How to prevent hypertension. How to reduce blood pressure and prevent hypertension. Forecasts and preventive measures

Oleg Semenov 05/28/2015 1111

Often, persistent high blood pressure occurs not only in the elderly, but also in young people. As a rule, the wrong way of life is to blame for this. However, this is not the only cause of hypertension.

What should be done to avoid this disease, which often leads to more severe chronic diseases? Who should adjust their lifestyle and how to approach this correctly? To all these important questions regarding the prevention of hypertension, I tried to find answers "Lady's Expert".

Who is at risk

Look carefully at this list.

The risk of developing hypertension is usually increased in patients:

• due to hereditary or age factors;
• obesity;
• smoking;
• alcoholism;
• diabetes;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• salt abuse and poor nutrition in general;
• the onset of menopause;
• diseases of the kidneys, hypothalamus, nervous or endocrine systems;
• mental trauma and stress;
• chronic fatigue;
• taking oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs, appetite suppressants, and some other medicines.

If several points coincided at once, then it is quite possible that arterial hypertension has already overtaken you or will develop soon. Just as long as the disease does not manifest itself in any way, or you do not pay any attention to its symptoms.

Most often, the disease overtakes men under 45 years old, after 60 years the number of patients suffering from persistently high blood pressure is equalized by gender. But you can get hypertension at any age. If you are only 30 years old, this does not mean that you are not at risk. Much depends on your attitude to your own health.

Youth does not guarantee absolute health

A decisive role in the occurrence of hypertension in young people often plays a bad heredity. Along with a tendency to high blood pressure, poor quality blood vessels can be transmitted at the gene level. And this is often the cause of arterial hypertension. Stress and high emotional stress also have a great influence. They can cause high blood pressure.

Signs of the development of hypertension

Arterial hypertension develops not in one day, but over the years. The first signs are similar to the usual mild overwork and pass quickly: increased pressure, headache, heart palpitations, chest pain, weakness.

With the development of the disease, there is a deterioration in memory, numbness of the fingers, flashing of small spots before the eyes or larger circles, decreased performance and increased fatigue. The limbs begin to freeze, the head seems heavy, the ears are noisy. Sweating, blurred vision, morning swelling, dizziness, and nausea are not uncommon. The kidneys start to work worse. This may go on for several years. However, these changes are still reversible. At an early stage, hypertension can be successfully treated.

Blood pressure measurement

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor. It will measure your pressure in a state of complete rest after a 5-minute rest and no more than 1 time in 3 minutes. When the doctor at the reception fixes increased rates at least 2 times, this already indicates the presence of the disease. You should get a blood pressure monitor and monitor your condition constantly.

Hypertension, or arterial hypertension, is characterized by a periodic or constant increase in blood pressure. Such a diagnosis is made to patients with a pressure index of 165/95 mm Hg. Art. and above if it is observed at least 3 times within 7-14 days. Arterial pressure can remain and steadily high. However, with good tolerance, this may not affect the patient's condition.

The patient may not even feel that he has high blood pressure.

Norm indicators blood pressure for healthy people is 110/70-120/80 mm Hg. Art. Increased pressure from 140/90 mm Hg. Art. for older people with normal health can be considered the norm. It all depends on the specific case.

If the blood pressure is 110/70-110/60 mm Hg. Art., then it is lowered. 100/60 mmHg Art. is called hypotension. This is the reverse problem of hypertension, in which the pressure is usually in the range of 140/90-180/110 mm Hg. Art. and higher. The stage of the disease also depends on the specific value.

For people of different age groups, there are rules:

• at the age of 16-20 it is 100/70-120/80 mm Hg. Art.;
• 20-40 years - 120/70-130/80 mm Hg. Art.;
• 40-60 years - 140/60-140/90 mm Hg. Art.;
• over 60 years old - up to 150/90 mm Hg. Art.

Physical activity is an excellent prevention of hypertension

In order to maintain health for as long as possible, it is necessary to maintain a certain physical form. The least you can do is to do morning exercises and walk as often as possible. Walking is indicated for patients who, due to some circumstances, cannot run or ride a bicycle. Walking is good because it does not require special equipment and skills. You can walk at any time of the year, speeding up or slowing down. Such exercises are especially useful for the elderly and people suffering from overweight.

Swimming or yoga is suitable for many - here you can choose to your taste.

In addition, exercise is a great way to relieve stress and nervous tension. By tensing your muscles, you learn to relax on an emotional level, no matter how strange it may sound.

