High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Causes, Symptoms and Products
What is hypertension?
A pathology of the cardiovascular system characterized by high blood pressure is called hypertension. This disease is treated by cardiologists, therapists, neurologists and nephrologists. Hypertension is a pathology accompanied by a persistent increase in blood pressure above 130/90. It entails changes in the functioning of internal organs, as well as disruption of a person’s well-being. This disease is progressive. Without proper treatment, chronic hypertension can be complicated by diseases of the heart, kidneys, brain and other organs.
What are the causes of hypertension?
Hypertension is one of the most common disorders of the cardiovascular system. This can be an independent pathology or a consequence of diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands and other organs. Hypertension is most often diagnosed in men and women over 65 years of age.
The main reason is a decrease in the lumen of small vessels, impeding blood flow. The pressure on the walls of blood vessels increases, and blood pressure increases, because the heart muscle needs more effort to push blood through the bloodstream.
Cardiologists distinguish between primary (essential) hypertension, which is detected in most cases, and secondary hypertension, which occurs as a complication of other diseases. Doctors include obesity, chronic stress, unfavorable heredity, atherosclerosis, bad habits and poor diet as risk factors for developing the disease. Increased blood pressure can occur due to vasoconstriction, dysregulation of the cardiovascular system, hormonal changes and other factors.
Other reasons:
- Diseases of the kidneys and adrenal glands. The functions of these organs play an important role in regulating the cardiovascular system. Secondary hypertension can develop against the background of chronic pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, adrenal tumor and other pathologies;
- Thyroid diseases. This organ secretes hormones necessary to regulate the functioning of the body;
- Metabolic and blood diseases, such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis;
- Chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases;
- Hereditary factors causing dysfunction of the cardiovascular system;
- Pathologies of the female reproductive system, complicated by hormonal imbalance.
- Determining the cause of secondary hypertension is very important for treatment.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Manifestations of hypertension depend on the degree of increase in blood pressure and the cause of the pathology. Changes in blood pressure can negatively affect any organs, but patients primarily experience disorders of the nervous system and kidneys. In some patients, increased pressure may occur occasionally, and the rest of the time the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
| Dizziness and headaches; | Tinnitus and audible heartbeat; | Swelling of the hands and face; |
| Facial redness; | Insomnia and fatigue; | Increased sweating; |
| Loss of appetite and nausea; | Foggy vision; | Shortness of breath at rest and during light physical activity. |
| Sensation of pulsation in different parts of the body, such as the back of the head and temples; | Compressive pain in the chest; |
How to treat hypertension?
When prescribing treatment, the cardiologist focuses on the diagnostic results and the patient’s condition. An individual treatment regimen is prescribed, aimed at normalizing the activity of the cardiovascular system, eliminating the symptoms of hypertension and preventing dangerous complications. In addition to drug therapy, the cardiologist must prescribe a diet necessary to improve the functioning of blood vessels and kidneys.
Prescription of thiazide diuretics. These are diuretics that stimulate the kidneys to remove more fluid from the body. The doctor prescribes these drugs to eliminate swelling and normalize blood pressure:
- It treats fluid retention in the body. Recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure, liver and kidney failures.
- The active component is Spironolactone. recommended for the management of nephrotic syndrome, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, and fluid retention in the cases of heart failure.
- Lozol (indapamide). A diuretic that can be used in combination with other blood pressure pills. It’s taken once a day, with different dosages depending on the cause of fluid stagnation.
- Lasix, or any other Furosemide generics, is used by patients with strong and often swelling.
Prescription of ACE inhibitors. These drugs are used to suppress vasoconstrictors and reduce blood pressure. In addition, these drugs are prescribed to treat the underlying cause of hypertension associated with kidney disease:
- Long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, that has Lisinopril as a main active component. These pills are used to lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels and making the blood flow easier.
- Generic Zestoretic — is a combination of ACE inhibitor and diuretic. it has a combined effect on the body and quickly relieves the symptoms of hypertension.
- Tritace, the active metabolite of ramipril, is a long-acting ACE inhibitor. It reduces the body’s production of substances that increase blood pressure.
Use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The cardiologist prescribes these drugs to suppress the activity of factors that constrict blood vessels. The most popular medicines are:
- Generic Cozaar (Losartan) This drug is used to reduce the chance of stroke in people with high blood pressure and a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy;
- Generic Vasotec (Enalapril) has a dilating effect on arteries and, to a lesser extent, veins. Rerduses blood pressure;
- Generic Altace (Ramipril), Generic Tritace (Ramipril). In patients with arterial hypertension, ramipril slows down the development and progression of myocardial and vascular wall hypertrophy;
- Generic Aceon (Perindopril). Perindopril reduces total peripheral vascular resistance, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure.
Use of calcium channel blockers. These medications relax the muscles of the vascular walls and reduce the heart rate, thereby reducing blood pressure, prescribed to treat ischemic heart disease and angina.
- Generic Norvasc (Amlodipine);
- Generic Calan (Verapamil);
- Generic Verapamil (Arpamyl);
- Generic Adalat (Nifedipine);
- Generic Cardizem (Diltiazem);
- Generic Verampil (Verapamil HCl).
Use of alpha and beta blockers. If necessary, the cardiologist prescribes drugs from these groups to reduce heart rate, ease the load on the heart and dilate blood vessels. For example, Generic Trandat (Labetalol) is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is classified as an adrenergic receptor blocker and works by blocking alpha and beta receptors, lowering blood pressure.
Use of aldosterone antagonists. The main effect of these medications is to improve kidney function, manifested in increased secretion of fluid and salt. Thanks to this effect, a decrease in blood pressure is achieved.
Prescribing additional drug therapy, including renin inhibitors, lipid-lowering drugs, sedatives and vasodilators.
How to prevent hypertension?
There are primary and secondary methods for preventing the disease.
Primary prevention is necessary for healthy people who are predisposed to pathology. It’s necessary to go in for sports, fitness, do morning exercises, swim. It is important to maintain moderate or light loads. A person also needs to give up bad habits, limit the consumption of salt, carbohydrates and animal fats. The diet should be enriched with calcium and potassium (dairy products, nuts, dried fruits, etc.). Also, timely treatment of kidney diseases and endocrine organs is important. Try to eliminate stressful conditions. Stress is a trigger factor for many diseases. During it, the sympathetic system is activated. Stress hormones (adrenaline and norepinephrine) are released into the blood in large quantities, which causes vasospasm.
Secondary prevention is carried out in patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension. It includes monitoring blood pressure, regular visits to the doctor and non-drug therapy. It is recommended to conduct acupuncture sessions, massage, and take herbal remedies and antioxidants.
Disclaimer: The information presented on the page should not be used for self-medication or self-diagnosis. If you suspect the presence of a disease, you must seek help from a qualified specialist. Only your attending physician can diagnose and prescribe treatment.