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 or essential hypertension is a sustained increase in blood pressure. In humans, a temporary increase in blood pressure is observed during exercise, stress, and other conditions to which the cardiovascular system adapts. A person suffering from hypertension experiences a constant increase in blood pressure. Doctors call headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain and noticeable pulsations in the temples as characteristic symptoms of the pathology. Without treatment, chronic hypertension can be complicated by diseases of the heart, kidneys, brain and other organs.
This disease is treated by: a cardiologist and therapist
Blood pressure is caused by the movement of blood through the vessels. At the moment of contraction of the heart there is an increase in pressure (systolic indicator), and at the moment of relaxation of the organ there is a decrease in blood pressure (diastolic indicator). High blood pressure is one of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system. This can be an independent pathology or a consequence of diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands and other organs. High blood pressure is most commonly diagnosed in men and women over 65 years of age.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
The manifestations of hypertension depend on the degree of increase in blood pressure and the cause of the pathology. Changes in blood pressure can have a negative impact on all organs, but patients primarily experience disorders of the nervous system and kidneys. People with high blood pressure may occasionally experience increased pressure, but the rest of the time the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Symptoms and Signs:
- dizziness and headaches;
- Sensation of pulsation in different parts of the body, e. g. B. on the back of the head and temples;
- Feeling of "fog in the head", reduced visual acuity;
- tinnitus and audible heartbeat;
- insomnia and fatigue;
- loss of appetite and nausea;
- tenderness in the chest;
- shortness of breath at rest and during light physical activity;
- Increased sweating;
- facial flushing;
- Swelling of the hands and face.
Other symptoms depend on the causes and complications of high blood pressure. These can be symptoms of brain dysfunction, visual impairment or pathology of another organ.
Causes of high blood pressure
Cardiologists distinguish between primary (essential) hypertension, which is recognized in most cases, and secondary hypertension, which occurs as a complication of other diseases. Doctors include obesity, chronic stress, adverse heredity, atherosclerosis, bad habits and poor diet as risk factors for the development of 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 that are necessary to regulate body functions.
- metabolic and blood diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis;
- 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.
Get advice
If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely advice prevents negative consequences for your health.
Why choose a professional clinic?
- Treatment is carried out according to clinical guidelines
- Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and treatment prognosis
- Modern diagnostic equipment and our own laboratory
- High level of service and balanced pricing policy
Diagnosis of high blood pressure in a modern clinic
If symptoms of hypertension occur, you should make an appointment with a cardiologist. The clinician asks the patient about complaints and examines the anamnestic data in detail to identify risk factors for the disease. An initial examination is then carried out, which includes a general examination, listening (auscultation) of the heart and measuring blood pressure with a tonometer. The cardiologist confirms the presence of pathology based on the anamnesis, external signs, and also by repeated detection of systolic pressure above 150 mm. HgArt. and diastolic pressure over 95 mm. HgArt. After that, the doctor prescribes additional studies to determine the cause and form of the disease.
Diagnostic methods used:
- Dynamic blood pressure measurement that enables the exclusion of situational (natural) hypertension. The doctor takes blood pressure measurements in a calm atmosphere. Before this test, you must avoid physical activity, smoking, alcohol and taking certain medications. The cardiologist measures the pressure in both arms by placing a tonometer cuff 2. 5 cm above the elbow. For convenience, the patient can take a lying or standing position. The study is carried out at intervals of 2 to 5 minutes to obtain several indicators and determine the average blood pressure;
- General and biochemical blood test. The cardiologist refers the patient for this study to detect hypertension factors. In the treatment room, the nurse treats the patient's elbow with an antiseptic, presses the arm in the shoulder area with a tourniquet and takes blood with a syringe. In the laboratory, specialists determine the levels of lipids, creatinine, hormones, glucose and potassium in a blood sample. The ratio and quantity of blood cells are also determined;
- Urinalysis. The doctor explains to the patient how and when to fill a sterile container with urine. Urine tests in the laboratory allow you to assess the effectiveness of renal filtration and detect inflammatory diseases of the excretory system;
- Electrocardiography is a study of the electrical activity of the heart, which makes it possible to identify the causes and signs of the disease. During the procedure, the doctor asks the patient to lie on his back and attaches sensors (electrodes) to different parts of the body. Then the cardiogram is collected and decoded;
- Cardiac ultrasound is the safest method of examining the heart and allows detecting pathological changes in the organ, such as: B. a thickening of the walls of the left ventricle. The doctor asks the patient to lie on their back and presses the transducer against the skin to get an image of the heart on the monitor.
The professional, modern clinic has a laboratory that allows doctors to conduct modern research and quickly obtain reliable diagnostic results. If necessary, the cardiologist prescribes the patient an examination of the brain, kidneys and other organs affected by hypertension.
Treatment of high blood pressure
When prescribing treatment, the clinic's cardiologist is guided by 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. Compliance with the prescriptions of specialists contributes to a significant improvement in the quality of life.
Treatment methods for high blood pressure:
- 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;
- Prescription of ACE inhibitors. These drugs are used to suppress vasoconstrictors and lower blood pressure. In addition, these medications are prescribed to treat the underlying cause of high blood pressure related to kidney disease;
- Use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The cardiologist prescribes these drugs to suppress the activity of factors that narrow blood vessels;
- Use of calcium channel blockers. These drugs relax the muscles of the vessel walls and lower the heart rate, thereby reducing blood pressure.
- Use of alpha and beta blockers. If necessary, the cardiologist prescribes drugs from these groups to reduce heart rate, unload the heart and expand blood vessels;
- Use of aldosterone antagonists. The main effect of these drugs is to improve kidney function, which is manifested by increased fluid and salt secretion. Thanks to this effect, a reduction in blood pressure is achieved;
- Prescribing additional drug therapy, including renin inhibitors, lipid-lowering agents, sedatives and vasodilators.
When prescribing an individual treatment regimen, the clinic's cardiologist takes into account modern standards for the treatment of hypertension. To monitor treatment, the doctor regularly prescribes laboratory and instrumental studies. Endocrinologists, nutritionists and other doctors prescribe additional methods of treating high blood pressure if necessary.
Prevention of high blood pressure
By changing your lifestyle and taking other preventative measures, you can prevent the development of dangerous cardiovascular diseases.
Prevention methods:
- Improving your diet, including avoiding fatty, overly salty and fried foods;
- Quit alcohol and cigarettes;
- Reducing body weight and regular physical activity;
- Timely treatment of diseases of the kidneys and endocrine organs.
A consultation with a cardiologist will help you choose an individual prevention plan and conduct examinations to identify risk factors for high blood pressure.