Hypertension is an insidious disease that is important to recognize in time

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.

Causes of hypertension

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.

The following risk factors for developing the disease are identified:

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

Causes of the disease

Arterial hypertension is a disorder of the cardiovascular system, characterized by an increase in systolic blood pressure (the first digit on the tonometer) above 140 mm Hg.
Art. and/or diastolic (second digit) – above 90 mm Hg. Art. It can occur as an independent disease or result from another pathology. The most common is hypertension or essential hypertension, which develops independently, without obvious reasons. It occurs in 90% of patients with high blood pressure.1

Secondary or symptomatic hypertension is directly related to other diseases or factors that can be controlled.1 This form of the disease is usually suspected in young people under 30 years of age with high blood pressure.

The main causes of secondary arterial hypertension are2:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
• Kidney diseases.
• Neoplasms of the adrenal glands – pheochromocytoma.
• Pathologies of the thyroid gland: thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism.
• Congenital abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels, including coarctation of the aorta.
• Primary hyperaldosteronism.
• Itsenko-Cushing syndrome.
• Side effects of medications such as: oral contraceptives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiviral drugs.

Risk factors

There are a number of factors that increase the likelihood of developing hypertension. The most significant include:

• Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases with age, mainly after age 65.
• Hereditary tendency to arterial hypertension.
• Overweight.
• Physical inactivity, lack of physical activity.
• Smoking, including passive smoking.
• Excess salt and potassium-containing foods in the diet.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Chronic stress, frequent emotional stress and lack of sleep.
• Pregnancy.
• Early menopause.
• Heart rate exceeding 80 beats/min at rest.

What are the different degrees of hypertension?

Normal blood pressure is considered to be between 110/70 and 130/85 mm Hg. Art., which on average is the well-known 120/80 mm Hg. Art. With arterial hypertension, there is an increase in systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg. Art. and/or diastolic above 90 mm Hg. Art.

The degrees of hypertension are determined depending on the systolic (SBP) and/or diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Degrees of hypertension in adults. Source: MedPortal, photo by cottonbro: Pexels

As a rule, at the first stage of development of hypertension, serious structural changes in the internal organs and structures of the body do not yet occur.

If hypertension continues to develop, over time, excessive blood pressure on the walls of the arteries will negatively affect both the blood vessels themselves and the target organs: the brain, retina, heart. The higher the pressure and the longer it remains uncontrolled, the greater the potential threat of decreased visual acuity, deterioration of cognitive abilities, heart pain, etc.

The most significant complications of arterial hypertension are:

• Myocardial infarction.
• Heart failure.
• Loss of visual acuity and blindness.
• Stroke.
• Dementia.

Hypertensive crisis is a complication of arterial hypertension in which blood pressure suddenly rises to 180/120 mmHg. Art. and more. In this case, direct damage to target organs occurs. This condition requires emergency medical care in a hospital setting.

Risks of hypertension

Stage 1 hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure reaches 140-159 mmHg. Art., while diastolic is in the range of 90-94 mm Hg. st (respectively, 18.7-21.2 and 12.0-12.5 kPa). There is also an indicator that reflects the outcome of the disease and possible complications. This is a risk that comes in four degrees.

Risk 1 for stage 1 hypertension is diagnosed if there is a 15% chance of complications occurring in the patient’s blood vessels and heart in the next 10 years from the date of diagnosis. Risk 2 is said if the probability reaches twenty percent, risk 3 - 30%. If the probability of cardiovascular complications of stage 1 hypertension is more than 30%, this indicates a fourth risk.

The percentage of risk described above depends not only on the numbers that the tonometer shows. They also take into account the presence of concomitant diseases (often those that occur in a chronic form), the condition of the heart and blood vessels in each specific case. Hereditary factors also play a role, as do diseases of the genitourinary system. Only these factors together make it possible to assess the risks of mild hypertension.

Differences between degrees and stages of hypertension

In clinical practice, several classifications of arterial hypertension are used simultaneously. Of key importance is the division of this pathology into degrees and stages of development.1

If the degree is determined depending on the pressure indicators, then the stage of the disease depends on the severity of target organ damage and the presence of clinical conditions associated with high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. There are 3 stages of arterial hypertension:

• Stage I: There is no end organ damage or associated clinical conditions, but there are associated risk factors. In addition to those previously mentioned, this also includes a number of laboratory indicators: lipid and blood sugar levels, uric acid and others.
• Stage II. There is asymptomatic target organ damage, determined by the results of additional examination and/or stage 3 chronic kidney disease and/or concomitant uncomplicated diabetes mellitus.
• Stage III. The presence of manifesting target organ damage and clinical conditions associated with hypertension, stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease or complicated diabetes mellitus.

