The fact that there is a diagnosis of hypertension is thought only when there is a persistent increase in blood pressure on the face or frequent jumps occur. At the same time, different stages of hypertension manifest themselves with different strengths. In the early stages of the disease, people are usually unaware of the development of the problems. Sometimes even a slight increase in temperature receives more attention than a violation of the condition when high blood pressure develops. Types of pathology differ in the strength of the manifestation of symptoms and the presence of concomitant disorders in the body. In fact, even in the absence of obvious signs, high blood pressure is no less dangerous than when supplemented by various disorders in the body. Signs of hypertension include: tremors in the limbs, nausea, headache, flies in front of the eyes. All symptoms develop due to problems with blood flow to internal organs.
Stages of hypertension
The clinic of hypertension, depending on the effect on the whole body and the strength of the accompanying symptoms, is classified in stage and severity. There are 3 stages. The division into stages helps the doctor to systematize the obtained diagnostic data and choose the right tactics for correcting the patient's condition.
1 step
The level of blood pressure in the 1st stage of hypertension does not exceed 159/99. This increase may persist for several days. Rest will help normalize blood pressure, eliminating stress. With the progression of the pathology, it will not be so easy to restore the pressure norm.
At this stage of disease development, there is no evidence that it has any effect on target organs. For this reason, high blood pressure is often asymptomatic. Only sometimes sleep is disturbed, implicit pains in the head and heart may develop.
When carrying out clinical diagnostics, a slight increase in the tone of the fundus arteries can be established. At the first stage of the disease, the risk of a hypertensive crisis is minimal, often this situation occurs only due to the impact of external circumstances on the body. The risk also increases in women during menopause. The initial stage responds well to treatment. For this, a lifestyle change is usually sufficient. Medicines are not always necessary. With timely therapy and strict adherence to the doctor's instructions, the prognosis will be favorable.
2 floors
This is the stage of active pathological changes in the vessels - severe hypertension. The pressure on the 2nd stage reaches 179/109. Resting does not restore its level. A person complains of excruciating headaches, shortness of breath during exertion, deterioration of sleep, dizziness and rapid heartbeat.
This stage is characterized by the development of the first signs of the internal organs. The most common symptoms of severe hypertension are:
- signs of left ventricular hypertrophy;
- narrowing of the lumen of the retinal arteries;
- increased cholesterol in the blood;
- the presence of protein in the urine.
Stage 2 hypertension greatly increases the risk of dangerous complications that can lead to stroke. Without constant medical treatment, it will not work.
3 steps
This is the stage of target organ disorders due to pathological changes in the arteries and impaired blood circulation throughout the body. Very severe arterial hypertension in the 3rd stage. The last stage of hypertension is the most severe, extensive disorders develop in the body, affecting target organs. The eyes, kidneys, brain and heart are the most affected. The pressure in the 3rd stage is stable, it is difficult to normalize even with drug treatment. Often there are jumps up to 180/110 mm Hg. From art. and even more. The symptomatology is similar to that which occurs in the 2nd stage, but in addition it is accompanied by pathological manifestations of the affected organs. Memory often deteriorates, heart rhythm is sharply disturbed, visual acuity decreases.
This stage is dangerous because it always affects the heart. Its contractility and the conduction of impulses in the myocardium are disturbed.
Degrees
With an increase in blood pressure and the lack of effect of the measures taken, it can be assumed that the disease is progressing. The optimal blood pressure level is 120/80. The norm for systolic pressure ranges from 120 to 129, and diastolic pressure from 80 to 84. There is also a high normal pressure when a person feels well - up to 139/89 mm Hg. From Art. In medicine, hypertension is classified into 3 degrees.
I graduate
Arterial hypertension of the 1st degree is mild, it is characterized by pressure drops and fluctuations from 140/90 to 159/99. The risk of a seizure in such a situation is minimized, there are no symptoms of dysfunction of other organs and the central nervous system. To remove an attack, in addition to taking special pills, you need to relax a little, try to avoid stress, walks and positive emotions have a beneficial effect on health.
If the systolic pressure does not exceed 159, and the diastolic pressure - 99 mm Hg. Art. , then the person is diagnosed with mild hypertension - the first degree. It is characterized by such signs:
- headaches that worsen with exertion;
- stabbing sensation and pain on the left in the chest, it radiates to the shoulder blade and under the arm;
- dizziness so intense that it can lead to fainting;
- increased heart rate;
- black flies;
- tinnitus;
- sleep disturbances.
A person ceases to notice the listed symptoms if they constantly develop. A hypertensive crisis can begin under the influence of stress and, with proper assistance, passes without consequences.
II degree
Hypertension of the 2nd degree begins to develop more actively. The pressure level already reaches 160/100 - 179/109. Signs of a hypertensive crisis develop - cold sweats appear, goosebumps appear on the skin, the skin on the face turns red.
Symptoms of the 2nd degree of the disease include:
- transient cerebral ischemia - deterioration of blood flow to the organ;
- an increase in the concentration of creatinine in the blood;
- narrowing of the retinal arteries;
- an increase in the size of the left ventricle;
- protein in the urine, which is found during the delivery of tests;
- persistent fatigue;
- nausea;
- pulsation in the head;
- swelling of the face;
- heavy sweating;
- damage to internal organs;
- finger numbness;
- blurred vision;
- seizures.
