High blood pressure (increased pressure)

An increase in pressure above the age standard is correct to call up arterial hypertension.

If the pressure increases often or for a long time and during the examination, it is not possible to identify the causes for this, diagnosed high blood pressure.If a person has a disease that increases the pressure (e.g. traumatic brain injuries in the past, kidney disease, etc.), talk about secondary arterial hypertension.In the event of a breakdown, however, all cases of increased pressure are referred to as high blood pressure.

Hypertension is known as a "calm murderer" because it does not always have obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages.It was found that an increased pressure is 20 to 30 % of the adult population, although many have not known about their illness for a long time.If no high blood pressure is treated, the risks of a heart attack or a stroke increase.The only way to learn the presence of a problem isMeasurement of blood pressure using an electronic tonometerregularly measure blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the power with the blood against the walls of blood vessels and heart.With high blood pressure, blood pressure on arteries and the heart becomes too excessively high, which leads to premature wear of these organs and increases the risk of other diseases, for example the function of kidney or brain function.

The blood pressure is measured in millimeters of the mercury (mm Hg) and fixed in two dimensions:

  • Sistolic pressure - blood pressure at the moment in which your heart is reduced and blood presses 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 times 90", this means that your systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg.Art. And diastolic pressure - 90 mm ed. Art.

The optimal blood pressure in an adult is considered less than 120/80 mm Hg.Art.However, figures for 139/89 are inclusive within the standard.If, according to the results of several measurements, your pressure 140/90 crosses, you are an arterial hypertension, an additional examination and possibly treatment.

Symptoms of arterial hypertension (high blood pressure)

An increase in blood pressure is not always accompanied by a change in the borehole.The only way to find out whether they have high blood pressure is to measure blood pressure.Adults should check their blood pressure at least every five years.

If you are pregnant, it is important to constantly check your blood pressure, even if it is not high.Observing blood pressure during pregnancy reduces the risk of complications.Increased blood pressure in a pregnant woman can lead to preeclampsia.This is a dangerous disease in which there is a problem with the placenta (the organ that delivers the blood flow to the unborn child).

Sometimes the symptoms of high pressure are:

  • Headache;
  • Darkling or twice in the eyes;
  • Bleeding out of the nose;
  • Dyspnea.

Such signs occur in people with very high pressure.If you find one of these symptoms, contact a doctor.Without treatment, arterial hypertension can lead to serious diseases, including stroke and heart attack.Make an appointment with the therapist immediately if you find one of these symptoms or increased pressure.If the symptoms are significantly expressed, call an ambulance.

Causes of high blood pressure (arterial hypertension)

In more than 90% of cases, the cause of increased blood pressure cannot be determined.Then high blood pressure is referred to as essential or primarily.The factors that can increase the risk of primary hypertension include:

  • Age: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age;
  • In her family there were cases of high blood pressure (the disease can be hereditary);
  • Excess salt in your diet;
  • Lack of physical exercises;
  • Completeness;
  • Smoke;
  • Alcohol abuse;
  • Stress.

Well -known causes of high blood pressure

About 10% of the cases of high pressure are the result of a certain disease or a certain cause.These cases relate to secondary high blood pressure.Typical causes of pressure in this case are:

  • Kidney disease;
  • Diabetes mellitus;
  • Narrowing of arteries that supply the kidneys;
  • Hormonal diseases such as Kushing syndrome (an illness in which the body produces too many steroid hormones);
  • Diseases that influence the body's connective tissue, e.g.B. Systemic lupus erythematosus;
  • Contracitors (oral contraceptives);
  • Pain relievers, known as non -steroidal anti -inflammatory medication (NSAIDS);
  • Club drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystalline methamphetamine;
  • Some plant medication, vegetable additives.

Diagnosis of high blood pressure

In order to diagnose arterial hypertension and identify its possible causes, they mainly use the systematic measurement of blood pressure.This can be done by both a medical employee and independently, with a house apparatus used to measure the pressure.

Healthy people aged more than 40 should measure their blood pressure at least every five years.If you have an increased risk of high blood pressure, you should check blood pressure more often, ideally once a year.

Checking blood pressure is usually easy to carry out in most clinics and hospitals.The blood pressure is usually measured with a tonometer (conversation knife), a device that consists of a stethoscope, a cuff, a measuring device, a air injection and a valve.

The cuff is wrapped around the shoulder and pumped to limit blood flow into the artery.Then the air slowly slows down in the cuff and listens to the pulse with a stethoscope.If you listen to your impulse in one place under the cuff with descent air, you can get reliable data about the measured values of your blood pressure.In addition, automatic (digital) tonometers are now common, which measure pressure and impulse with electrical sensors.

