Hypertension is a multifactorial pathology, its origin cannot be explained by a specific cause. And this complicates the choice of therapeutic measures to influence it. Treatment of hypertension comes down 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 the 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 knowing 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 high when the values on the tonometric scale regularly, for a certain time, exceed the norm, reach 140/90 and beyond. 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);
- sleep badly;
- arrhythmia, heart pain;
- forgetfulness.
High blood pressure develops when blood vessel walls are damaged and lose the ability to relax and contract on their own, adapting to changing conditions. This happens under the influence of certain factors that cause prolonged stress on the vascular system. The main trigger of 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;
- aging of the body;
- severe overwork;
- the habit of using cigarettes, alcohol;
- hereditary predisposition to the disease.
To understand how to deal with hypertension, it is necessary to have an idea of its types, stages and degrees.
Essential 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, lifelong maintenance drug therapy is prescribed, which is combined with the 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 clearly and brightly, proceeds more severely and more rapidly. To deal with such a pathology, it is necessary to directly influence the cause of its appearance. Often, hypertension can only be treated surgically in this case.
Hypertension and its treatment go through different stages of their development. Three stages are distinguished according to the level of damage to target organs: the first stage is characterized by the absence of such injuries, the third stage provokes irreversible and life-threatening processes. Such a concept as the degree of the disease indicates the level of increased 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 and poorly corrected tonometric readings. The second stage and the second degree can be characterized as transient.
Modern methods of dealing with pathology
Modern treatment involves traditional and classic treatment methods, which can be complemented by non-traditional alternative methods. The traditional method is based on drug therapy.
On drug therapy
There is a certain list of drugs that meet the standard of traditional hypertension treatment. All of them are prescribed only by a doctor, taken for life, according to the prescribed regimen and dosage. Unauthorized cancellation or substitution of drugs is not permitted. When hypertension develops, treatment should not be stopped, even if the pressure level has returned to normal and the person feels fine.
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 in case the hypertension responds well to medication control.
Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARBs)
ARBs are a relatively new drug. In the treatment of hypertension, it was used not so long ago. Distinguishing 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 cannot narrow 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 drug group of the older generation.
- They are prescribed for persistent arterial hypertension with hypertension.
- Suitable for patients with heart problems.
- They have quite a few side effects.
- The drugs are usually combined with diuretics.
- There are contraindications for use (diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, obstructive processes in the bronchi).
calcium channel blockers
Distinctive properties and characteristics:
- They do not allow calcium ions to penetrate the vessel cell, reducing the stiffness of the vascular walls.
- Drugs dilate blood vessels, improve coronary circulation in hypertension.
- They allow you to effectively control the level of the upper and lower pressure values.
- There are some side effects.
- Tablets have contraindications (restricted 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 lead to dehydration and hypokalaemia (lack of potassium).
- It normalizes blood pressure well.
- They are used as single drugs and in combination with other drugs.
And now briefly about some alternative treatments for a condition such as high blood pressure.
Physiotherapy
Such therapy complements the main treatment of hypertension very well. Its use allows to reduce the dose of drugs taken and, in some cases, to do without them altogether. Benefits of physiotherapy:
- improves the condition of blood vessels;
- normalizes blood flow in the brain;
- stabilizes the coronary circulation;
- helps relieve nervous tension.
When hypertension develops, what treatment can be recommended:
- The use of a galvanic collar based on a solution of magnesium sulfate and novocaine.
- The use of general darsonvaluation.
- Electrosleep.
- Massage procedures. The impact is on the head and collar area.
- Bromine electrophoresis treatment.
What treatment of the disease can still be tried?
Iodine treatment
Iodine is necessary to ensure the normal oxidative processes that stimulate brain activity. Without it, the normal functioning of the thyroid 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 blood vessel walls and has a beneficial effect on the blood plasma. Gives energy, helps burn fat deposits, keeps teeth healthy, nails and hair strong and shiny.
The 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 in early spring. The whole 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 it is necessary 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 medications.
Low carbohydrate diet
How to remove the symptoms of the diet for hypertension? Fast carbohydrates are a source of excess weight and cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of developing diabetes. These factors adversely affect the condition of the vessels. By reducing the amount of carbohydrates in the diet with the help of a special diet, it is possible to achieve a decrease in blood pressure. Good results can be achieved by combining a diet with magnesium intake, as well as moderate exercise.
In addition to these methods, arterial hypertension can be treated with homeopathy, hirudotherapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, breathing exercises, herbal medicine, yoga.
Standard principles and schemes of complex therapy
There are two approaches to drug therapy for hypertension.
