Everyone with this diagnosis needs to know how blood pressure changes with hypertension. More and more people are suffering from this disease. The disease is getting younger, so everyone needs to understand the principles of living with hypertension: both patients and their family members. What kind of stress is life-threatening, how to act during an attack, do heredity and lifestyle affect the development of the disease? Answering this question will help avoid many unnecessary problems.
Pressure indicators for hypertension
The main cause of hypertension is the narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessel wall due to its spasm. This process occurs for several reasons: heredity, bad habits, stress, inactive lifestyle. The main method for diagnosing hypertension is measuring blood pressure. Since childhood, everyone is familiar with the numbers "120 to 80. "They have their own names and meanings. The first number is an indicator of the current work of the heart muscle, called systolic blood pressure (SBP). The second indicator evaluates the blood pressure between heartbeats, called diastolic blood pressure.
Symptoms of increased blood pressure are palpitations, nausea, throbbing pain in the back of the head, dizziness, increased sweating, pain in the heart area, insomnia.
Doctors have obtained a direct relationship between blood pressure indicators and the level of the patient's illness:
- Less than 120/80 is an optimal number;
- 120–129/80–84 - normal pressure. Diagnosis is made: prehypertension;
- 130–139/85–89—high normal blood pressure. For hypertension;
- greater than or equal to 140/below 90 – ISAH diagnosed;
- 140–159/90–99—grade 1 hypertension;
- 160–179/100–109 —2nd degree;
- 3rd degree - more than 180/110.
The early stages of the disease are usually asymptomatic. The first signs of the disease appear easily, and a person does not notice it, gradually getting used to the symptoms. Hypertension continues to develop, altering blood vessels and increasing the likelihood of heart attack, stroke or kidney problems. If hypertension is a common diagnosis in the family, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure parameters regularly to stop the disease at an early stage.
How is the diagnosis made?
| Research stage | What is being checked? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure measurement | Indicator measurements every 15–30 minutes for several days. | - |
| Anamnesis | Detailed analysis of complaints and symptoms. | - |
| Physical examination | Measurement of temperature and blood pressure, palpation of the thyroid gland, skin examination. The condition of arteries close to the surface is assessed. | Symptoms of long-term disease: an increase in the size of the heart, the presence of a characteristic sound when listening with a phonendoscope, blurred vision, spots, swelling of the legs. |
| Instrumental method | Blood and urine for general analysis | - |
| Blood biochemistry | Control sugar, uric acid, K, Na, cholesterol. | |
| ECG | Angina is detected. | |
| Fundus examination | Symptoms: narrowing of arteries, microhemorrhages, dilation of veins. | |
| Heart ultrasound | By appointment. | |
| Chest X-ray | The border of the heart muscle is revealed |
Is stress already dangerous?
Blood pressure indicators that are dangerous for humans are above 140/90. Depending on the number on the tonometer and the degree of change, the patient's condition is stabilized in various ways. Stage 1, when functional changes occur, is characterized by insomnia, fatigue, and headaches. Attacks are short-lived and unstable. After taking a sedative in combination with rest, blood pressure drops. In the 2nd stage, organic changes appear. To stop the attacks, antihypertensive drugs are prescribed. A possible crisis. Kidney function is affected and vision is reduced. Attacks are continuous and long-lasting. In the third stage, the indicators are never normal. Organic changes in internal organs and blood vessels can cause stroke, blindness, heart attack, and heart failure.
What to do if you have high blood pressure?
How to stabilize blood pressure during an attack:
- Call an ambulance.
- Place the tablet under your tongue to speed up the absorption of the medicine.
- Breathe evenly and try not to get nervous.
- To expand peripheral vessels, you can put a mustard plaster on your leg.
As a result, the load on the main vessel is reduced and a sense of relief appears. The attack should pass gradually, over 2-4 hours, because a sharp jump in "hypertension - low blood pressure" has negative consequences, especially if the patient is old. Increased blood pressure can cause panic attacks. Hypertensive patients often have high blood pressure. Tablets help relieve attacks - you need to stop being nervous and follow the doctor's instructions. It is recommended to keep a sheet of paper with the order of actions during the attack in a visible place to do everything correctly. This helps to overcome panic and lower your own blood pressure.
To avoid a crisis, you need to follow your doctor's recommendations.
Prevention
| General recommendations |
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