Hypertension Treatment

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 is reduced to maintaining an optimal level of pressure, improving 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 whose sure sign is an increase in blood pressure. It is considered high when the values on the tonometer scale regularly, for some time, exceed the norm, reach 140/90 and above. Other signs appear as the disease state progresses. Common symptoms of hypertension include:

• headache;
• frequent dizziness and weakness;
• nausea, which can turn into vomiting;
• signs of increased excitement (nervousness, aggressiveness, irritability);
• poor sleep;
• arrhythmia, heart pain;
• oversight.

High blood pressure develops when the walls of blood vessels are damaged and lose the ability to relax and contract on their own, adapting to changing conditions. This occurs under the influence of certain factors that cause prolonged stress on the vascular system. The main provoking factor of hypertension is considered to be excessive excitation of the central nervous system, caused by strong emotional experiences.

Other factors also play an important role:

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

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

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

Symptomatic high blood pressure occurs as a manifestation (symptom) of another disease. Arterial hypertension of the secondary type manifests itself more sharply and brightly, progresses more severely and faster. To cope with such a pathology, you need to directly influence the cause of its occurrence. Often, hypertension can only be treated in this case by surgery.

Hypertension and its treatment go through different stages in their development. Three stages are distinguished depending on the level of damage to the target organs: the first stage is characterized by the absence of such damage, the third stage causes 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: at the first, the pressure rises slightly and irregularly, the third is distinguished by high, persistent and poorly corrected tonometer readings. The second stage and the second degree can be called transitional.

Modern methods of treating pathology

Modern treatment involves traditional and classical treatment methods, 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 correspond to the standard of traditional treatment of hypertension. All of them are prescribed only by a doctor, taken throughout life, according to the prescribed regimen and dosage. Unauthorized cancellation or substitution of medications is not permitted. 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 the 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 drugs for hypertension from this group if the hypertension responds well to drug control.

Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARBs)

ARBs are a relatively new drug. In the treatment of hypertension it was used not so long ago. Distinctive features:

• Modern drugs give even fewer side effects.
• Effectively protects 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

The description:

• They belong to the group of drugs of the old generation.
• They are prescribed for persistent high blood pressure with high blood pressure.
• Suitable for patients with heart problems.
• They have quite a few side effects.
• Medications are usually combined with diuretics.
• There are contraindications for use (diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, obstructive processes in the bronchi).

calcium antagonists

Properties and distinctive characteristics:

• They do not allow calcium ions to enter the vascular cell, which reduces the stiffness of the vascular walls.
• Medications dilate blood vessels, improve coronary circulation in hypertension.
• Allows you to effectively control the level of the upper and lower pressure digits.
• There are side effects.
• Tablets have contraindications (narrowed aorta, impaired metabolism).

Diuretics

Otherwise, they are called diuretics. Main Features:

• Remove excess fluid from the body.
• Reduce potassium level in cells.
• May cause dehydration and hypokalemia (lack of potassium).
• Normalize blood pressure well.
• They are used alone and in combination with other drugs.

And now briefly about some alternative treatments for such a condition as high blood pressure.

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 to do without them altogether. Benefits of physiotherapy:

• improves the condition of blood vessels;
• normalizes blood flow in the brain;
• stabilizes coronary circulation;
• helps relieve nervous tension.

When hypertension develops, what treatment may be recommended:

1. The use of a galvanic collar based on a solution of magnesium sulfate and novocaine.
2. The use of general darsonvalisation.
3. Electro-sleep.
4. Massage procedures. The impact is located at the level of the head and the neck.
5. Bromine electrophoresis treatment.

What disease treatment can be tried yet?

Iodine treatment

Iodine is needed for 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.

The treatment of hypertension with iodine is the so-called "Indian method". How to overcome hypertension with its help? It is necessary to carry out such processing twice: at the beginning of autumn and at the beginning of spring. The full course lasts 20 days. After the first 10 days of treatment, they take a break for another 10 days and then continue for the next decade. The essence of the treatment boils 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.

Vitamin and mineral treatment

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. Proponents of this method believe that taking magnesium in combination with vitamin B6, along with elements such as taurine (a natural diuretic), fish oil (a natural source of valuable amino acids), can strengthenthe cardiovascular system and completely abandon medication.

low carb diet

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 condition of the 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 diet with magnesium intake, as well as moderate exercise.

In addition to these methods, high blood pressure 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 treatment of hypertension.