- Clinical recommendations for the treatment of arterial hypertension in this case are as follows: drug exposure should begin with monotherapy. A drug is prescribed first. The dose at the same time is offered as little as possible in a particular situation. If the effect is insufficient, the dose is gradually increased. If there are still no results or the drug has unwanted side effects, it is replaced with another. As a more extreme option, monotherapy is replaced by a combination treatment.
- The principles of the treatment of arterial hypertension are completely different here. Proponents of a different approach are sure that it is advisable to immediately begin 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 suitable for patients at high risk of developing complications in the form of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
For the convenience of patients, combined-action drugs began to appear in pharmacies, which simultaneously combine several active substances from different drug groups. It is convenient to take such tablets (drink one a day) and this is an important plus.
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 channel blocker;
- the use of a calcium channel blocker in combination with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker;
- diuretic and calcium channel blocker;
- a diuretic together with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker;
- beta-blocker and diuretic;
- calcium channel blocker together with a beta blocker.
Each stage of the disease requires compliance with a specific scheme and principles of treatment of hypertension.
First phase (140/90 - 160/100)
How to treat first stage hypertension? At an early stage of the disease, drugs are not prescribed. It is recommended to use them only in case of hypertensive crisis, when it is necessary to provide first aid quickly and effectively. The first stage is the simplest, the pressure can be normalized while maintaining the right lifestyle. At this stage, you can actively use herbal medicine, massage, physical therapy, physiotherapy and other non-drug alternative therapeutic methods.
Hypertension, as a first-stage pathology, 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 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 medications. Some patients manage with small doses and on monotherapy. For others, you need to increase the dose or prescribe drug combinations. Drugs 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 beyond)
Principles of treatment of hypertension at this stage:
- It is not possible to suddenly reduce the pressure.
- It is recommended to reduce the tonometer indicators no more than 15% of the leading digits.
- When a severe stage of the disease is treated, the patient should be prescribed a combination therapy of 2-3 drugs.
- If symptomatic hypertension is detected, drugs are prescribed. affecting the underlying cause of the disease. If necessary, surgical treatment is prescribed.
It is necessary to strive to minimize risk factors, follow all recommendations for the treatment of hypertension suggested by the doctor. It is important at this stage to monitor the condition of the organs called hypertension targets: 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 for 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 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 offered by traditional medicine. How to treat high blood pressure without drugs?
Bathrooms. The use of hot foot baths reduces pressure well and quickly, 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 prepared in place 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 hypertension.
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. Potatoes cooked "in uniform" contain a lot of potassium, which is good for the heart and blood vessels. It fights pressure and strengthens blood vessels, onions and garlic, you have to eat them every day.
Healing elixir. Ingredients: onion (1 pc. ), Garlic (4 cloves), dried mountain ash (spoon). Grind all this, pour cold water (1 liter) and cook after boiling for 15 minutes on low heat. Next, pour a pinch of herbs: cudweed, dill, parsley. All this is well mixed and boiled for another 15 minutes.
When cooked, cool and drain. So, 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 whole course will last about ten days. After taking a 21-day break, undergo a course of treatment again.
Rosehip with honey. Prepare a tablespoon of dried rose hips (fruit) 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 of half a fruit), mix everything. To cope with hypertension, it is necessary to drink the medicine before meals in the morning, a glass during the week.
Is it possible to permanently eliminate hypertension?
If secondary hypertension is diagnosed, the fight against it can be quite effective. How to treat high blood pressure 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 put an end to high blood pressure once and for all.
In the case of essential (primary) hypertension, complete recovery can only be expected at the very early stage of the development of the disease. To do this, it is necessary to get into the habit of regularly measuring blood pressure, this applies to everyone, even for healthy people. Everyone can take a few minutes to do this simple procedure. Timely fluctuations in indicators can stop the progression of hypertension.
How to get rid of hypertension forever? To combat the onset of the disease, it is necessary to reconsider one's 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 complete rest;
- protect the nervous system;
- almost completely give up salt;
- force yourself to walk more often, move more, exercise regularly, or at least exercise;
- do not stay at the computer for a long time;
- try to lose weight if the weight has exceeded the permissible limits;
- forget about cigarettes, coffee, alcohol;
- Eliminate harmful foods from your diet, especially those that raise cholesterol and affect weight.
Folk remedies will come to the rescue, as will a variety of drug-free alternative medicine methods. The main thing is not to overdo the treatment and consult a doctor about how to deal with hypertension as effectively as possible.
When a hypertensive disease has passed the first stage, it is necessary to tune in to permanent treatment and not have vain illusions. How to defeat hypertension in a chronic form: nobody knows. Now all a person can do in this situation is to learn how to control the disease.
When fighting hypertension, we must remember that self-medication without taking prescribed drugs can only do harm. You have to take the pills constantly, even when your health seems to be 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.