balanced diet, but it is important that such drinks are not your only source of liquid.
Weight and physical exercises for hypertension
Excessive weight forces the heart to work more intense to pump blood across the whole body, which generally leads to an increase in your blood pressure.If you really need to lose overweight, it is important to remember that the loss of two or three kilograms of weight will lead to a significant change in the readings of your blood pressure and will improve your health in general.
An active lifestyle and regular exercise lead to a decrease in blood pressure by holding the heart and blood vessels in good condition.Regular exercise also helps you lose weight, which also helps you reduce blood pressure.
An adult must be spent each week for at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) on moderate open intensity exercises, such as bicycle or fast walking.When you do exercises, you need to focus on the fact that you should feel warm and slightly out of breath.A complete person, in order to reach this state, can be a little enough in the hill.Physical activity can include a variety of exercises, from sport to walking and work in the garden.
Relaxation exercises can reduce blood pressure.They include:
- Stress management (autogenic training), meditation or yoga.
- Cognitivo-behavioral psychotherapy, which focuses on how your thoughts and beliefs can affect your well-being and the ability to deal with problems.You can discuss with your doctor the possibility of undergoing such psychotherapy.
- Biological feedback (the self-regulation method used to help you with conscious regulation of blood pressure): On a small monitor, you will demonstrate your heart rate or your blood pressure in real time.A reference for organic comments can be made by your doctor.
Which doctor contact with hypertension?
If you have increased pressure, find a good therapist who can include the causes of the disease and prescribe treatment.If you have heart complaints or if there are chronic cardiovascular diseases, choose a cardiologist.