In medical practice, pressure refers to the force with which blood exerts pressure on the walls of the blood supplying structures. In particular, arteries, which is why they most often talk about blood pressure.
Veins and capillaries are considered somewhat less frequently. Pressure is a generally accepted indicator of the health of the cardiovascular system; the state of blood supply to tissues and organs (partially) depends on it.
The normal indicator at the global level is not a specific figure, but a range from 100 to 140 by 60-90. Anything higher is hypertension with characteristic symptoms.
Interesting:
There is a concept of “working” blood pressure, but in this case it is not applicable: the level of “working” blood pressure can vary by no more than 10 mmHg from the norm.
Pressure 160 to 120 mmHg. Art. indicates a pathological process. What kind exactly - the doctor finds out. Self-diagnosis will not give anything.
High blood pressure levels pose a much greater health risk than low blood pressure in the short and long term: strokes, heart attacks, etc. are likely to develop soon.
Reasons for a one-time increase in blood pressure
There are not many reasons why blood pressure can “jump” sharply; there are many more pathological conditions with a persistent or regular increase in tonometer numbers. Nevertheless, such factors exist.
What are they:
- Abuse of coffee, strong tea, tonic drinks. Caffeine causes stenosis (narrowing) of large blood vessels at all levels, disrupting normal blood flow. Hematological fluid has to overcome significant resistance from the walls of the blood supplying structures. Hence the increase in blood pressure.
- Stress. Always accompanied by the release of a huge amount of corticosteroids (hormones of the adrenal cortex): norepinephrine, adrenaline and cortisol.
Individually, they have pronounced hypertensive properties. Together they give an even greater pathological effect. This is necessary to mobilize the body for an imaginary fight against unfavorable external factors.
The natural defense mechanism inherited from our ancestors can play a cruel joke.
- Alcohol abuse. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not have a positive effect on blood vessels.
In the initial phase of metabolism, they actually expand: the person turns red, and there is an active flow of blood to the tissues.
Already after 20-30 minutes, or even earlier, the reverse process is observed: narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels, an increase in blood pressure and temperature.
A weakened body may not be able to withstand such an overload. Conclusion: alcohol is the enemy of cardiovascular health.
- Abuse of certain medications. What drugs can increase blood pressure - Citramon, aspirin, mood stabilizers, some antipsychotics and others. Before use, it is recommended that, firstly, read the annotation, and secondly, consult a doctor about possible adverse events.
- Consuming large amounts of table salt the day before. Salt is crystallized sodium chloride. Sodium compounds retain fluid in the body, preventing it from being removed. This is a path to hemodynamic disturbances and increased blood pressure levels, sometimes to significant levels.
- Drinking large amounts of fluid is associated with an increased load on the entire cardiovascular system.
As already noted, pathogenic factors in the development of hypertension are much more common.
Endocrine system disorders
This is a large layer of diseases. Key and frequently encountered:
- Hyperthyroidism. In other words, excess production of thyroid hormones (active substances of the thyroid gland). The thyroid gland is a kind of cauldron of the human body.
With excessive work, activation of all organs and systems is observed, the body mobilizes and burns resources. This is a dangerous process: the body works for wear and tear.
Blood pressure of 160 to 120 may be constant and not subside on its own. There is a high temperature, general malaise, and external signs of the disease are evident. Causes: thyroid neoplasms or the development of diffuse goiter.
- Tumors or injuries of the pituitary gland. In both cases, there is excess production of corticotropin. This active substance is synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol.
With hormonally active tumors of the brain localization, large non-secreting tumors, excessive synthesis of the substance occurs. The result is the development of secondary Itsenko-Cushing’s disease with high blood pressure and other “delights” of this destructive pathology.
- Diseases of the adrenal glands themselves. They are also accompanied by excessive production of cortisol (a substance that increases blood pressure).
- Malignant neoplasms of the body of any localization. Characterized by systematic increases in blood pressure.
Diagnosis of hypertension
A cardiologist should diagnose the disease. You cannot independently diagnose yourself based on Internet tests or the similarity of symptoms with other patients. Self-medication and incorrect diagnosis can lead to serious complications. To prescribe the correct treatment regimen for hypertension, the doctor needs to identify the cause of the disease. For this purpose, a comprehensive examination is prescribed, which includes laboratory tests and visits to other specialists: endocrinologist, neurologist, neurologist, nephrologist.
