A 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 exercise, stress and other conditions to which the cardiovascular system adapts. A person suffering from hypertension experiences a constant increase in blood pressure. Doctors include headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpable throbbing in the temples as characteristic symptoms of the pathology. If left untreated, chronic hypertension can lead to diseases of the heart, kidneys, brain and other organs.
This disease is treated by: a cardiologist and a therapist
Blood pressure is caused by the movement of blood through the vessels. At the time of contraction of the heart, an increase in pressure occurs (systolic indicator), and at the time of relaxation of the organ, a decrease in blood pressure occurs (diastolic indicator). Hypertension is one of the most common disorders of the cardiovascular system. It can be an independent pathology or a consequence of diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands and other organs. Hypertension is most often diagnosed in men and women over 65 years old.
Symptoms of hypertension
The 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 suffer from disorders of the nervous system and kidneys. In people suffering from hypertension, an increase in pressure may occasionally occur, and the rest of the time the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Symptoms and signs:
- Dizziness and headache;
- Pulsing sensation in different parts of the body, such as the back of the head and temples;
- Sensation of "fog in the head", decreased visual acuity;
- Tinnitus and audible heartbeat;
- Insomnia and fatigue;
- Loss of appetite and nausea;
- Compressive pain in chest;
- Shortness of breath at rest and during light physical activity;
- Increased sweating;
- Facial redness;
- Swelling of the 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 between primary (essential) hypertension, which is detected in most cases, and secondary hypertension, which occurs as a complication of other diseases. Doctors include obesity, chronic stress, unfavorable heredity, atherosclerosis, bad habits and poor diet as risk factors for the development of the disease. An increase in blood pressure can occur due to vasoconstriction, dysregulation 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 regulating the cardiovascular system. Secondary hypertension can develop against the background of chronic pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, adrenal tumor and other pathologies;
- Thyroid diseases. This organ secretes the 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 avoid negative consequences for your health.
Why choose a professional clinic?
- Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines
- Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and the prognosis of treatment
- Modern diagnostic equipment and our 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 clinic doctor asks the patient about his complaints and studies anamnestic data in detail to identify risk factors for the disease. Then, a primary examination is carried out including a general examination, listening (auscultation) of the heart and measuring blood pressure using a tonometer. The cardiologist confirms the presence of a pathology by history, external signs, as well as by repeated detection of systolic pressure above 150 mm. art. Art. and a diastolic pressure greater than 95 mm. art. Art. After that, the doctor prescribes additional studies to determine the cause and form of the disease.
Diagnostic methods used:
- Dynamic measurement of blood pressure, allowing to exclude situational (natural) hypertension. The doctor takes blood pressure in a calm environment. Before this test, you must refrain from physical activity, smoking, alcohol and taking certain medications. The cardiologist measures the pressure in both arms by placing a tonometric cuff 2. 5 cm above the elbow. For convenience, the patient can take a lying or standing position. The study 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 directs the patient to this study in order to detect hypertension factors. In the treatment room, the nurse treats the patient's antecubital fossa with an antiseptic, squeezes the arm at shoulder level with a tourniquet and draws blood using a syringe. In the laboratory, specialists determine the levels of lipids, creatinine, hormones, glucose and potassium in a blood sample. The ratio and quantity 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. Laboratory urine tests make it possible to assess the effectiveness of renal filtration and identify inflammatory diseases of the excretory system;
- Electrocardiography is a study of the electrical activity of the heart, which helps detect the causes and signs of disease. During the procedure, the doctor asks the patient to lie on their back and attaches sensors (electrodes) to different parts of the body. Then the cardiogram is collected and deciphered;
- Ultrasound examination of the heart is the safest method of examining the heart, allowing you to detect pathological changes in the organ, such as thickening of the walls of the left ventricle. The doctor asks the patient to lie on their back and presses the transducer against the skin to get an image of the heart on the monitor.
The modern professional clinic has a laboratory that allows doctors to conduct modern research and quickly obtain reliable diagnostic results. If necessary, the cardiologist prescribes to the patient a study 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 treatment, 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 medications are used to suppress vasoconstrictors and reduce blood pressure. Additionally, these medications 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 heart rate, lighten the load on the heart and dilate blood vessels;
- Use of aldosterone antagonists. The main effect of these drugs is to improve kidney function, which is manifested by increased secretion of fluid and salt. Thanks to this effect, a reduction in blood pressure is achieved;
- Prescribe additional drug therapy, including renin inhibitors, lipid-lowering agents, sedatives and vasodilators.
When prescribing an individual treatment regimen, the clinic's cardiologist takes into account modern standards for the treatment of hypertension. To monitor treatment, the doctor regularly prescribes laboratory and instrumental examinations. Endocrinologists, nutritionists and other doctors, if necessary, prescribe additional methods of treating hypertension.
Prevention of hypertension
The development of dangerous cardiovascular diseases can be avoided through lifestyle changes and other preventive measures.
Prevention methods:
- Improve your diet, particularly by avoiding fatty, overly salty and fried foods;
- Stop drinking alcohol and smoking;
- Reduce body weight and engage in regular physical activity;
- Rapid treatment of diseases of the kidneys and endocrine organs.
A consultation with a cardiologist will help you choose an individual prevention regimen and undergo examinations for risk factors for hypertension.