Walking with grandchildren on foot is the best prevention of hypertension!

In addition, active classes reduce the level of adrenaline in the human blood. And this contributes to the expansion of blood vessels, and, as a result, a decrease in pressure.

Just do not overdo it: with high blood pressure, it is important that physical activity is not excessive, otherwise it will backfire.

Less salt and fat!

Often, with arterial hypertension, doctors recommend that patients reduce their intake of salt and meat, especially fatty varieties. To prevent hypertension, it is not worth sticking to a low-fat diet and completely stop using sodium chloride. However, if the doctor has recorded a persistently high blood pressure in you, the maximum salt allowed during the day is 3 g.

Sweet and fresh bread for arterial hypertension are also prohibited. Low-fat dairy products, lean boiled beef, eggs, legumes, fruits, greens and vegetables are allowed. Preference should be given to those that contain a large amount of vitamin C: blackcurrant, citrus, green onion, radish.

People with high blood pressure should not eat butter, sour cream, boiled sausages, minced meat products, caviar, offal. Replace them with vegetables and fruits, sea fish, low-fat cottage cheese and kefir.

You also have to forget about tea and coffee. At the same time, give up carbonated drinks with caffeine. Some spices (which add spice to dishes) and alcohol are also prohibited. Instead, drink herbal teas and infusions (such as chamomile tea), they do not excite the nervous system and have a calming effect. Therefore, the pressure is reduced.

All prohibited foods just contribute to an increase in blood pressure. Remember this. And if the doctor has prescribed a diet for you, it must be strictly adhered to, sometimes throughout the rest of your life.

Eliminate stress

When a person experiences emotional stress, is in a state of nervous tension, adrenaline is released into the blood in huge quantities.

A positive attitude and goodwill often help to maintain good health for many years.

The most dangerous condition is stress. In this case, due to the increased content of adrenaline, the blood vessels narrow. Because of this, blood pressure rises.

In addition, the heart suffers, which has to work with an increased load. Remember this and try to be less nervous, especially over trifles. As a last resort, change the hard work. Peace of mind prolongs life.

Try to treat everything calmly, be friendly to people. Try to find a universal remedy that will help you calm down. For some, knitting has a calming effect, for others, walking, for others, only yoga helps.

If you can’t pull yourself together, seek the help of a psychologist: he will help you find an effective sedative or activity.

In the initial stage, hypertension is very effectively treatable. It is important not to start the disease. If you have high blood pressure, do not forget to measure it once a day, stick to a diet, give up bad habits and listen to the recommendations of your doctor.

Can you accurately name your "working" pressure? Most likely no. Only every third person can answer this question. But in vain! If you take the pressure under control in time, you can avoid such an unpleasant disease as hypertension.

Hypertension is a chronic disease characterized by a prolonged and persistent increase in blood pressure caused by a violation of the heart and the regulation of vascular tone and is not associated with diseases of the internal organs. This disease is very common, especially among people over 40 years of age. It occurs on average in 10-20% of the adult population.

How does it all start?

Our blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. It rises during the day and decreases at night, adjusts to changes in atmospheric pressure, increases sharply with excitement and physical exertion. As a result, the body gets so used to its fluctuations that it begins to perceive the alarming symptoms of high blood pressure as normal. A persistent increase in pressure causes changes in the smallest arteries - arterioles. They swell, thicken, the lumen narrows. Now, in order to pass the necessary volume of blood, the heart is forced to work with overloads.

Causes and prevention of hypertension

Illness comes from stress. In a state of anxiety, the adrenal glands release the stress hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine into the bloodstream. They speed up the heart rate, constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.

How to be? Learn to relax, treat any problem with irony. If you feel that you are starting to “boil”, then remember the TOP 3 ways that help relieve stress

5 normal breaths with relaxation of the muscles of the abdomen and chest. Then a slow inhalation and the same slow exhalation. You need to repeat the exercise 4-5 times.

Valerian tincture, any soothing tea or preparations containing extracts of medicinal plants (for example, pure peppermint essential oil or Corvalol tablets, which is convenient to carry thanks to the new release form). They help calm the nervous system and relieve stress.

Stimulation of the upper "fleshy" part of the earlobe, where the lobe gradually passes into the cartilage. Massage is performed clockwise, at a speed of approximately one revolution per second. It is necessary to press so that you feel not pain, but comfort.

