symptoms of bp (blood pressure)|[and The causes of hypertension]

symptoms of Hypertension (bp)

Hypertension is a pathology accompanied by a persistent increase in blood pressure above 130/90. It entails changes in the work of internal organs, as well as a violation of human well-being. This disease is progressive.

The causes of hypertension

The main reason is a decrease in the lumen of small vessels that impede blood flow. The pressure on the walls of the vessels increases, blood pressure rises, since the heart muscle needs more effort to push the blood through the bloodstream.

The following risk factors for the development of the disease are distinguished:

• the age of the person (women over 65, men over 55);
• cholesterol level (above 6.5 mmol / liter);
• heredity (the presence of cardiovascular diseases in relatives);
• smoking;
• obesity;
• diabetes;

sedentary lifestyle of an elderly person.

Hypertension symptoms

The common symptoms of hypertension are

• tinnitus;

• headaches

• redness of the face;

•  dizziness

• cardiopalmus;

• memory impairment;

• profuse sweating;

• puffiness around the eyes;

• bouts of irritability, anxiety;

• flashing before the eyes of "flies";

• constant fatigue, decreased performance, a feeling of systematic lack of sleep;

• numbness and swelling of the toes and hands.

The increase in blood pressure occurs intermittently and disappears after calming down or rest. If you do not begin to correct the disease, then the symptoms progress and become permanent, after which the following are added to them:

violations of coordination of movements;

• deterioration of vision;

• decreased intelligence and memory;

• changes in gait;

• weakness in the arms or legs;

• decrease in general sensitivity;

• problems with the work of blood vessels, kidneys, brain.

Hypertension, in addition to the main symptoms (high blood pressure, etc.), has a number of clinical signs that are individual at different stages of the development of the disease in an elderly person.

The symptoms of stage 1 hypertension include:

low rises in blood pressure (up to 160-180 at 95-105 mm Hg);

episodes of tinnitus, headaches, attention and sleep disorders;

fluctuations in blood pressure (it does not return to normal on its own);

nosebleeds.

If hypertension is suspected, the doctor does not detect at this stage any renal dysfunction, changes during ECG and ultrasound of the heart.

Symptoms of grade 2 hypertension:

a steady increase in blood pressure (up to 180-200 by 105-115 mm Hg);

headaches;

fundus changes;

pain in the region of the heart;

periodic occurrence of hypertensive crises;

signs of brain damage with strokes and ischemia;

kidney damage;

signs of damage to the heart muscle in the form of ischemia and hypertrophy;

In the third stage of the disease, the following symptoms are observed:

high blood pressure (220-230 to 130-150 mm Hg);

insufficiency of blood circulation;

signs of encephalopathy;

microinfarctions, angina pectoris, microstrokes, arrhythmias;

eye lesions with severe angiopathy and blindness;

decreased filtration rate and blood flow to the kidneys.

A decrease in blood pressure to a normal level does not occur on its own (only under the influence of strong drugs).

Consequences and complications

One of the most serious complications of this disease is hypertensive crises, which are manifested by a sharp and strong increase in blood and intracranial pressure, vomiting, nausea and headaches, and cerebrovascular accident. There is a risk of pulmonary edema, heart attacks, strokes and other complications. The main consequence of long-term hypertension is the formation of a disability in an elderly person.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of hypertension is based on monitoring blood pressure at home (during exercise and at rest). You can monitor blood pressure using automatic or manual pressure gauges.

When diagnosing hypertension, the clinic performs:

detailed questioning of the patient, accurate fixation of all risk factors, the doctor identifies predisposition to the disease;

clinical examination (the doctor measures the pulse and blood pressure of a person);

daily monitoring of blood pressure levels (assigned if necessary);

Holter monitoring, electrocardiogram;

determination of the stability of the blood pressure level, minimum and maximum numbers, the effect of medications, etc.;

consultations of a nephrologist, neurologist, endocrinologist;

laboratory diagnostics (general analysis and biochemistry of blood and urine, sodium and calcium levels, phosphates and uric acid, plasma potassium, etc.);

chest x-ray;

Ultrasound of the kidneys, heart;

diagnostics using bicycle ergometry, stress tests (if necessary).

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of hypertension is complex and depends on the stage, severity, causes, gender and age of the person and other factors. It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is possible to significantly improve the patient's condition and delay the onset of life-threatening complications for a long time. Treatment is non-drug and medication.

Non-drug therapy. It involves correcting the patient's lifestyle. Most patients do not attach much importance to it, considering it frivolous, but such treatment is the key to success.

First of all, it is necessary to revise the diet of a sick person, reduce the consumption of carbohydrates and fats, and increase the intake of proteins and vitamins. It is necessary to reduce the calorie content of the diet, which will subsequently lead to a decrease in cholesterol and body weight. It is also necessary to normalize the drinking regime, reduce salt intake to 5 g per day.

In the treatment of hypertension in the elderly, balneotherapy and climatotherapy are especially recommended. The doctor prescribes remedial gymnastics, physical education. Reducing anxiety levels and using psychotherapy are helpful.

Pharmacological treatment. Quite often, in the treatment of hypertension, the principle of "steps" is used when prescribing drugs. Groups of drugs are prescribed with the necessary sequence, since drugs have a different degree of influence in the mechanism of increasing blood pressure. When a person achieves a stable decrease in blood pressure, the doctor transfers the patient to supportive therapy.

In the treatment of grade 1 high blood pressure, one antihypertensive drug is usually prescribed, which is taken on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a specialist. Medicines are prescribed in courses lasting several weeks.

When treating 2 degrees of hypertension or when monotherapy is ineffective, the doctor usually prescribes 2 drugs. The therapy is carried out in a hospital. If an elderly person has a stable decrease in blood pressure, then the patient continues treatment at home.

Treatment of grade 3 hypertension implies an individual approach. It is carried out in a hospital until the condition stabilizes. The doctor evaluates the results of the examinations received and prescribes a special course of treatment for grade 3 hypertension.

Prevention

Disease prevention methods are primary and secondary.

Primary prevention is necessary for healthy people who have a predisposition to pathology. You need to go in for sports, fitness, do morning exercises, swim. It is important to consider that the loads should be moderate or light. Also, a person needs to give up bad habits, limit the intake of salt, carbohydrates and animal fats. The diet should be enriched with calcium and potassium (dairy products, nuts, dried fruits, etc.).

Secondary prophylaxis is carried out in patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension. It includes blood pressure monitoring, regular doctor visits, and non-drug therapy. It is recommended to conduct acupuncture sessions, massage, intake of herbal preparations and antioxidants.