Symptoms of stage 1 hypertension

Clinical manifestations of stage 1 hypertension often go unnoticed or are completely absent, since the body’s compensatory capabilities neutralize a slight increase in blood pressure.3 Because of this, the disease is often called the “silent killer.”

If high blood pressure levels persist for a long time, nonspecific symptoms may appear, including:

• Throbbing or pressing headache with the epicenter in the occipital region.
• Tinnitus and dizziness.
• Flashing "flies" before the eyes.
• Increased and rapid heartbeat.
• Nosebleeds.
• Poor exercise tolerance and shortness of breath.
• Swelling of the lower extremities, numbness in the legs.

What symptoms may indicate hypertension?

As a rule, the disease is asymptomatic for a long time. In some cases, increased pressure is accompanied by:

• frequent heart rate;
• headaches, dizziness;
• weakness, fatigue;
• redness of the facial skin;
• increased sweating;
• blurred vision, ringing in the ears.

However, such symptoms are not specific to hypertension and may be signs of other diseases or fatigue. Therefore, pathology can be detected at an early stage only by regularly measuring blood pressure.

When should you see a doctor?

In most cases, arterial hypertension is detected during a routine examination or seeking medical help for another disease or condition. Therefore, if there are risk factors, regular visits to your family doctor or primary care physician are recommended.

An unscheduled consultation or call to emergency medical services is required in the following situations:

• Decreased effectiveness of medications taken – situations where previously effective antihypertensive drugs no longer work.
• Increased blood pressure during treatment.
• The appearance of side effects from drug therapy.
• Deterioration of general condition while maintaining current blood pressure numbers.
• A sharp increase in blood pressure to more than 180/120 mmHg. Art., that is, the development of a hypertensive crisis.
• A sudden decrease in systolic or diastolic blood pressure of 30 mm Hg. Art. and more.

Prevention measures

Measures to prevent hypertension include:

• regular physical activity;
• giving up alcohol and smoking;
• balanced diet.
• dosed consumption of table salt (no more than 5 g per day).

Also, do not forget to regularly measure your blood pressure with a tonometer, which will allow you to notice its increase in time and seek medical help.

Modern diagnostic methods

24-hour blood pressure monitoring can help diagnose hypertension.
Photo: Minaart / Depositphotos The diagnosis is often made based on blood pressure readings obtained from tonometry and patient interview data.

In order to identify potential causes, as well as to assess risks to human health and select the most appropriate treatment regimen, a number of laboratory and instrumental studies are additionally carried out.

The examination program for a patient with arterial hypertension includes:

• Laboratory tests. This includes routine general blood and urine tests, as well as determination of a number of biochemical parameters, including: blood glucose, uric acid, sodium and potassium levels, total cholesterol and high and low density lipoproteins (HDL-C, LDL-C), serum creatinine blood followed by calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR).1
• Instrumental diagnostics. For patients with newly diagnosed arterial hypertension, in order to exclude white coat hypertension (increased pressure as a result of fear or “tremor” in front of the doctor), 24-hour blood pressure monitoring with simultaneous recording of an electrocardiogram (ECG) according to Holter is recommended. Also, if necessary, ECHO-CG, ultrasound diagnostics of the kidneys, duplex scanning of the vessels of the kidneys, head and neck, fundus examination (ophthalmoscopy), computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (CT or MRI) of the brain are performed.1

Diagnostics

To establish a diagnosis of first-degree hypertension, it is necessary to find that blood pressure readings are consistently elevated. Then the doctor assesses the degree of the disease. It must be remembered that hypertension can be either primary or secondary. Secondary means that the disease is a consequence or manifestation of another disease. If this underlying disease is eliminated, then the pressure can most likely stabilize.

When a patient comes to the doctor with the complaints described above, the doctor must measure blood pressure readings on the left and right arms. On one hand the indicators will be higher, on the other lower. At subsequent appointments, pressure is measured on the arm with higher numbers on the tonometer. In some cases, the pressure must be measured on the legs. To be sure of the diagnosis, two or more pressure measurements are taken with an interval of 7 days.

When it is discovered that a person has high blood pressure, a history must be taken. For this, the patient is interviewed, clarifying when he felt that his blood pressure was unstable, in what circumstances this happened, whether anyone in the family was diagnosed with hypertension, etc. The doctor conducts a visual examination and prescribes a general urine test.

The blood test includes the following indicators:

• hematocrit
• hemoglobin
• sugar
• creatinine
• calcium
• potassium

You also need to do a blood test for lipid composition and cholesterol tests. Other diagnostic methods include electrocardiography (ECG) and chest x-ray to determine the condition of the heart. The condition of the fundus is assessed. Ultrasound diagnostics of the abdominal cavity may also be necessary. If during these studies an accurate diagnosis of stage 1 hypertension was made, then further studies are not required.