The disease is provoked by bad habits. Nicotine increases blood pressure, but also worsens the blood supply to tissues, makes the heart work harder, increases blood viscosity, increasing the risk of blood clots. Alcohol in large quantities also greatly increases the pressure.

ADVICE. Give up cigarettes and limit alcohol consumption - no more than 30 ml per day for men and 20 ml for the fairer sex.

The disease comes to overweight people. Excess kilograms - an additional burden on the heart and blood vessels.

Because: determine if you have a weight problem by calculating your body mass index (BMI). To calculate it, divide your weight (in kg) by the square of your height (in meters). BMI ranges from 18 to 25? Great, keep it up! Scored above 25 - it's time to go on a diet and go in for sports. BMI over 30? This is obesity. To bring the weight back to normal, contact a nutritionist.

Important: Almost 75% of cases of overeating are caused by emotional surges. Anger, tension, anxiety and stress a person often tries to overcome with an additional portion of food. However, such "drugs" do not cope with emotions, but temporarily distract from them. If mood swings begin to affect moral and physical health, you should not seize stress, it is better to give preference to healthy sleep, a warm relaxing soul, the soothing herbal teas mentioned above or preparations containing peppermint oil (for example, Corvalol tablets). These remedies help relieve nervous tension, and also reduce the manifestations of general irritability.

How to treat hypertension?

For the treatment of hypertension, it is enough for some to reconsider their lifestyle and adjust their diet, others will have to add pills. And if the doctor has prescribed you drug therapy, do not stop treatment, even if you feel better. Alas, the pills do not cure hypertension, but only help keep the pressure at a safe level. Refusal of drugs on their own initiative can lead to the so-called rebound syndrome - a sharp jump in blood pressure (in the direction of increase).

Increasingly recently, people are turning to doctors with complaints of headache, dizziness, discomfort in the heart area and other unpleasant symptoms. All these manifestations often become signs of such a dangerous disease as hypertension. The first degree is the initial stage of the pathology, at which it is not too late to take the necessary measures to prevent complications and worsen the course of the disease. In the article, we will consider what arterial hypertension of the 1st degree is, how the disease manifests itself, and also get acquainted with the main methods of treating this disease.

What it is

A frequent increase in blood pressure above normal is called hypertension. In healthy people, the mercury column should not exceed marks above 120/80. In cases where regular deviations are observed, accompanied by characteristic symptoms, hypertension is diagnosed. Its initial stage is called hypertension of the 1st degree. In recent years, the age of pathology has become much younger. If earlier this disease mainly affected people over 35–40 years old, then today the pathology is increasingly common in young people and even children.

Important! A serious danger of hypertension is that very often the disease proceeds without visible symptoms and ends with a stroke or other serious complications. Hypertension is popularly known as the "silent killer".

In medical practice, there are three degrees of the disease:

1. Hypertension I degree - the pressure rises infrequently, has a spasmodic character. At this stage, treatment is simply necessary, since with improper attention, the pathology passes into the following forms.
2. Hypertension II degree - the nature of the increase in pressure is more persistent, the patient's mercury column rarely falls below 190/110, constant drug therapy is required.
3. Hypertension III degree - the last and most dangerous degree. The pressure is high and can reach critical levels. At this stage, the disease often occurs, which is accompanied by a significant deterioration in the patient's condition and serious consequences.

If you start timely treatment of the disease in the early stages, the chances of avoiding the further development of pathology increase significantly.

Symptoms and Causes

The first degree of the disease has certain risks for the patient's health. Let's consider them in more detail:

1. Hypertension 1 degree risk 1. This implies the probability of developing cardiovascular diseases in a patient over the next ten years within 15%.
2. Hypertension 1 degree risk 2. The prognosis of complications is predicted with a probability of 20%.
3. Hypertension 1 degree risk 3. The development of complications is possible with a 30% probability.
4. At a risk level of 4, the probability of severe complications is more than 30%.

These predictions are determined by a specialist. The criteria for determining the degree of risk are pressure indicators, the general condition of the patient, the presence of various diseases, the state of blood vessels and capillaries, and some other indicators.

Symptoms of the disease in the early stages are not manifested by too intense signs. These include:

• increase in blood pressure by 5–10 mm Hg. Art. above the norm;
• headache, which is most often deployed in the back of the head and temporal part of the head;
• the appearance of "flies" in the eyes;
• dizziness;
• depressed emotional state of the patient;
• nausea.

