The 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 observed in people during physical exertion, 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 pulsation 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: 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 index), and at the moment of relaxation of the organ, there is a decrease in blood pressure (diastolic index). Hypertension 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. Most often, hypertension is diagnosed in men and women over 65 years of age.
Symptoms of hypertension
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, sometimes increased pressure may appear, and the rest of the time the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Symptoms and signs:
- Dizziness and headache;
- Throbbing sensation in various parts of the body, such as the back of the head and the temples;
- A feeling of "fog in the head", decreased visual acuity;
- Tinnitus and audible pulse;
- Insomnia and fatigue;
- Loss of appetite and nausea;
- Pressing pain in the chest;
- Shortness of breath at rest and with light physical activity;
- Increased sweating;
- Redness of the face;
- 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 primary (essential) hypertension, which is found in most cases, and secondary hypertension, which occurs as a complication of other diseases. As risk factors for the development of the disease, doctors consider obesity, chronic stress, unfavorable heredity, atherosclerosis, bad habits and improper nutrition. Increased blood pressure can occur due to vasoconstriction, impaired regulation 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 the regulation of the cardiovascular system. Secondary hypertension can develop against the background of chronic pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, adrenal tumor and other pathologies;
- Diseases of the thyroid gland. 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 advise you to make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.
Why choose a professional clinic?
- Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines
- A comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and the prognosis for 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, you should make an appointment with a cardiologist. The doctor of the clinic questions the patient about the complaints and studies the anamnestic data in detail to identify risk factors for the disease. After that, a primary examination is performed, including a general examination, listening (auscultation) of the heart and measuring blood pressure using a tonometer. The cardiologist confirms the presence of pathology by anamnesis, external signs, as well as by repeated detection of systolic pressure above 150 mm. rt. Art. and diastolic pressure above 95 mm. rt. Art. After that, the doctor prescribes additional tests to determine the cause and form of the disease.
Used diagnostic methods:
- Dynamic measurement of blood pressure, which allows excluding situational (natural) hypertension. The doctor measures the blood pressure in a relaxed environment. Before this examination, you should refrain from 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 comfort, the patient can assume a lying or standing position. The examination is carried out at intervals of 2-5 minutes to obtain several indicators and determine the average level of blood pressure;
- General and biochemical blood test. The cardiologist gives the patient a referral for this study to detect the factors of hypertension. 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 ratio and amount of blood cells are also determined;
- Urinalysis. The doctor explains to the patient how and at what time it is necessary to fill a sterile container with urine. Urinalysis in the laboratory allows you to evaluate the efficiency of renal filtration and identify inflammatory diseases of the excretory system;
- Electrocardiography is a study of the electrical activity of the heart, which allows to detect the causes and signs of the disease. During the procedure, the doctor makes the patient lie on his back and attaches sensors (electrodes) to 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, which allows detecting pathological changes in the organ, such as thickening of the walls of the left ventricle. The doctor has the patient lie on his 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 high blood pressure.
Treatment of hypertension
When prescribing treatment, the clinic's cardiologist focuses on 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 professional specialists helps to significantly improve the quality of life.
Methods for treating hypertension:
- 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 drugs are prescribed to treat the underlying cause of hypertension associated with kidney disease;
- Use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The cardiologist prescribes these drugs to suppress the activity of factors that constrict blood vessels;
- Use of calcium channel blockers. These drugs relax the muscles of the vessel walls and reduce the heart rate, thereby reducing 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 drugs is to improve kidney function, resulting in increased secretion of fluids and salts. Thanks to this effect, a lowering of blood pressure is achieved;
- Appointment of additional drug therapy, including renin inhibitors, lipid-lowering drugs, sedatives and vasodilators.
When prescribing an individual treatment regimen, the cardiologist of the clinic takes into account the modern standards for the treatment of hypertension. To control the treatment, the doctor regularly prescribes laboratory and instrumental tests. Endocrinologists, nutritionists and other doctors, if necessary, prescribe additional methods for the treatment of hypertension.
Prevention of hypertension
The development of dangerous cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through lifestyle changes and other preventive measures.
Prevention methods:
- Improving the diet, including avoiding fatty, overly salty and fried foods;
- Refusal of alcohol and cigarettes;
- Weight loss and regular physical activity;
- Timely treatment of diseases of the kidneys and endocrine organs.
Consultation with a cardiologist will help you choose an individual regimen of prevention and undergo examinations to detect risk factors for hypertension.