Before you continue measuring blood pressure, you should relax for at least five minutes and empty your bladder.In order to obtain the right testimony of blood pressure, you do not have to sit and do not speak during manipulation.

If you have found increased blood pressure with one of the measurements, this does not necessarily mean that you have high blood pressure.The blood pressure level can fluctuate during the day.The pressure can increase while taking the doctor due to fear and stress.In these cases, it is recommended to measure the pressure on your own using a home tonometer on your own.If you exclude the "fear of white robe", you can get more objective indicators.

You can also carry out blood and urine tests to check the presence of diseases that increase the risk of high blood pressure, such as kidney disease.

Decryption of the tonic levels

The blood pressure is measured in millimeters of the mercury of the mercury (mm Rt. Art.) And is defined in two areas:

  • Sistolic pressure - blood pressure at the moment in which your heart is reduced and blood presses 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 ed. Art., Then say that your pressure is 140 to 90.

Ideally, blood pressure should be less than 120/80.Nevertheless, the indications under 140/90 are generally considered normal.If you have an illness of kidneys, diabetes or heart disease and circulatory systems, your target blood pressure should be below 130/80 mm HG.Art.

If the pressure indicators for several days are higher than the mark of 140/90, you have an arterial hypertension and another examination is required.

High -pressure treatment

Effective measures to reduce blood pressure are in a change in lifestyle and medication.The choice of the treatment scheme depends on the level of blood pressure and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

If your blood pressure is a little higher than 130/80 mm hg.Art. And at the same time the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in your diseases with low vascular diseases, you should be able to reduce the pressure only by certain changes in your lifestyle.

If your blood pressure is moderately high (140/90 mm hg or higher) and there is a risk that you will develop cardiovascular diseases over the next 10 years, the treatment of medication and adaptation of your lifestyle will include.

If your blood pressure is very high (180/110 mm hg or higher), you need treatment in the near future, possibly with an additional examination, depending on the condition of your health.

Lifestyle with arterial high blood pressure

Below you will find some changes that you can make on your lifestyle to reduce the pressure.Some of them will lead to a quick improvement within a few weeks, others will influence a longer period of time.

  • Reduce salt consumption to less than 6 grams a day.
  • Eat a healthy, low -fat, balanced meal in composition, including many fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Be active: maintaining physical activity is one of the most important things you should do to prevent or control high blood pressure.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Smoking Weigen.Smoking significantly increases the likelihood of developing lung and heart disease.
  • Lose weight.
  • Drink less coffee, tea or other caffeine drinks like 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 healthier habits you master, the more positive effect it will have.In practice, some people find that they generally have to take medication when maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

High blood pressure medication treatment

There is a large selection of medicines that lower the pressure.You may have to take more than one kind of medicinal product, since sometimes the treatment of high blood pressure requires a combination of several drugs.

In some cases you have to reduce pressure during your life.If your blood pressure level stays under control over several years, you have the option of stopping medical treatment.Most medication with high pressure can cause side effects, but this problem can be solved by replacing the medication taken.

Tell your doctor if you have one of the following frequent side effects when taking drugs:

  • A feeling of sleepiness;
  • Kidney pain (in the lower back);
  • dry cough;
  • Dizziness, exhaustion or lethargy;
  • Raw on the skin.

Below you will find the most widespread medication for high pressure.

  1. Angiotensin reproductive enzymes (apf)Reduce blood pressure and relax the walls of blood vessels.The most common side effect is a constant dry cough.If the side effects interfere, medication such as angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists can recommend that the effect of ACE inhibitors resembles.

    ACE inhibitors can cause unforeseen side effects if they are taken together with others, including about -the counter, medication.Consult a doctor in front of another medicine if the combination of negative side effects causes you.

  2. Calcium channel blocker(Calcium antagonists) prevent calcium in the cells of the muscle tissue of cardiac and blood vessels.This leads to the expansion of their arteries (large blood vessels) and to a decrease in blood pressure.

    The use of grapefruit juice when taking certain types of calcium channel blockers can increase the risk of side effects.You can discuss this problem with your doctor in more detail.

  3. Diuretics(Diuretics) act out of the body due to the excretion of excess liquid and salt.

  4. Beta blocker (beta blocker)They reduce the frequency and strength of the heart contractions, which reduces blood pressure.So far, beta blockers have been a popular drug for high pressure, but at the moment they are usually only used if other funds do not have the required effect.This is due to the fact that beta-blockers are considered less effective than other types of medicinal products in order to obtain increased pressure.

    Beta blockers can also influence the effect of other medicines and cause side effects.Contact your doctor before taking other medication 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:B. an increase in blood pressure or an attack on angina pectorator.

  5. Alpha blocker (alpha blocker)Usually you are not recommended as a medication for the first choice to reduce high blood pressure, unless other medication does not have the right effect.Alpha blockers work by relaxing their blood vessels and making blood flow much easier in them.