It should be noted that the main cause of the development of hypertension is the narrowing of the lumen of the vessels. As a result of this, the heart is forced to perform an additional load, since it is necessary to push blood through the veins with an effort. As a result, blood pressure rises and the heart rate increases. This happens under the influence of various factors, which include the following:

• age-related changes;
• bad habits (alcohol, drugs);
• emotional stress;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• poor nutrition;
• high blood cholesterol;
• overweight;
• certain thyroid diseases, such as diabetes;
• injury.

Important! Some causes are congenital in nature, such as heredity. Others are acquired - most often it is a wrong way of life and an inattentive attitude towards one's body.

Many patients are wondering: 1st degree? Further in the article we will figure out how to treat the disease with the help of drug therapy and alternative methods.

Features of traditional treatment

Some patients mistakenly believe that treatment is not required at the initial stage of hypertension, since the pressure rises in almost all people under the influence of various causes. This is a fundamentally wrong opinion. It often happens that patients seek medical help already at the severe stages of the disease, when treatment can only be supportive and it is no longer possible to get rid of the disease. That is why it is necessary to start treatment at the first stage. This will help to avoid further development of the disease and its complications. So, let's try to figure out how to treat hypertension of the 1st degree.

Drug treatment involves a steady decrease in pressure indicators and maintaining them within the normal range. For this, the following groups of drugs are used.

1. ACE inhibitors.
2. calcium antagonists.

Let us analyze in more detail which tablets are used in practice.

Diuretics

Diuretics that are able to remove excess fluid from the body and with it sodium ions and other harmful substances. This includes the following drugs:

• Amiloride;
• Furosemide;
• Torasemide.

Most often, these funds are prescribed for uncomplicated hypertension in conjunction with other drugs.

Beta blockers

A group of these drugs is successfully used among hypertensive patients, as it effectively reduces pressure and normalizes heart rate. This includes:

• Sotalol;
• bisoprolol;
• Pindolol.

Often used for ischemia, arrhythmia, tachycardia. However, the use of beta-blockers is prohibited in bronchial asthma, as bronchospasm is a common side effect.

ACE inhibitors

These drugs are often prescribed after a myocardial infarction, as well as in patients with heart failure, and other diseases that accompany hypertension. This group includes such medicines:

• Enalapril;
• Fosinopril;
• Captopril.

calcium antagonists

These drugs are able to regulate the flow of calcium into the blood, reliably reduce blood pressure and improve the general well-being of the patient. The drugs in this group are as follows:

• Tiropamil;
• Manidipin;
• Riodipin.

Important! All medicines have side effects. Prescribe treatment for hypertension should only be a doctor.

Getting rid of pathology with the help of traditional medicine

Proponents of traditional medicine argue that getting rid of high blood pressure with natural products is safer than using chemical drugs. In addition, components for the preparation of most medicines are available and sold on the market and in pharmacies at affordable prices. There are a lot of recipes for reducing pressure. Let's take a look at some of the most popular ones.

Flax seeds

Flax is an amazing plant that can have a healing effect on the human body. The seeds of this plant contain a huge amount of useful and irreplaceable components. Flax contains omega-3 fatty acids valuable for human health. These elements are very important for the body, since they are not synthesized on their own, but only come from food. Such a valuable product of nature as flax seeds has the following effects:

• normalization of lipid metabolism;
• strengthening the walls of blood vessels and capillaries;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• removal of waste and toxins.

Lemon to normalize blood pressure

Many people know about the huge amount of vitamins and useful amino acids contained in lemon fruits. In the treatment of hypertension, the following recipe is used: pass a whole lemon through a meat grinder, use both the pulp and the zest. Then add 2 tbsp. l. powdered sugar. Infuse the product in a dark place, protected from direct sunlight, then store in the refrigerator. Use three times a day for a teaspoon for 20 days.

Rosehip tea

The fruits of this plant also have a beneficial effect on human health. With hypertension, it is recommended to drink tea from its berries. You can use both fresh and dry fruits. To do this, chop them and pour boiling water (1 tablespoon of berries per 1 liter of boiling water). Infuse tea for 20-40 minutes, drink it warm with the addition of sugar or honey.

Important! Before treatment with traditional medicine, it is better to consult a doctor. This will help to avoid side effects and unwanted complications.

Hypertension 1 degree and military service

Many patients are interested in the question: 1 degree? Let's try to answer it.

