Treatment of hypertension

Arterial hypertension is a multifactorial pathology, its origin cannot be explained by a specific cause. And this complicates the selection of therapeutic measures to influence it. Treatment of hypertension is reduced to maintaining an optimal level of pressure, relieving the patient's condition and preventing possible complications. The disease can be fought with a variety of methods, and each stage requires a special approach. To achieve maximum effect, the treatment of hypertension should reasonably combine traditional and non-traditional methods, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

what is hypertension

Before you know how to treat hypertension, you need to understand what it is. Hypertension is a disease, the sure sign of which is an increase in blood pressure. It is considered elevated when the values on the tonometer scale regularly, for a certain time, exceed the norm, reach 140/90 and more. Other signs occur with further progression of the pathological condition. Common symptoms of hypertension include:

• headache;
• frequent dizziness and weakness;
• nausea, which can turn into vomiting;
• signs of increased arousal (nervousness, aggression, irritability);
• bad dream;
• arrhythmia, heart pain;
• forgot.

High blood pressure develops when the walls of the blood vessels become damaged and lose the ability to relax and contract on their own, adjusting to changing conditions. This happens under the influence of certain factors that cause prolonged stress on the vascular system. The main provoking factor of hypertension is considered to be excessive arousal of the central nervous system, caused by strong emotional experiences.

Other factors also play an important role:

• a lot of savory food on the menu;
• obesity;
• lack of physical activity;
• body aging;
• severe overwork;
• the habit of using cigarettes, alcohol;
• hereditary predisposition to disease.

To understand how to deal with hypertension, you need to have an idea of its types, stages, and grades.

Essential arterial hypertension is diagnosed in most cases. It occurs as an independent pathology under the influence of a set of various factors. When treating primary hypertension, lifelong maintenance drug therapy is prescribed, which is combined with optimization of the general lifestyle and rhythm of life.

Symptomatic high blood pressure occurs as a manifestation (symptom) of another disease. Arterial hypertension of the secondary type manifests itself more acutely and brightly, proceeds more severely and more rapidly. To treat such a pathology, you need to directly influence the cause of its occurrence. Often, hypertension can be treated in this case only by surgery.

Hypertension and its treatment go through different stages in its development. Three stages are distinguished depending on the level of damage to target organs: the first stage is characterized by the absence of such injuries, the third stage causes irreversible life-threatening processes. Such a concept as the degree of the disease indicates the level of increase in blood pressure in hypertension. There are also three degrees: in the first, the pressure rises slightly and irregularly, the third is distinguished by high, persistent, poorly corrected tonometer readings. The second stage and the second grade can be characterized as transitional.

Modern methods of treating pathology.

Modern treatment involves traditional and classical treatment methods, which can be supplemented by non-traditional alternative methods. The traditional method is based on pharmacotherapy.

About pharmacotherapy

There is a certain list of drugs that fit the standard of traditional treatment of hypertension. All of them are prescribed only by a doctor, taken throughout life, according to the prescribed regimen and dosage. Unauthorized medication cancellation or replenishment is not permitted. When hypertension develops, treatment should not be stopped, even if the pressure level has returned to normal and the person feels well.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Characteristics of drugs:

• They have few side effects.
• They are able to protect the kidneys and heart from possible complications, they can maintain normal pressure for a long time.
• These drugs are often used as monotherapy but can be used in combination with other agents.
• The essence of the action of ACE inhibitors is to prevent the transition from ACE 1 to ACE 2.
• You can start taking antihypertensive medications for hypertension from this group if your hypertension responds well to medication control.

Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARBs)

ARBs are a relatively new drug. In the treatment of hypertension, it has been used not so long ago. Distinctive features:

• Modern drugs give even fewer adverse reactions.
• Effectively protects the internal organs.
• They have good antihypertensive properties.
• Angiotensin 2 under the influence of these drugs is unable to constrict blood vessels, because the receptors inside the vessels that transmit a signal to contract the vascular wall are blocked.

beta blockers

Description:

• They belong to the group of drugs of the old generation.
• They are prescribed for persistent arterial hypertension with high blood pressure.
• Suitable for patients with heart problems.
• They have quite a few side effects.
• Medications are usually combined with diuretics.
• There are contraindications to its use (diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, obstructive processes in the bronchi).

calcium antagonists

Distinctive properties and characteristics:

• They do not allow calcium ions to penetrate into the vessel cell, which reduces the rigidity of the vascular walls.
• Drugs dilate blood vessels, improve coronary circulation in hypertension.
• It allows you to effectively control the level of the upper and lower pressure figures.
• There are some side effects.
• Tablets have contraindications (narrow aorta, impaired metabolism).

diuretics

Otherwise, they are called diuretics. Main features:

• Remove excess fluid from the body.
• Reduce the level of potassium in the cells.
• It can cause dehydration and hypokalaemia (lack of potassium).
• Normalizes blood pressure well.
• They are used as single drugs and in combination with other drugs.

And now briefly about some alternative treatments for such a condition as high blood pressure.