Medicines do not cope well with the normalization of the patient's condition. Doctors pay attention not only to the level of pressure, but also to the rate of development of the disease. Second degree hypertension affects the kidneys. The patient almost always complains of being unwell.
III degree
The 3rd degree of hypertension is the most severe. When it occurs, vision drops sharply, memory deteriorates, tachycardia often occurs, and the risk of hypertensive crisis is high. Complications of this condition include thrombosis, encephalopathy, aneurysm, failure of the kidneys and left ventricle of the heart, bruising throughout the body, and swelling of the optic nerve. The pathology is irreversible. With hypertension of the 3rd degree, the patient necessarily needs outside help and care. The main signs of hypertension are:
- arrhythmia;
- unsteady gait;
- significant visual impairment;
- violation of blood flow in the brain, causing paresis and paralysis;
- seizure, accompanied by confusion and impaired speech;
- sharp heart pain;
- expectoration of blood;
- limitation of mobility and self-service capability;
- inability to communicate properly.
These symptoms indicate the progression of hypertension and the involvement of new organs in the disease. Gradually, more irreversible complications develop.
Classification by risk factors
Hypertension, first of all, is dangerous due to its multiple and often irreversible complications. Most patients become disabled or die not specifically of high blood pressure, but of acute disorders of other organs that it causes.
The most dangerous conditions are ischemic necrosis, cerebral hemorrhage, heart attack, kidney failure. To prevent various complications associated with the dysfunction of other organs, the doctor determines the degree of risk during the examination. Risk levels are indicated by numbers from 1 to 4. It turns out that the diagnosis contains information about the degree and risk of damage, for example, GB degree 2, risk 4.
Low risk (negligible)
This risk indicator for developing complications of hypertension is seen in women under 65 and men under 55 with mild stage 1 hypertension. Over the next 10 years, only 15% of peoplewill develop additional heart and vascular disorders due to hypertension. Such patients are usually seen by general practitioners, since it does not make sense to consult a cardiologist and carry out serious treatment.
When minor risks persist, a person should make lifestyle changes within the next 6 months. This will lead to positive developments. If there are no results and a decrease in blood pressure cannot be achieved, it is recommended to change the tactics of patient management and implement drug therapy.
Medium risk
This group of patients includes patients with hypertension, whose blood pressure indicators do not exceed 179/110. Typically, these people have 1-2 of the following risk factors:
- smoking;
- genetic;
- obesity;
- high concentration of cholesterol;
- lack of physical activity;
- impaired glucose tolerance.
Over the next 10 years, dangerous cardiovascular pathologies develop in 20% of cases. Organizing a healthy lifestyle is an integral part of maintaining good health. Within 3-6 months, medications may not be prescribed so that the patient can regain as much health as possible through lifestyle changes.
high risk
This risk group includes patients with indicators of 179/110 or more in the presence of more than 2 predisposing factors. In addition, a high risk is defined for people with target organ damage, diabetes mellitus, retinal vascular disorders and atherosclerosis.
There may also be no risk factors, but people with stage 3 hypertension are at high risk anyway. They must be treated by a cardiologist. The risk of complication is 30%. Normalization of lifestyle is used only as an additional tactic against the background of taking specially selected drugs. The choice of the most effective drugs should be made as early as possible.
Therapeutic approaches
The main goals of the treatment of hypertension are to reduce the pressure and prevent the consequences. Complete cure is impossible, but proper staging and treatment can stop the active progression of the pathology and minimize the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
Drug treatment usually involves the use of antihypertensive drugs that inhibit the production of norepinephrine and its vasomotor activity. At the same time, the appointment of diuretics, antiplatelet agents, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and sedative drugs is required. In the absence of the expected result, a combined effect of several antihypertensive drugs is achieved at once.
In a hypertensive crisis, it is necessary to reduce the pressure within an hour after the attack, otherwise the chances of dangerous complications and death increase. In such a situation, antihypertensive drugs are used by injection or drip.
Regardless of the degree and stage of dysfunction in the body, an important therapeutic method is the normalization of nutrition, the observance of a special diet. The diet necessarily includes foods enriched with magnesium, potassium, vitamins. It is necessary to limit the use of salt, to give up alcohol, fried and fatty foods. With obesity, the daily calorie content of food decreases, sugar, pastries and other confectionery products are prohibited.
People with hypertension benefit from moderate physical activity - exercise therapy, swimming, walking. Therapeutic massage also has a good effect on well-being with hypertension. Smoking is strictly prohibited, you need to develop resistance to stress with the help of psychotherapeutic practices and relaxation techniques.
The effectiveness of complex therapy is evaluated according to several criteria:
- Short-term goals are normalization of pressure to a level at which the patient feels comfortable.
- The medium-term goals are to prevent the appearance and active development of pathologies in the target organs.
- The long-term goals are to prevent complications and prolong the patient's life.
Hypertension is a disease that is much easier to prevent than to fight it all your life, trying to alleviate the symptoms and prevent a systematic worsening of the condition. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the stage of hypertension determined, the more effective the treatment will be.