One of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system is hypertension. Statistics show that about 30% of the adult population and more than 60% of people who have crossed the 65-year-old threshold face such a diagnosis. In the article, you can read about hypertension, its causes, symptoms, treatment methods and how to lower high blood pressure on your own.
Arterial pressure
Blood ejected by contractions of the heart into the vessels exerts constant pressure on their walls. It is not the same in different parts of the bloodstream. The farther away the blood goes from the heart, the weaker it puts pressure on the vessels. For example, in the aorta, the pressure reaches 140/90 mm Hg. Art., in the arteries - an average of 120/80 mm RT. Art., in small capillaries only 15 mm RT. Art., and in the veins it can drop to zero. We are interested in the numbers corresponding to the pressure in the arteries, since they are the most important indicator of the health of a person and his cardiovascular system. What do these two numbers mean? The first shows with what force the blood presses on the arteries at the time of cardiac contraction, that is, the maximum systolic pressure, and the second - at the moment of relaxation of the heart, this is diastolic pressure. Hypertension occurs all the time, and the question of how to lower high blood pressure raises many people. Before familiarizing yourself with ways to overcome the symptoms of hypertension, consider the mechanisms of its formation.
Top pressure
Systole is a contraction of the heart muscles. Upper blood pressure is also called systolic because it expresses pressure in the vessels while the blood is pushed by the ventricles into the bloodstream. Elevated upper pressure occurs due to many reasons. It can be observed in adolescence when hormonal changes in the body occur. It is noted that systolic hypertension occurs in most cases if a person has encountered it during puberty. The second risk group for developing high upper pressure is the elderly. The causes of hypertension in them are a number of accumulated disorders in the body. First of all, it is atherosclerosis, a decrease in vascular elasticity. In addition, the development of systolic hypertension can be triggered by such phenomena as:
- thyrotoxicosis or increased secretion of the thyroid gland;
- aortic valve insufficiency;
- arteriovenous shunting;
- heart block.
High upper pressure is fraught with dangerous consequences. For example, the risk of stroke with systolic hypertension increases four times. Among the complex consequences, it is worth noting renal failure, the development of dementia or dementia, various heart diseases. Renal function that supports normal blood pressure is impaired. This occurs due to increased reabsorption of sodium, when the total volume of circulating blood increases. If you have upper high blood pressure, what to accept in this case? The answer to this question is presented below.
Symptoms of Systolic Hypertension
The norm of systolic pressure is considered the figure 110-130 mm RT. Art. Increased upper pressure is an indicator that exceeds this value. How does increased upper pressure work? Of its symptoms should be called:
- headache;
- weakness, fatigue;
- restless sleep;
- tinnitus, flickering of "flies" before the eyes;
- arrhythmias or heart rhythm disturbances;
- unpleasant and painful sensations in the region of the heart;
- shortness of breath.
All of these manifestations can be regarded as signs of systolic hypertension only if they are accompanied by an increase in pressure during its direct measurement. Each of them can be a symptom of other diseases. Often, systolic hypertension has no obvious subjective symptoms. The most dangerous is the so-called isolated systolic hypertension, in which the upper pressure exceeds 140 mm Hg. Art., and the lower is less than 80 mm RT. Art. This condition often develops due to increased endocrine activity of the thyroid gland and the presence of heart valve disease. If you have high blood pressure, how to lower it - read on.
Lower pressure
Diastole is a condition of the heart in which it is in a relaxed state. The blood pressure that arteries experience is called lower (or diastolic). Elevated low blood pressure is often caused by stressful situations, excessive emotional stress, which upset the regulation of blood vessel tone. With this etiology, the numbers on the tonometer display quickly return to normal. But if this does not happen, and the lower pressure is kept above the level of 80 mm RT. Art. for a long time, we are talking about more serious reasons for his jumps. What causes high blood pressure, why does such a disorder develop? Among the factors:
- hyperthyroidism mentioned above;
- overweight;
- kidney disease
- intervertebral hernia.
Kidney problems in most cases cause diastolic hypertension. Why? With kidney diseases, their blood supply decreases, and they begin to throw a large amount of renin into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, this compound forms a substance (angiotensin), which contributes to a significant increase in blood pressure. How does diastolic hypertension manifest itself? Its symptoms can be found below.