If studies have shown that there are other diseases that provoke high blood pressure, then diagnosis of these diseases is needed. This may require other studies, which will be prescribed by the doctor individually.

Features of treatment. Conservative therapy

Treatment tactics depend on the results of previous diagnostics and laboratory parameters, as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. However, in the conservative treatment of arterial hypertension of the 1st degree, a key place is occupied by lifestyle correction, which, if necessary, can be supplemented with pharmacotherapy.

Lifestyle changes: tips for patients with hypertension

The first and one of the most important aspects in the treatment of arterial hypertension and the prevention of complications is changing a person’s behavior and habits, aimed at eliminating or minimizing risk factors. Recommendations for patients with hypertension include7:

• Quitting the consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
• Rational, balanced nutrition. In this case, preference should be given to fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish, avoiding foods high in salt and trans fats.
• Normalization of body weight, treatment of obesity.
• Maintaining moderate physical activity, neck exercises, massages.
• Limit your intake of sugar and high carbohydrate foods.
• Avoiding frequent stress.
• Normalization of the daily routine, ensuring adequate sleep.

What foods should you not eat if you have high blood pressure?

Eating certain foods that increase blood pressure can be dangerous if a person already has hypertension. In this case, follow a special diet, excluding or limiting the use of:

• salts, seasonings and food additives containing sodium;
• strong tea, coffee containing caffeine;
• fatty, fried, spicy foods;
• pickles and canned foods;
• smoked meats;
• baked goods, sweets;
• fast food;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• frozen semi-finished products: pizza, dumplings (may contain a lot of sugar, sodium, saturated fat to preserve taste);
• alcohol.

One of the tools for monitoring your condition is the so-called pressure diaries. They should record your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings every day, adding comments regarding your well-being if necessary.

Also, do not miss follow-up visits to the doctor. In this way, the doctor will be able to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment prescribed and, if necessary, make adjustments or replace insufficiently effective medications.

How to measure blood pressure using a mechanical tonometer

In order to measure pressure with a mechanical tonometer (video 1), you need:

• sit in a comfortable position and relax, while your arm should be bent at the elbow joint and lie on a flat surface,
• remove the shoulder part of the arm from clothing and fasten the cuff on it (its lower edge should be 3-4 cm above the elbow bend),
• place a stethoscope (phonendoscope) on the inside of the elbow joint in the place where the pulse can best be felt,
• using a hand pump, start pumping air into the cuff,
• bring the pressure gauge needle to values ​​exceeding the expected pressure by 30-40 mm. rt. Art. (for example, if the patient’s normal blood pressure is 135/90, then you can stop at 170),
• slowly release air from the cuff, waiting for tones to appear - these are the sounds of a heartbeat; their appearance marks the boundary of systolic pressure, and their disappearance marks the boundary of diastolic pressure. Simply put, if tones appeared at number 150 and disappeared at number 100, then the result is 150/100).

Video 1. How to correctly measure pressure with a mechanical tonometer.

Drug treatment

Drug therapy is usually prescribed if lifestyle changes have not normalized blood pressure within 3 months.1 Depending on the presence of structural changes in target organs and the risk of complications, one or more drugs may be used. The main means are:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors): captopril, ramipril. They help relax blood vessels, blocking the formation of ACE, a chemical that constricts them.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers: valsartan, losartan. These medications relax the blood vessels, blocking the action rather than the formation of ACE.
• Calcium channel blockers: verapamil, nifedipine. They relax blood vessels and can also slow down the heart rate. Often prescribed to elderly people.
• Diuretics. There are different classes of diuretics, including thiazide (hydrochlorothiazide), loop (furosemide), and potassium-sparing (triamterene).
• β-blockers: atenolol, bisoprolol. They reduce the strength and frequency of heart contractions, also dilating blood vessels.

Additional agents that can be used as adjuvant therapy in certain situations2:

• α‎-blockers: doxazosin, prazosin. Suppress nerve signals traveling to blood vessels, reducing the effect of natural chemicals that narrow them.
• Aldosterone antagonists: spironolactone, eplerenone. They block the action of aldosterone, which is responsible for maintaining salt and fluid in the body and can contribute to increased blood pressure.
• Vasodilators: hydralazine and minoxidil. They act directly on the muscles of the artery walls, preventing their contraction.
• Renin inhibitors: aliskiren. They slow down the production of renin, a kidney enzyme that triggers a chain of chemical reactions that increases blood pressure.