Hypertension is a rather complex disease that requires timely diagnosis and adequate treatment. In some cases, the features of the pathology are the reason for the prohibition of military service. This is possible in the following cases:

1. The upper (systolic) pressure in a young man ranges from 140–160 mm Hg. Art.
2. Lower pressure () is observed in the region of 90–100 mm Hg. Art.
3. The patient passed all the necessary tests in a hospital.

Pregnancy and high blood pressure

Pregnancy with hypertension of the 1st degree should be under the strict supervision of a doctor, since patients in a position with this diagnosis are at risk. A woman during the period of bearing a child should remember the rules that will help to avoid negative consequences:

1. Visits to the antenatal clinic should be regular. It is also required to take all the necessary tests and every day.
2. Nutrition for hypertension of the 1st degree should be balanced and correct. It is worth limiting the use of salt, as well as spicy, fatty, sweet and smoked foods. It is also recommended to exclude legumes and other foods that cause flatulence from the diet.
3. In case of any deterioration in the condition, for example, headache, dizziness, chest pain, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Important! With sharp increases in pressure in pregnant women, there is a risk of fetal hypoxia. In order to avoid this, women in position should treat their health with great responsibility.

Despite the fact that grade 1 hypertension is a mild form of the disease, it should be taken seriously. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help to avoid many problems in the future.

That's what doctors call hypertension. Its insidiousness is that it often goes unnoticed by the patient. Usually, a “beginner” hypertensive patient writes off the first symptoms of the disease as fatigue. Indeed, after a short rest, the condition improves, but ... not for long. Over time, hypertension progresses and light intervals become shorter. The danger of a stroke has already appeared on the horizon, and the patient is still postponing going to the doctor.

The most annoying thing is that the diagnosis of hypertension is quite simple. It is enough to have a regular blood pressure monitor at home and regularly monitor your pressure. It is especially important to do this for those who are at risk for this disease:

• Men 35-50 years old, women - after menopause.
• Those who drink alcohol every day are especially strong.
• People experiencing chronic stress (for example, residents of megacities), acute or prolonged emotional overstrain.
• Smokers.
• Salt lovers.
• People who lead a sedentary lifestyle, especially those who are overweight and obese.
• Relatives of patients with hypertension: if your mother, father or grandmother had it, you are more likely to develop it too.

Heart at gunpoint

There is such a thing - target organs of arterial hypertension. These are the heart, kidneys, brain and blood vessels. It is they who take the first blow of the disease.

The higher the pressure, the harder the heart works. Over time, it increases (hypertrophies), but this cannot continue indefinitely. The flaming motor wears out, which threatens heart failure. Vessels are also damaged - they have to withstand an increasingly strong pressure of blood. Over time, they become less elastic, brittle. Where it is thin, it breaks there: the likelihood of hemorrhages increases, including in the brain. In addition, due to hypertension, the vessels spasm, and persistent spasm helps maintain a constantly elevated pressure - and the vicious circle closes.

On prescription

Currently, in the arsenal of doctors there are many drugs for the treatment of arterial hypertension. As a rule, in cases of severe hypertension, it becomes necessary to combine several drugs. However, it is common to start with small or moderate doses of one drug to avoid sudden pressure fluctuations and possible adverse reactions.

Many modern drugs not only fight hypertension, but also have other positive properties. For example, they protect target organs, have a prolonged action - it is enough to take one tablet of the dosage recommended by the doctor, and the therapeutic effect will last for a whole day.

Also ask your doctor about various healing methods. It can be reflexology, acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy exercises. Perhaps, in addition to taking medications, it is worth using infusions of herbs, vitamins.

It's easier to be warned...

And yet it is better to prevent the development of hypertension and take preventive measures in a timely manner.

Diet that restricts salt and animal fat intake. The norm is a teaspoon of salt per day. Do not forget about its content in ready-to-eat products. Eliminate or significantly limit fast food, smoked meats, canned food, mayonnaise, pickles. Replace fried with steamed, grilled, and oven-baked, and butter with vegetable oil. Choose low-fat varieties of fish and meat, low-fat dairy products.

Emotion management. Stress is one of the main causes of hypertension. If you can not eliminate the factors leading to it from life, try to change your attitude to what is happening. Do not make an elephant out of a fly, clearly define what is worth worrying about and what is not. If you have enough willpower, master the methods of psychological unloading - meditation, auto-training.