Symptoms of Diastolic Hypertension
With increased lower pressure, the heart is constantly in a state of tension, since in arterioles the resistance of blood vessels to blood flow increases. The increased lower pressure manifests itself in the same way as the upper one. Moreover, these two types of hypertension often accompany each other. With high diastolic pressure, headaches are observed, often localized in the occipital region, dizziness, severe arrhythmia, and other symptoms characteristic of high upper pressure.
So, hypertension is a disease in which blood pressure rises. It is of two types:
- Symptomatic when the cause of the violation is identified.
- Idiopathic or essential, when it is not possible to recognize the factors that led to its development. This type of hypertension is also called hypertension.
Complications
High blood pressure is far from a harmless disorder. In the absence of adequate treatment, this disease primarily affects the following organs:
Among the dangerous consequences, it is worth mentioning such pathologies as coronary heart disease, blood clots, heart attack, angina pectoris and the most serious complication - hypertensive crisis. Renal tissue and later other organs are also affected. Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain and the visual analyzer develops, in connection with which the risk of stroke increases, and vision decreases.
Hypertension treatment
Many do not know how to deal with such a problem as high blood pressure. Herbs, diet and a healthy lifestyle will help solve it. However, ambulatory treatment is often required. Learn how to lower high blood pressure using medications. Therapy of systolic hypertension should be aimed at lowering the tonometer to less than 150 mmHg. Art. Medication is necessarily accompanied by a diet that allows you to lose weight. It is necessary to abandon alcohol, ideally completely eliminate it from consumption. Some sources claim that a small amount of strong drinks, due to vasodilating action, can lower blood pressure. This is a misconception, so do not use alcoholic beverages either for treatment or for the prevention of hypertension. But regular physical activity gives true effectiveness. Jogging in the morning, home fitness or training in the gym strengthens the heart and blood vessels, eliminates excess body fat, preventing hypertension, in particular, low blood pressure. What to drink with arterial hypertension? The next part of the article is devoted to this.
Medicines
You have high blood pressure. What pills are needed to bring him down? For the treatment of hypertension, there are several groups of drugs:
- diuretics or diuretics;
- renin inhibitors;
- calcium antagonists;
- beta blockers;
- ACE inhibitors or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors;
- angiotensin receptor blockers;
- centrally acting medications.
If you have high blood pressure, Citramon (tablets) is contraindicated. This drug, in addition to acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol, contains caffeine. This substance has a vasodilating effect against the brain, kidneys and heart, and also enhances diuresis. Elevated pressure "Citramon" (tablets) does not reduce. The drug is forbidden to take with atherosclerosis, heart disease and hypertension. Therefore, when you have a headache, do not rush to get a package of these pills from your home medicine cabinet - first, measure your blood pressure.
Diuretics
A few years ago, diuretics were widely used to treat hypertension. Modern doctors do not recommend abusing them, especially drugs with a very pronounced effect. The main harm of diuretics is the leaching of calcium, sodium and other elements from the body, which play a huge role in the normal functioning of the heart. To date, diuretics are mainly part of combination drugs to lower blood pressure. In its pure form, diuretics can be prescribed by the attending physician for severe forms of hypertension to older people over 70 years of age, as well as an additional medicine for the ineffectiveness of already prescribed medications. Of the diuretics, the most common drugs are Hypothiazide, Indap, Acripamide. At elevated pressure, fast-acting diuretics should not be taken (for example, Furosemide or Veroshpiron).
Renin inhibitors
There are few such medicines released, they are never used independently and are prescribed in combination with other drugs. One of the most famous renin inhibitors today is the drug Aliskiren. Its effect is based on the suppression of renin activity and a decrease in the concentration of angiotensin in blood plasma. Another name for the drug is Rasilez. Its price is quite high, and the attending physician prescribes this medicine as necessary.
Calcium antagonists
This group of drugs is divided into two categories:
- AKP or pulsating;
- AKD or dihydropyridine.
The first of these is more common, since high blood pressure and high pulse are often associated with each other. Pulse-reducing calcium antagonists are allowed in asthma, they effectively reduce pressure. Here are some examples of such drugs: Verapamil, Altiazem, Verogalid. The second category of medicines is represented by a number of effective drugs, including: “Felodipine”, “Tenox”, “Cordy Kor”, “Lerkamen” and others. The predecessor of modern dihydropyridine calcium antagonists was the drug "Kordafen" (other names "Phenigidin", "Adalat", "Nifedipine"). In connection with its side effects in hypertension, the choice should be stopped with modern medicines. Even doctors do not recommend this remedy, especially with exacerbations.