    The frequent side effects of alpha blockers include:

    • Pottery in the first administration of the drug ("first dose effect");
    • Dizziness;
    • Headache;
    • Swelling of the ankles;
    • Fatigue.

Complications of high blood pressure

Increased blood pressure exerts additional stress on heart and blood vessels.If no high blood pressure is treated, after a certain time, the risk of developing heart attack, stroke and kidney disease takes.

Cardiovascular diseases for high blood pressure

Hypertension can cause many different diseases of the heart and blood vessels and vessels of the heart (cardiovascular diseases), including:

  • Stroke;
  • Myocardial infarction;
  • Embolism: It occurs when a blood clot or an air bubble blocks a blood flow in a vessel;
  • Aneurysm: It develops when the wall of the blood vessel extends and can burst at any time, which leads to inner bleeding.

Kidney diseases and increased pressure

Hyperture can also be damaged by small blood vessels in the kidneys and their function affects.This complication can cause symptoms, such as:

  • Fatigue;
  • Edema of ankles, feet or hands (due to the water delay of the body);
  • Dyspnea;
  • the presence of blood in the urine;
  • frequent urination, especially at night;
  • Skin itchy.

Kidney diseases are treated with drugs and food additives.Serious cases require dialysis (the treatment process in which blood is artificially cleaned from toxic metabolism products in the body) or a kidney transplant.

Prevention of increased pressure

The development of high blood pressure can be prevented by a healthy diet, maintaining normal weight, carrying out regular physical exercises, restrictions on alcohol consumption and the rejection of smoking.

Smoking itself does not cause high blood pressure, but significantly increases the risks of myocardial infarction and stroke.Smoking, like high blood pressure, leads to a narrowing of the arteries.If you smoke in the presence of high blood pressure, your arteries will limit yourself faster and the risks of the development of cardiac and lung diseases in your future will increase significantly.

Power supply at high pressure

Reduce the amount of salt in your diet, eat a lot of fruit and vegetables.Salt increases the pressure.The more salt you consume, the higher your pressure.Try eating less than 6 g of salt a day, which corresponds to about a teaspoon.

As proven, the use of food with low -fat and a high fiber content (e.g. wholemeal rice, bread and pasta) and a large amount of fruit and vegetables reduce blood pressure.Fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers that support their bodies in a healthy state.Try to eat five portions of 80 g fruit and vegetables every day.

Regular drinking alcohol lies above the permissible standards over time leads to an increase in blood pressure.It is not recommended that men regularly use more than 2-4 portions of alcohol per day and women than 2-3.Regular use is meant every day or in most days of the week.1 part of alcohol corresponds approximately to a glass of vodka, half a glass of wine or half a cup of beer.

Since alcohol is very caloric, its regular use leads to weight gain and accordingly to increase their blood pressure.

If you drink more than four cups of coffee a day, this can lead to an increase in pressure.If you are a large fan of coffee, tea or other caffeine drinks (such as Coca-Cola and some energy drinks), you should reduce the possibility of consumption.It is very good if you drink tea and coffee as part of a balanced diet, but it is important that such drinks are not your only fluid source.

Weight and physical exercises for high blood pressure

Excessive weight forces the heart to work more intensely to pump blood through the entire body, which usually leads to an increase in blood pressure.If you really have to lose overweight, it is important to remember that the loss of even two or three kilograms of weight leads to a significant change in the measured values of your blood pressure and to improve your health in general.

An active lifestyle and regular movement lead to a reduction in blood pressure by maintaining heart and blood vessels in good condition.Regular exercise also helps you lose weight, which also helps you to reduce blood pressure.

An adult should be spent at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) every week for moderate exercises with open air intensity such as cycling or quick walking.When executing exercises, you should concentrate on the fact that you feel warmed up and get out of breath easily.In order to achieve this state, it can turn out that a full person in the hill is something enough to reach this condition.Physical activity can include a variety of exercises, go from sports to and work in the garden.

Relaxation exercises can reduce blood pressure.This includes:

  • Stress management (autogenic training), meditation or yoga.
  • Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, which focuses on how your thoughts and beliefs can influence your well -being and the ability to deal with problems.You can discuss with your doctor about the opportunity to undergo such psychotherapy.
  • Biological feedback (the method of self -regulation with which you help with the conscious regulation of blood pressure): With a small monitor you will demonstrate your heartbeat or blood pressure in real time.A transfer for biological feedback can be carried out by your doctor.

Which doctor who should be contacted with high blood pressure?

If you have an increased pressure, you will find a good therapist who can understand the causes of the disease and prescribe treatment.If you have heart problems or are chronic cardiovascular diseases, choose a cardiologist.