1. Clinical recommendations for the treatment of arterial hypertension in this case are as follows: exposure to the drug should begin with monotherapy. A drug is prescribed first. The dose at one 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 combination therapy.
2. The principles of treating high blood pressure are completely different here. Proponents of a different approach are convinced 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 effects 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 with a high risk of developing complications in the form of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

For the convenience of patients, drugs with combined action began to appear in pharmacies, which combine several active ingredients from different drug groups at once. It is convenient to take such tablets (drink one a day), and this is a significant advantage.

Effective treatment of hypertension depends on the right drug combinations.

Recommended combinations of drug therapy for high blood pressure:

• diuretic in combination with an ACE inhibitor;
• an ACE inhibitor with a calcium antagonist;
• the use of a calcium antagonist in conjunction with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker;
• diuretic and calcium antagonist;
• a diuretic combined with an angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist;
• beta-blocker and diuretic;
• calcium channel blocker with a beta-blocker.

Each stage of the disease requires compliance with a specific scheme and principles of treatment of hypertension.

First floor (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 the event 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 correct way of life. At this stage, you can actively use herbal medicine, massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapy and other non-drug alternative therapy methods.

Hypertension, as a pathology of the first stage, does not require the use of drugs. They are not used to stabilize the 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 hypertensionsecondary).

Second stage (160/100 - 180/110)

In most cases, this involves taking medication. Some patients manage with small doses and monotherapy. For others, the dose must be increased or combinations of drugs prescribed. Medicines are prescribed not only to reduce pressure, but also to prevent the development of complications.

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

Third stage (180/110 and more)

Principles of treatment of hypertension at this stage:

• You cannot 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 should be prescribed a combination therapy of 2-3 drugs.
• If symptomatic hypertension is detected, 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 recommendations for the treatment of hypertension suggested by the doctor. It is important at this stage to monitor the state of the so-called target organs of hypertension: the heart, kidneys, brain, eyes, blood vessels.

Kidney disease often causes high blood pressure. Drug therapy for nephrogenic (secondary) 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. Surgical treatment is the most effective and often the only measure to combat kidney pathology.

How to heal properly 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 and not harmful.

There are many effective and safe methods for lowering blood pressure offered by traditional medicine. How to treat high blood pressure without medication?

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

Garnet. Fruits in hypertension are very useful in themselves. But you can be treated with pomegranate peels. They are brewed instead of tea and drunk in unlimited quantities.

Currant. It is useful in all its forms, especially fresh. You can make compote, drink juice, make jam, it is very good and healthy to eat fresh berries crushed with sugar. It will eliminate the unpleasant symptoms associated with high blood pressure.

Useful vegetables. High blood pressure can be treated by eating various vegetables. Beets are useful in all their forms. 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 piece), 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. Then pour a pinch of herbs: cudweed, dill, parsley. All this is well mixed and boiled for another 15 minutes.

After cooking, leave to cool and filter. Then 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 take about ten days. After taking a 21-day break, undergo treatment again.

Honey rosehip. Infuse a tablespoon of dry rosehip (fruit) in boiling water (500 g), then heat over low heat for 10 minutes. Then cool and strain through cheesecloth. You can drink the recommended remedy in any quantity by adding honey (1 tablespoon) to the drink.

Drink based on mineral water. In mineral water (200 g), add honey (1 tablespoon), lemon (juice of half a fruit), stir everything. To cope with hypertension, you need to drink the drug before morning meals, one drink during the week.

Is it possible to permanently get rid of hypertension?

If secondary hypertension is diagnosed, the fight against it can be quite effective. How to treat high blood pressure in this case? Timely finding the cause of the disease and its elimination will lead to complete recovery from 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, complete recovery can only be expected at the very early stage of the development of the disease. To do this, you need to get into the habit of regularly measuring the 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 should be done to cure the disease:

• full time and 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 sit at the computer for a long time;
• try to lose weight if the weight has exceeded the permissible limits;
• forget 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 non-drug methods of alternative medicine. The main thing is not to overdo it with 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 a lifelong treatment and not to have empty illusions. How to overcome hypertension in a chronic form - no one knows. Now all a person can do in this situation is to learn how to keep the disease under control.

In the fight against hypertension, it should be remembered that self-medication without taking prescribed drugs can only harm. You have to take pills all the time, even if your health seems to be fine. 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.