Beta blockers
At one time, the developers of this group of medicines were awarded the Nobel Prize. The effect of beta-blockers is to lower blood pressure and pulse rate. Such drugs are indicated for hypertension with angina pectoris, arrhythmic disorders and tachycardia. It is not recommended to use these drugs for people suffering from diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma. Examples of medicines: "Bisoprolol", "Akridiol", "Coronal", "Vasocardine" and others.
ACE inhibitors
Among the inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme, it is worth highlighting the most used drug - Enalapril. It has a pronounced, but short-lived effect, so you need to take it twice a day. The tool is very effective both with increased lower pressure, and with systolic hypertension, it is successfully used to overcome hypertensive crises. The basis of the action of ACE inhibitors is the suppression of the synthesis of angiotensin in the body - a substance that leads to vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure. The described group of drugs does not have a pronounced effect on the heart rate. Examples of ACE inhibitors: Lysigamma, Renitec, Enap, Pyramil.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
Many hypertensive patients who take the aforementioned ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure have a side effect such as coughing. Angiotensin receptor blockers have been created for such people. These drugs act like ACE inhibitors, but are much more expensive. It is possible to feel the effect of their use only by the end of the first or second week of treatment. Examples of drugs: Diovan, Atakand, Losartan.
Central action medicines
Elevated upper pressure, as well as lower pressure, requires complex therapy. Its composition often uses central-action drugs, which are indicated for hypertensive patients with an unstable nervous system, as well as an evening medicine to prevent night attacks. Among the group’s medicines, we’ll name Dopegit, Physiotens, and Albarel. The drug "Dopegit" (aka "Methyldopa") is often prescribed for pregnant women with high blood pressure. By the way, one of the first drugs of the central action for the treatment of hypertension was “Clonidine”. It gave a good effect, but the side effects of the medicine could be the most disappointing: from severe dry mouth to coma. To date, this tool has lost its relevance.
Folk remedies
Not only medications can cope with such a nuisance as high blood pressure. Alternative treatment is a good help in reducing it, and many recipes are quite effective. These are all kinds of decoctions, tinctures, mixtures that can be prepared independently. Using traditional medicine, you can reduce high blood pressure, while herbs occupy one of the first places. Here are some of the recipes based on them:
- Take 50-70 g of elecampane grass, 50-100 g of crude oats and a tablespoon of honey. Boil oats in 3 liters of water, cool. With cooled oat water, fill in the grass of the tensil and bring to a boil. After the resulting broth has cooled, add honey. The tool must be taken 100 g two to three times a day for two weeks.
- Two teaspoons of a mixture of birch and currant buds pour boiling water, let it brew for an hour, drink like tea twice a day.
- 2 tbsp. l a mixture of equal volumes of immortelle grass, St. John's wort, pharmacy chamomile, birch buds and strawberry leaves are poured in the evening in a thermos of 500 g of hot water. In the morning, the infusion is ready. You need to take it before meals in an amount of 200 g for 50 days. You can repeat the course only after a year.
High blood pressure: how to lower it with berries? Many people know about the benefits of cranberries. This acidic bright scarlet berry was also useful in the fight against hypertension. To prepare a delicious healing mixture, you will need 500 g of fresh cranberry fruit and a glass of honey. Mix the components and take 1 tbsp. l every day to cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol and lower blood pressure. The course is 2 weeks.
It is difficult to find hypertension who has not heard of a healing recipe with lemon, garlic and honey. Ingredients are available, and the cooking process is as simple as two-two. Grind one lemon and 5 cloves of garlic, mix the mixture with half a glass of honey and leave for a week in a dark place at room temperature. After this, the medicine should be stored in a hermetically sealed container in the refrigerator. Use it three times a day for a teaspoon.
Diet
How to lower high blood pressure with a diet? The nature of nutrition directly affects the state of the cardiovascular system. Overeating inevitably leads to the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, obesity and various diseases. Following a healthy diet helps lower high blood pressure. , , , , . , , , , , . , , , , . , - . , – .