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 persistent increase in blood pressure. A temporary increase in blood pressure is seen in people 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 include headache, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpable 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 time of contraction of the heart, an increase in pressure occurs (systolic indicator), and at the time of relaxation of the organ, a decrease in blood pressure occurs (diastolic indicator). Hypertension is one of the most common disorders of the cardiovascular system. It 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.
Symptoms of hypertension
The 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 organ, but patients mainly experience disorders of the nervous system and kidneys. In people suffering from hypertension, an increase in pressure may occasionally occur, and the rest of the time the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Symptoms and signs:
- Dizziness and headaches;
- Pulsating sensation in different parts of the body, such as the back of the neck and temples;
- Feeling of "fog in the head", decreased visual acuity;
- Tinnitus and audible heartbeats;
- Insomnia and fatigue;
- Loss of appetite and nausea;
- Compressive pain in the chest;
- Shortness of breath at rest and during light physical activity;
- Increased sweating;
- Facial redness;
- Swelling of hands and face.
Other symptoms depend on the causes and complications of hypertension. These may be symptoms of brain dysfunction, visual impairment, or pathology of another organ.
Causes of hypertension
Cardiologists distinguish between primary (essential) hypertension, which is detected in most cases, and secondary hypertension, which arises as a complication of other diseases. Doctors consider obesity, chronic stress, unfavorable heredity, atherosclerosis, bad habits and poor diet as risk factors for developing the disease. An increase in blood pressure may 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 tumors 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.
Get a consultation
If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will avoid negative consequences for your health.
Why choose a professional clinic?
- Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines.
- Comprehensive evaluation of the nature of the disease and prognosis of treatment.
- Modern diagnostic equipment and own laboratory.
- High level of service and balanced pricing policy.
Diagnosis of hypertension in a modern clinic.
If symptoms of hypertension appear, it is advisable to make an appointment with a cardiologist. The clinic doctor asks the patient about his complaints and studies the anamnestic data in detail to identify risk factors for the disease. Then a primary examination is performed, which includes a general examination, listening (auscultation) of the heart and measurement of blood pressure with a tonometer. The cardiologist confirms the presence of pathology by anamnesis, external signs, and also by repeated detection of a systolic pressure greater than 150 mm. rt. Art. and diastolic pressure greater than 95 mm. rt. Art. After this, the doctor prescribes additional studies to determine the cause and form of the disease.
Diagnostic methods used:
- Dynamic measurement of blood pressure, which makes it possible to exclude situational (natural) hypertension. The doctor takes blood pressure measurements in a quiet environment. Before this test, it is necessary to refrain from physical activity, smoking, drinking 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 greater comfort, the patient can remain lying or standing. The study is carried out at intervals of 2 to 5 minutes to obtain various indicators and determine the average level of 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 antecubital fossa with an antiseptic, squeezes the arm in the shoulder area with a tourniquet and draws blood with a syringe. In the laboratory, specialists determine the levels of lipids, creatinine, hormones, glucose and potassium in a blood sample. The proportion and number of blood cells are also determined;
- Urine analysis. The doctor explains to the patient how and at what time it is necessary to fill a sterile container with urine. Urine tests in the laboratory allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of renal filtration and identify inflammatory diseases of the excretory system;
- Electrocardiography is a study of the electrical activity of the heart, which makes it possible to detect the causes and signs of the disease. During the procedure, the doctor asks the patient to lie on his back and places sensors (electrodes) on different parts of the body. The cardiogram is then collected and deciphered;
- Ultrasound examination of the heart is the safest method of examining the heart and makes it possible to detect pathological changes in the organ, such as thickening of the walls of the left ventricle. The doctor asks the patient to lie on his back and presses the transducer against the skin to obtain an image of the heart on the monitor.
The modern professional clinic has a laboratory that allows doctors to conduct modern research and quickly obtain reliable diagnostic results. If necessary, the cardiologist prescribes the patient a study of the brain, kidneys and other organs affected by high blood pressure.
Hypertension treatment
When prescribing treatment, the clinic's cardiologist focuses on the results of the diagnosis 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 specialist professionals helps to significantly improve the quality of life.
Treatment methods for hypertension:
- Prescription of thiazide diuretics. These are diuretics that stimulate the kidneys to remove more fluid from the body. The doctor prescribes these medications to eliminate swelling and normalize blood pressure;
- Prescription of ACE inhibitors. These medications are used to suppress vasoconstrictors and reduce blood pressure. Additionally, these medications are prescribed to treat the underlying cause of hypertension associated with kidney disease;
- Use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The cardiologist prescribes these medications to suppress the activity of factors that constrict blood vessels;
- Use of calcium channel blockers. These medications relax the muscles of the vascular walls and reduce the heart rate, thereby lowering blood pressure;
- Use of alpha and beta blockers. If necessary, the cardiologist prescribes drugs from these groups to reduce the heart rate, relieve the load on the heart and dilate blood vessels;
- Use of aldosterone antagonists. The main effect of these medications is to improve kidney function, which is manifested in increased secretion of fluid and salt. Thanks to this effect, a decrease in blood pressure is achieved;
- Prescription of 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 periodically prescribes instrumental and laboratory examinations. Endocrinologists, nutritionists and other doctors, if necessary, prescribe additional methods of treating hypertension.
Prevention of hypertension
The development of dangerous cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through lifestyle changes and other preventive measures.
Prevention methods:
- Improve your diet, including avoiding fatty, overly salty and fried foods;
- Give up alcohol and cigarettes;
- Reduce body weight and engage in 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 regimen and undergo screening for risk factors for hypertension.