Physiotherapy

Such therapy very well complements the main treatment of hypertension. Its use makes it possible to reduce the dosage of the drugs taken, and in some cases, allows you to do without them altogether. Benefits of physiotherapy:

• improves the condition of blood vessels;
• normalizes blood flow in the brain;
• stabilizes coronary circulation;
• helps relieve nervous tension.

When hypertension develops, what treatment can be recommended:

1. The use of a galvanic collar based on a solution of magnesium sulfate and novocaine.
2. The use of general darsonvalization.
3. electrosleep.
4. massage procedures. The impact is in the head and neck area.
5. Electrophoresis treatment using bromine.

What treatment of the disease can still be tried?

iodine treatment

Iodine is necessary to ensure normal oxidative processes that stimulate brain activity. Without it, the normal functioning of the thyroid gland is impossible. The mineral is able to neutralize unstable microbes, which leads to an improvement in mood and a decrease in irritability. Increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and has a beneficial effect on blood plasma. Gives energy, helps burn fat deposits, keeps teeth healthy, nails and hair strong and shiny.

Treatment of hypertension with iodine is the so-called "Indian method". How to overcome hypertension with its help? It is necessary to conduct courses of such treatment twice: in early autumn and early spring. The full course lasts 20 days. After the first 10 days of treatment, they take a break for another 10 days and then continue for the next decade. The essence of the treatment is reduced to drawing circles with iodine and a cotton swab on specific areas of the body according to a certain pattern. Every day a new circle is drawn in a new place.

Treatment with vitamins and minerals

It is believed that for effective treatment of hypertension, you need to take a special complex of minerals and vitamins. This method is based on the assumption that one of the main causes of high blood pressure is a lack of magnesium in the blood. Supporters of this method believe that taking magnesium in combination with vitamin B6, as well as elements such as taurine (a natural diuretic), fish oil (a natural source of valuable amino acids), can strengthen the cardiovascular system and completely abandon the drugs.

low carb diet

How to eliminate the symptoms of hypertension diet? Fast carbohydrates are a source of excess weight and cholesterol in the blood, they increase the risk of developing diabetes. These factors negatively affect the condition of ships. By reducing the amount of carbohydrates in the diet with the help of a special diet, you can achieve a lowering of blood pressure. Good results can be achieved by combining a diet with magnesium intake, as well as moderate exercise.

In addition to these methods, high blood pressure can be treated with homeopathy, hirudotherapy, exercise therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, breathing exercises, herbal medicine, yoga.

Principles and standard schemes of complex therapy.

There are two approaches to drug therapy for hypertension.

1. Clinical recommendations for the treatment of arterial hypertension in this case are as follows: exposure to the drug should begin with monotherapy. First a drug is prescribed. The dose at the same time is offered the minimum possible in a particular situation. If the effect is insufficient, the dose is gradually increased. If there is still no result or the drug has undesirable side effects, it is replaced with another. As a more extreme option, monotherapy is replaced by a combination treatment.
2. The principles of treatment of arterial hypertension are completely different here. Proponents of a different approach are sure that it is advisable to immediately start treatment with not one, but several drugs. It is believed that two or more drugs from different groups, which are well combined with each other, will work more effectively together than separately. Each of them eliminates the adverse reactions caused by the other. In this case, it is possible to reduce the dose of both drugs as much as possible. And the effect will be high. This method of treatment is especially good for patients who are at high risk of developing complications in the form of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

For the convenience of patients, drugs of combined action began to appear in pharmacies, which combine several active ingredients from different groups of drugs at once. It is convenient to take this type of tablets (drink one a day), and this is an important advantage.

Effective treatment of hypertension depends on the correct combinations of medications.

Recommended combinations of pharmacological treatment of arterial hypertension:

• diuretic in combination with an ACE inhibitor;
• an ACE inhibitor along with a calcium antagonist;
• the use of a calcium antagonist together with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker;
• diuretic and calcium antagonist;
• a diuretic along with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker;
• beta-blocker and diuretic;
• calcium channel blocker along with a beta blocker.

Each stage of the disease requires compliance with a specific scheme and principles of treatment of hypertension.

First stage (140/90 - 160/100)

How to treat hypertension of the first stage? At an early stage of the disease, medications are not prescribed. They are recommended to be used only in case of a hypertensive crisis, when you need to quickly and effectively provide first aid. The first stage is the easiest, the pressure can be normalized by maintaining the correct lifestyle. At this stage, you can actively use herbal medicine, massage, exercise therapy, physical therapy, and other non-drug alternative therapy methods.

Hypertension, as a pathology of the first stage, does not require the use of medications. They are not used to stabilize pressure, but only if necessary to reduce the excitation of the central nervous system, normalize cerebral blood flow, and also affect the underlying disease (if we are talking about secondary hypertension).

Second stage (160/100 - 180/110)

In most cases, it involves taking medication. Some patients are managed with small doses and monotherapy. For others, the dose must be increased or combinations of drugs prescribed. Medicines are prescribed not only to reduce pressure, but also to prevent the development of complications.

Drug therapy is combined with preventive measures, optimization of lifestyle and elimination of provoking factors.

