Hypertension: what is it, at what age it occurs, when you need to worry and go to the doctor
Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) is widespread all over the world. 40 % of the adult population has high blood pressure, and only 21% are effectively treated.
Hypertension, hypertonic disease, arterial hypertension or arterial hypertension? the term hypertension was
previously used In Russia. For some time now, in accordance with the criteria of the world health organization (who), the term arterial hypertension or arterial hypertension has been used.
What is hypertension?
You can talk about the presence of arterial hypertension if the increase in blood pressure is registered by a doctor with at least 3 control blood pressure measurements.
Normally, the pressure figures may fluctuate depending on the person's condition: increase with physical or psychoemotional stress, decrease during sleep. However, the pressure returns to normal numbers from 100/60 to 140/90.
Symptoms of hypertension
The main symptom of hypertension is a headache. This is due to narrowing, spasm of the blood vessels of the brain. Also common symptoms of hypertension:
Tinnitus
Flying "flies" and the veil before your eyes
General weakness
Sleep disturbance
Dizziness
Feeling of heaviness in the head
Palpitation
Such symptoms occur at an early stage of hypertension and are neurotic in nature. At a later stage of hypertension, heart failure may occur due to constant overwork of the heart muscle due to high pressure.
As a result of the progression of the painful process, visual acuity may decrease, blood vessels in the brain may be affected by high blood pressure, this may lead in some cases to paralysis, decreased sensitivity of the extremities, which occurs due to vascular spasm, hemorrhage or thrombosis.
Causes of hypertension
If the cause of the increase in blood pressure is not established, talk about primary (essential) hypertension,or hypertension. In its development, play a role:
Hereditary predisposition
Chronic stress
Amount of salt consumed
Low physical activity, etc.
In women, the cause of hypertension can be a period of restructuring of the body during menopause
The underlying cause in each case is difficult to determine, since most people who are diagnosed with hypertension are exposed to several risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure.
Up to 5 % of arterial hypertension is secondary (symptomatic), that is, caused by certain causes. Most often, an increase in blood pressure leads to kidney pathology, endocrine pathology or abnormalities of large vessels.
Examination of patients is aimed at excluding secondary causes of high blood pressure, since sometimes these causes can be eliminated or they require specific treatment.
In addition during the examination of specified changes in the organs and systems that are actually caused by arterial hypertension. High blood pressure leads to changes in the heart, kidneys, brain vessels, and fundus vessels. Such examination should be performed regularly, at least once a year.
The level of arterial hypertension and damage to target organs determines the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Depending on the degree of risk, treatment tactics are determined: from lifestyle changes, diet and weight loss to the immediate start of drug therapy.
It is important to monitor the level of blood pressure not only at a doctor's appointment, but also independently.
How do I measure my blood pressure?
How should blood pressure be measured:
Blood pressure should be measured at rest, after a 5-minute rest, sitting
The cuff of the tonometer should be at the level of the heart, its lower edge-2 cm above the elbow bend
Blood pressure should be measured every day, recording data in the blood pressure diary
Treatment to hypertensions
The blood pressure control program consists of lifestyle changes and drug therapy. Changing your lifestyle involves:
Regular physical activity up to 30 minutes a day
Low-calorie nutrition and weight loss
Reducing salt intake
Limiting alcohol consumption
Reduce consumption of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol-rich foods
The increase in the consumption of fruit
Refusal of smoking
Drug therapy is prescribed immediately if the level of increased blood pressure is high. Most patients need to take 2 or more medications.
Treatment of patients with arterial hypertension is carried out constantly, since its cancellation will again lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Hypertension, hypertonic disease, arterial hypertension or arterial hypertension? the term hypertension was
previously used In Russia. For some time now, in accordance with the criteria of the world health organization (who), the term arterial hypertension or arterial hypertension has been used.
What is hypertension?
You can talk about the presence of arterial hypertension if the increase in blood pressure is registered by a doctor with at least 3 control blood pressure measurements.
Normally, the pressure figures may fluctuate depending on the person's condition: increase with physical or psychoemotional stress, decrease during sleep. However, the pressure returns to normal numbers from 100/60 to 140/90.
Symptoms of hypertension
The main symptom of hypertension is a headache. This is due to narrowing, spasm of the blood vessels of the brain. Also common symptoms of hypertension:
Tinnitus
Flying "flies" and the veil before your eyes
General weakness
Sleep disturbance
Dizziness
Feeling of heaviness in the head
Palpitation
Such symptoms occur at an early stage of hypertension and are neurotic in nature. At a later stage of hypertension, heart failure may occur due to constant overwork of the heart muscle due to high pressure.
As a result of the progression of the painful process, visual acuity may decrease, blood vessels in the brain may be affected by high blood pressure, this may lead in some cases to paralysis, decreased sensitivity of the extremities, which occurs due to vascular spasm, hemorrhage or thrombosis.
Causes of hypertension
If the cause of the increase in blood pressure is not established, talk about primary (essential) hypertension,or hypertension. In its development, play a role:
Hereditary predisposition
Chronic stress
Amount of salt consumed
Low physical activity, etc.
In women, the cause of hypertension can be a period of restructuring of the body during menopause
The underlying cause in each case is difficult to determine, since most people who are diagnosed with hypertension are exposed to several risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure.
Up to 5 % of arterial hypertension is secondary (symptomatic), that is, caused by certain causes. Most often, an increase in blood pressure leads to kidney pathology, endocrine pathology or abnormalities of large vessels.
Examination of patients is aimed at excluding secondary causes of high blood pressure, since sometimes these causes can be eliminated or they require specific treatment.
In addition during the examination of specified changes in the organs and systems that are actually caused by arterial hypertension. High blood pressure leads to changes in the heart, kidneys, brain vessels, and fundus vessels. Such examination should be performed regularly, at least once a year.
The level of arterial hypertension and damage to target organs determines the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Depending on the degree of risk, treatment tactics are determined: from lifestyle changes, diet and weight loss to the immediate start of drug therapy.
It is important to monitor the level of blood pressure not only at a doctor's appointment, but also independently.
How do I measure my blood pressure?
How should blood pressure be measured:
Blood pressure should be measured at rest, after a 5-minute rest, sitting
The cuff of the tonometer should be at the level of the heart, its lower edge-2 cm above the elbow bend
Blood pressure should be measured every day, recording data in the blood pressure diary
Treatment to hypertensions
The blood pressure control program consists of lifestyle changes and drug therapy. Changing your lifestyle involves:
Regular physical activity up to 30 minutes a day
Low-calorie nutrition and weight loss
Reducing salt intake
Limiting alcohol consumption
Reduce consumption of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol-rich foods
The increase in the consumption of fruit
Refusal of smoking
Drug therapy is prescribed immediately if the level of increased blood pressure is high. Most patients need to take 2 or more medications.
Treatment of patients with arterial hypertension is carried out constantly, since its cancellation will again lead to an increase in blood pressure.