Important! When using drug treatment, you should clearly know the areas of application of a particular drug recommended by your doctor. Some medications should be taken regularly, regardless of blood pressure readings and even in situations where the numbers are within the normal range. Other medications are used only when necessary, for example, when there is a sudden increase in blood pressure and a deterioration in general condition. It is better to always have such drugs with you.

What to do during a hypertensive crisis?

Vivid symptoms of hypertension usually occur with a sharp rise in blood pressure - the development of a hypertensive crisis. When the pressure rises above 220/120 mmHg. Art. and/or the appearance of symptoms of a complicated crisis (severe weakness, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, acute headache, heart pain, impaired speech or consciousness, limitation of movements in the limbs), it is necessary to urgently call emergency help.

Emergency actions in this situation boil down to ventilating the room, maintaining bed rest, maintaining a calm environment, and taking antihypertensive drugs (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. First aid for hypertensive crisis. Source: MedPortal

Treatment of hypertension

The method of treatment depends on the degree of development of the disease. In the first preclinical stage, normal blood pressure levels can be maintained without the use of medications. The patient needs to balance their diet, give up bad habits, lead an active lifestyle and normalize their sleep and work patterns.

When treating stage 2 hypertension, the doctor prescribes a medication for long-term use and with a minimum number of contraindications, combined with moderate activity and giving up bad habits. The drug is prescribed by a cardiologist after examining the patient. The drugs must be taken continuously as this can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Therapy of stage 3 hypertension is carried out with the help of 1-2 drugs from different drug groups in combination with an active lifestyle and stabilization of nutrition and sleep patterns.

• diuretics with a diuretic effect are prescribed for salt and water retention in the body;
• to normalize blood circulation - ACE inhibitors;
• calcium antagonists - to reduce the oxygen demand of the heart muscle;
• beta blockers for atrial fibrillation or other concomitant pathologies.

Therefore, when determining therapeutic therapy, the doctor must know the patient’s entire medical history, take into account contraindications, lifestyle and physical characteristics (body weight, height).

Hypertension is treated in Krasnoyarsk at the medical level. We have experienced cardiologists who will conduct a complete examination and examination, friendly medical staff and high-quality equipment. To make an appointment with a specialist or find out more detailed information, leave a request on the website or by calling the clinic 201-03-03.

Folk remedies against hypertension

Ginger tea is beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
Photo: jcomp - ru.freepik.com In addition to drug therapy, traditional methods of treatment can be effective adjuncts. They include a variety of tinctures and decoctions from various plants, roots, leaves or berries. The following have a proven antihypertensive effect:

• Ginger tea.
• Ginseng infusions and teas.
• Foot compresses with apple cider vinegar.
• Decoctions with sunflower seeds.
• Pomegranate juice.
• Dark chocolate (containing at least 60-70% cocoa, in moderation) and cocoa.
• Celery juice.
• Garlic.
• White mistletoe decoction.
• Dietary supplements or foods that increase nitric oxide or dilate blood vessels (vasodilators), such as: cocoa, coenzyme Q10, L-arginine.
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, high fish oil supplements and flax seeds.

Various procedures can also help reduce high blood pressure, including massage courses for the back and collar area, contrasting water procedures for the feet and hands, etc.5, 6

Important! Traditional medicine cannot be the only method of treatment. Also, many medicinal plants contain biologically active substances that can cause adverse reactions. Therefore, before using them, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Forecast

With arterial hypertension of the 1st degree, as a rule, it is possible to avoid a further increase in blood pressure without the use of pills - by eliminating risk factors and changing a person’s lifestyle.

However, sometimes it is impossible to do without appropriate antihypertensive therapy and drug treatment. Taken together, following simple rules of behavior and regularly taking pills allows you to most effectively control the condition and prevent the development of serious complications such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

Sources

1. Russian Cardiological Society. Clinical guidelines “Arterial hypertension in adults”, 2021.
2. High blood pressure (hypertension). Mayo clinic. 2021.
3. T. V. Ashcheulova, T. N. Ambrosova, V. I. Smirnova. “The main symptoms and syndromes of hypertension and symptomatic arterial hypertension: method. decree. for students” / comp. – Kharkov: KhNMU, 2021. – 32 p.
4. Tabassum N, Ahmad F. Role of natural herbs in the treatment of hypertension. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011;5(9):30-40.
5. Givi M. Durability of effect of massage therapy on blood pressure. Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(5):511-516.
6. Mohebbi Z, Moghadasi M, Homayouni K, Nikou MH. The effect of back massage on blood pressure in the patients with primary hypertension in 2012-2013: a randomized clinical trial. Int J Community Based Nurses Midwifery. 2014;2(4):251-258.
7. Marjorie Hecht "Types and Stages of Hypertension". Healthline. 2019.