Third stage (180/110 and above)

Principles of treatment of hypertension at this stage:

• The pressure cannot be suddenly reduced.
• It is advisable to reduce the tonometer indicators by no more than 15% of the initial figures.
• When treating a severe stage of the disease, the patient should be prescribed a combination therapy of 2-3 drugs.
• If symptomatic hypertension is detected, medications are prescribed. affecting the cause of the main disease. If necessary, surgical treatment is prescribed.

It is necessary to strive to minimize risk factors, follow all the recommendations for the treatment of hypertension suggested by the doctor. It is important at this stage to monitor the state of the organs called targets of hypertension: the heart, kidneys, brain, eyes, blood vessels.

Kidney disease often causes high blood pressure. Pharmacological treatment of nephrogenic (secondary) hypertension should provide:

• normalization of the pressure level;
• relief of the patient's well-being, elimination of unpleasant symptoms;
• inhibition of the development of renal failure;
• prolongation of the patient's life.

Most of the time, medications are used to prepare the patient for surgery or in the postoperative period. Complex treatment is also advisable for the elderly and those who are contraindicated in anesthesia. The most effective and often the only measure to combat kidney disease is surgical treatment.

How to treat yourself properly and effectively

You can treat hypertension at home, but it is advisable to discuss all your actions with your doctor so that the treatment is beneficial, not harmful.

There are many effective and safe methods of lowering blood pressure offered by traditional medicine. How to treat high blood pressure without medication?

Spa. The use of hot foot baths quickly and well reduces pressure, especially when mustard powder is added to the water.

Garnet. Fruit in hypertension is very useful in itself. But it can be treated with pomegranate peels. They are brewed instead of tea and are drunk in unlimited quantities.

Currant. It is useful in any form, especially fresh. You can make compote, drink juice, make jam, it is very tasty and healthy to eat fresh berries, crushed with sugar. It will eliminate the unpleasant symptoms associated with high blood pressure.

Useful vegetables. High blood pressure can be treated by eating various vegetables. Beets are useful in any form. Its juice copes well with atherosclerosis, lowers blood pressure. Baked potatoes "in uniform" contain a lot of potassium, which is good for the heart and blood vessels. Fights pressure and strengthens blood vessels. Onions, as well as garlic, should be eaten every day.

healing elixir. Ingredients: onion (1 pc. ), garlic (4 cloves), dried mountain ash (tablespoon). Grind all this, pour cold water (1 liter) and cook after boiling for 15 minutes over low heat. After that, pour a pinch of herbs: cudweed, dill, parsley. All this is mixed well and boiled for another 15 minutes.

After cooking, cool and strain. Then knock out high blood pressure by taking one and a half tablespoons up to 4 times a day. It is necessary to drink the remedy before meals, for half an hour. The entire course will last about ten days. After taking a break of 21 days, again undergo a course of treatment.

Rosehip with honey. Brew a tablespoon of dried rosehips (fruits) in boiling water (500 g), then heat over low heat for 10 minutes. Then cool and pass through a gauze. You can drink the recommended remedy in any quantity by adding honey (1 tablespoon) to the drink.

Mineral water drink. In mineral water (200 g), add honey (1 tablespoon), lemon (juice of half a fruit), stir everything. To cope with hypertension, you need to drink the drug before meals in the morning, one glass during the week.

Is it possible to permanently get rid of hypertension?

If secondary hypertension is diagnosed, the fight against it can be quite effective. How to treat high blood pressure in this case? He timely found the cause of the disease, and its elimination will lead to a complete cure for hypertension. A good result gives surgical treatment. The patient can avoid serious complications and end high blood pressure once and for all.

In the case of essential (primary) hypertension, a complete cure can only be expected at the very early stage of the development of the disease. To do this, you need to get into the habit of regularly measuring pressure, this applies to absolutely everyone, even healthy people. Anyone can spend a few minutes on this simple procedure. Timely noted fluctuations in indicators can stop the progression of hypertension.

How to get rid of hypertension forever? To combat the onset of the disease, you need to reconsider your priorities. It is important to understand that the further development of events depends only on the person himself. What needs to be done to cure the disease:

• time and full rest;
• protect the nervous system;
• give up salt almost completely;
• force yourself to walk more often, move more, exercise regularly or at least exercise;
• do not sit at the computer for a long time;
• try to lose weight if the weight has exceeded the allowed limits;
• forget about cigarettes, coffee, alcohol;
• eliminate harmful foods from the diet, especially those that increase cholesterol and affect weight.

Folk remedies will come to the rescue, as well as a variety of drug-free alternative medicine methods. The main thing is not to overdo it with treatment and consult a doctor on how to deal with hypertension as effectively as possible.

When a hypertensive disease has crossed the first stage, it is necessary to tune in to lifelong treatment and not have any wishful thinking. How to beat hypertension in chronic form - no one knows. Now all a person can do in this situation is learn to keep the disease under control.

When fighting hypertension, we must remember that self-medication without taking the prescribed drugs can only cause harm. You constantly need to take pills, even when it seems that your health is in perfect order. Treatment of hypertension with additional methods can prevent possible complications, reduce the side effects of drugs and reduce their dosage. But one can think about the abolition of drug therapy only in the early stages of the disease, only after the permission of the attending physician.