Treatment of hypertension

Hypertension is a multifactorial pathology, its origin cannot be explained by one specific cause. And this complicates the selection of therapeutic measures to influence her. Treatment of hypertension is reduced to maintaining an optimal level of pressure, alleviating 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 the maximum effect, the treatment of hypertension should reasonably combine traditional and non-traditional methods, take 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, a 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 above. 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 sleep;
• arrhythmia, heart pain;
• forgetfulness.

Arterial hypertension develops when the walls of blood vessels are 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 provoke prolonged stress on the vascular system. The main provoking factor in hypertension is considered to be excessive excitation of the central nervous system, caused by strong emotional experiences.

Other factors also play a significant role:

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

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

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

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

Hypertension and its treatment go through different stages in their development. Three stages are distinguished on the basis of the level of damage to target organs: the first stage is characterized by the absence of such lesions, 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: at 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 degree can be characterized as transitional.

Modern methods of dealing with pathology

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

About drug therapy

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 scheme and dosage. Unauthorized cancellation or replacement of drugs is not allowed. 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 keep the pressure normal 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 of ACE 1 to ACE 2.
• You can start taking antihypertensive drugs for hypertension from this group in the case when hypertension responds well to drug 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 protect internal organs.
• They have good antihypertensive properties.
• Angiotensin 2 under the influence of these drugs cannot 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.
• Medicines are usually combined with diuretics.
• There are contraindications for use (diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, obstructive processes in the bronchi).

calcium antagonists

Distinctive properties and features:

• 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.
• Allow you to effectively control the level of upper and lower pressure figures.
• There are some side effects.
• The tablets have contraindications (narrowed aorta, impaired metabolism).

Diuretics

Otherwise they are called diuretics. Main characteristics:

• Remove excess fluid from the body.
• Reduce the level of potassium in the cells.
• Can lead to dehydration and hypokalemia (lack of potassium).
• Normalize blood pressure well.
• They are used as single drugs and in combination with other drugs.

And now briefly about some of the alternative treatments for a condition such as arterial hypertension.

Physiotherapy

Such therapy very well complements the main treatment of hypertension. Its use makes it possible to reduce the dose of 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 to 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 on the head and collar area.
5. Treatment with electrophoresis using bromine.

What treatment of the disease can be tried yet?

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. It 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 entire course lasts 20 days. After the first 10 days of treatment, they take a break for another 10 days, then continue for the next decade. The essence of the treatment comes down to drawing circles with iodine and a cotton swab in 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), you can strengthen the cardiovascular system and completely abandon drugs.

Diet low in carbohydrates

How to remove 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 state of blood vessels. By reducing the amount of carbohydrates in the diet with the help of a special diet, you can achieve a decrease in blood pressure. Good results can be achieved by combining a diet with magnesium intake, as well as with moderate exercise.

In addition to these methods, arterial hypertension 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: drug exposure should begin with monotherapy. One drug is prescribed first. 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 one. As the most extreme option, monotherapy is replaced by combined 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 not with one, but with 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 have a 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 such tablets (drink one a day), and this is an important advantage.

Effective treatment of hypertension depends on the right drug combinations.

Recommended combinations of drug treatment of arterial hypertension:

• diuretic in combination with an ACE inhibitor;
• an ACE inhibitor together with a calcium antagonist;
• the use of a calcium antagonist in conjunction with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker;
• diuretic and calcium antagonist;
• a diuretic together 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, drugs are not prescribed. It is recommended to use them 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 right lifestyle. At this stage, you can actively use herbal medicine, massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapy and other non-drug alternative methods of therapy.

Hypertension, as a pathology of the first stage, does not require the use of drugs. They are not used to stabilize pressure, but only if it is necessary to reduce the excitation of the central nervous system, normalize brain 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 medications. Some patients manage with small doses and monotherapy. For others, you have to increase the dose or prescribe combinations of drugs. Medications are prescribed not only to reduce pressure, but also to prevent the development of complications.

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

Third stage (180/110 and above)

Principles of treatment of hypertension at this stage:

• You can not suddenly reduce the pressure.
• It is advisable to reduce the indicators of the tonometer by no more than 15% of the initial figures.
• When a severe stage of the disease is treated, the patient must be prescribed a combination therapy of 2-3 drugs.
• If symptomatic hypertension is detected, then 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, to follow all the recommendations for the treatment of hypertension that the doctor suggests. It is important at this stage to monitor the condition of the organs called targets of hypertension: the heart, kidneys, brain, eyes, blood vessels.

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

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

Most often, drugs 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 renal pathology is surgical treatment.

How to treat yourself correctly 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 that traditional medicine offers. How to treat arterial hypertension without drugs?

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

Garnet. Fruit in hypertension is very useful in itself. But you can be treated with pomegranate peels. They are brewed instead of tea and 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, mashed with sugar. It will remove the unpleasant symptoms associated with high blood pressure.

Useful vegetables. Arterial hypertension can be treated by eating various vegetables. Beets are useful in any form. Its juice copes well with atherosclerosis, lowers blood pressure. Potatoes baked "in uniform" contain a lot of potassium, which is good for the heart and blood vessels. It fights pressure and strengthens blood vessels onions, as well as garlic, you need to eat them 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 in a pinch of herbs: cudweed, dill, parsley. All this is well mixed and boiled for another 15 minutes.

After cooking, cool and strain. Next, get rid of 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 take about ten days. After taking a break of 21 days, again undergo a course of treatment.

Rosehip with honey. Brew a tablespoon of dry rose hips (fruits) in boiling water (500 g), then heat over low heat for 10 minutes. Then cool and pass through cheesecloth. 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 from half a fruit), stir everything. To cope with hypertension, you need to drink the medicine before meals in the morning, one glass during the week.

Is it possible to permanently get rid of hypertension?

If secondary hypertension is diagnosed, then the fight against it can be quite effective. How to treat arterial hypertension in this case? 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 be expected only at the very early stage of the development of the disease. To do this, you need to make a habit of regularly measuring pressure, this applies to absolutely everyone, even healthy people. Everyone can devote a few minutes to this simple procedure. Timely noticed 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 fully rest;
• protect the nervous system;
• give up salt almost completely;
• force yourself to walk more often, move more, exercise regularly, or at least do exercises;
• do not sit at the computer for a long time;
• try to lose weight if the weight has crossed the permitted 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 methods of drug-free alternative medicine. The main thing is not to overdo it with treatment and consult a doctor on how to cope with hypertension as effectively as possible.

When a hypertensive disease has crossed the first stage, you need to tune in to lifelong treatment and not have vain illusions. How to defeat hypertension in a chronic form - no one knows this. Now all that 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 prescribed medications can only do harm. You need to take pills constantly, even when it seems that your health is in perfect order. Treatment of hypertension with additional methods can prevent possible complications, reduce the side effect 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.