Hypertension - a disorder characterized by high blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and others. Generally, the higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk of complications.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury and recorded two digits. For example, 150/95 mm Hg. Art. The first value here indicates the systolic pressure. The pressure in the arteries during heart contractions. The second indicator - the diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats.
High blood pressure is greater than the index of 140/90 mm Hg. Art. But there are various options for high pressure:
- High systolic blood pressure - for example, 170/70 mm Hg. Art.
- High diastolic pressure - for example, 120/104 mmHg. Art.
Or both figures exceed the standards - for example, 170/110 mmHg. Art.
However, to diagnose hypertension is not so simple. Blood pressure is high enough to begin drug treatment, depending on various factors.
Blood pressure was 140/90 mm Hg. Art., or higher. If the patient within a certain time is recorded blood pressure, it is likely to be recommended to undergo treatment, especially in the presence of the following factors:
The high risk of cardiovascular disease;
Active cardiovascular disease;
- Diabetes;
- Damage to the heart or kidneys on a background of hypertension.
Blood pressure between 130/80 mm Hg. Art. and 140/90 mm Hg. Art.
For most people, this figure is within the normal range. However, under the following conditions in patients with such pressure treatment is prescribed:
- Diabetes complications, especially kidney problems;
- Severe cardiovascular disease in history, such as a heart attack, transient ischemic attack, or stroke;
- Certain chronic kidney disease.
Usually, high blood pressure causes no symptoms and people learn about it only after inspection. Therefore, every person, even a completely healthy, it is necessary every five years to check the pressure. Elderly, patients who had previously recorded high blood pressure and diabetes should check blood pressure at least once a year.
Diagnosis of hypertension
One single measurement, which showed high blood pressure, does not allow to diagnose hypertension. Blood pressure varies throughout the day. It may be increased for a short time, for example, because of the high stress
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or intense exercise.
To diagnose hypertension, it is necessary to measure the blood pressure several times under different conditions, including when a person is relaxed.
If the patient was once recorded by high blood pressure, the physician may recommend observed for some time. The duration of the observation period depends on the first fixed index and the presence of risk factors to the patient.
For example, if the first figure was 150/94 mm Hg. Art., and the patient generally feels well, the observation period may last several weeks. During this time the patient will be several times to measure blood pressure; Sometimes patients are invited to buy a device for measuring pressure, so they do not have too much to go to the clinic. If during the observation period, blood pressure remains high, hypertension is diagnosed, and in most cases, treatment is prescribed.
In most cases the cause of hypertension is unknown. Sometimes it cause other disorders, for example, some kidney disease and hormonal problems. In such cases we speak of secondary hypertension.
Why suddenly becomes normal pressure increased?
Sometimes, the reason lies in the different diseases of internal organs, especially kidneys, or hormonal imbalance. In such cases, hypertension appears as a symptom of underlying disease and is known as "secondary". But often increase the blood pressure and is a major disease. This pathology is called a hypertensive disease, with its causes are still not well understood. Much more is known about the so-called risk factors (ie, precipitating factors) that can contribute to its emergence. These include the neuro-emotional stress, smoking, excess weight, poor diet, lack of exercise, certain diseases (atherosclerosis, diabetes). The risk of hypertensive disease is also higher in people whose close relatives suffer from this disease.
Depending on the level of high blood pressure hypertension may be I, II and III. When the value of I degree of blood pressure rises to 140-159 at 90-99, with the II - up to 160-179 to 100-109 and III degree, these values exceed 180 by 110 mm. Hg. Art. The gap to 85-89 to 130-139 mm. Hg. Art. More does not mean the disease, but these figures demonstrate persistent calls for the adoption of certain measures. It should be emphasized that the most dangerous diseases are just of I degree, because in these cases, they often occur almost asymptomatic and lead their destructive activities transparent to the patient.
What is the risk of hypertension? First of all, that sharply increases the risk of severe complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke
Stroke - a serious brain injury
Which in recent years has become more and more massive
. In addition, high blood pressure causes the heart to work with the increased load, to overcome the resistance of blood vessels and "push" the blood to the organs
. To do this, the heart of "forced" to connect their compensatory abilities, but over time, these additional reserves are exhausted, the heart muscle weakens and develops heart failure
. As a result, almost all organs and systems are beginning to experience a shortage of blood supply, but most suffer the kidneys, the brain and the heart tissue
. It is typical for hypertensive disease atherosclerosis, in which the walls of blood vessels in the body fat deposited - atherosclerotic plaques, which further narrows the lumen and increase vascular resistance to blood flow
. Very often undergo atherosclerotic changes of the fundus vessels, in which case the patient is in danger of losing sight
.
What should hypertension
First of all, get rid of the above risk factors: stop smoking
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Mercilessly fight overweight, strictly adhere to salt-free diet (excess sodium salt retains water in the bloodstream, and therefore contributes to high blood pressure). To avoid nerve stress is useful to burn the accumulated emotions of the day
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by physical (but not excessive!) exercises. For example, a part in a light jogging pace not only a positive effect on mental state, but also strengthens the cardiovascular system.
Traditional medicine has a huge assortment of hypotensive (lowers blood pressure) drugs: diuretics (Lasix, veroshpiron), vasodilators (Dibazolum, papaverine), and many other, much more modern drugs. However, the right tactics to be determined only in conjunction with your doctor. And remember, in order to avoid unpleasant consequences should regularly monitor their blood pressure. If for several days the figures consistently exceed 90 140 mm. Hg. Art. - A good reason to visit a therapist!
Zhiguli Andrew