Mandatory stages of examination of a patient with suspected hypertension:
- survey;
- taking anamnesis;
- heart rate measurement;
- pressure measurements on each arm;
- daily blood pressure monitoring;
- ultrasound examination of the kidneys;
- ECG;
- tests for the content of thyroid hormones, pituitary gland, gonadosteroids;
- neuromonitoring.
In severe forms of disorders, when it is not possible to determine the cause of the disease using general diagnostic measures, the doctor may additionally prescribe x-rays of the vascular system, magnetic resonance imaging, and stress testing.
Electrocardiogram is one of the methods for diagnosing hypertension
Reasons by age group
In children and adolescents, the most common factors in the development of arterial hypertension are:
- Excessive consumption of table salt. As already said. Systematic abuse of this substance leads to a persistent increase in blood pressure readings.
- Excess body weight. Provokes hemodynamic disturbances and increases the load on the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the child’s diet and prevent obesity in the early years of life until stable eating habits are formed.
- Physical inactivity. Modern children increasingly prefer a sedentary lifestyle at the computer. Active games are becoming a thing of the past. Hence the increased incidence of early hypertension. Blood flow is disrupted and cardiac activity is not trained. Is it dangerous.
For teenagers, the list of reasons is somewhat wider.
These factors are supplemented by:
- Temporary hormonal imbalance. Blood pressure during puberty (puberty) is unstable. It constantly jumps within wide limits. This is a temporary phenomenon, which, however, needs to be corrected if there is a danger to health and life. The issue is resolved individually with an endocrinologist and cardiologist.
- Drinking alcohol, smoking. Few people would be surprised by a teenager who smokes or drinks. Bad habits are a direct path to hypertension at an early age.
Youth, middle-aged people (up to 40 years):
Usually we are talking about somatic diseases. Thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands. Diabetes mellitus. Variations are possible. Often a person creates a problem for himself: smokes, drinks, abuses fatty foods.
Representatives of the older age group (over 40 years old).
In this case, we are talking about the accumulated baggage of diseases and general wear and tear of the body. Among the common reasons:
- Atherosclerosis. Narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels or occlusion of arteries by cholesterol plaques. With a long ongoing process, they become calcified and exist on a permanent basis.
- Kidney pathologies. First of all, pyelonephritis. Develops in many older patients. Accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. Nephritis and glomerulonephritis also provoke an increase in tonometer readings.
An unfavorable outcome of a long course of hypertension of renal origin is the formation of so-called malignant hypertension. This is a deadly process. It does not occur with numbers of 160 to 120-124, but with much higher numbers.
In the vast majority of cases, the process occurs with mild tachycardia: 90-100 beats per minute. Over time, the patient gets used to it, but this is not normal.
Prevention
To avoid increased blood pressure, you must adhere to some preventive measures:
- eliminate bad habits;
- to walk alot;
- eat as many vegetables, fruits, berries, greens as possible;
- get enough sleep;
- limit salt;
- avoid stress;
- balance the diet;
- practice physical activity;
- undergo medical examination
These rules, regardless of age and gender differences, help improve the quality of life and active longevity.
Some reasons for blood pressure 160 to 120 in women
In addition to the above reasons, in women there are a number of relatively physiological conditions when such indicators are possible, since their hormonal levels are less stable than in men, and there are more peak conditions.
During the menstrual cycle (especially in the first and second phases), hemodynamic disturbances occur, temporary but significant and accompanied by changes in blood pressure.
Premenopause, menopause and postmenopause are always accompanied by jumps in tonometer readings, both up and down.
During pregnancy, blood pressure is usually steadily reduced. Hypertension is uncharacteristic and may indicate the presence of somatic diseases, although there are exceptions. It is necessary to check for these even at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Why is this blood pressure dangerous?
Arterial hypertension of the second degree is a dangerous and serious disease. With similar tonometer readings, destructive processes are already beginning in the body, which can lead to:
- disruption of the heart;
- further narrowing of arterial vessels;
- deterioration of kidney function.
The overall chance of having a stroke or heart attack over the next 10 years is 20% - taking medication will help reduce the risk of complications.
Symptoms that require you to see a doctor
Among the warning signs:
- Intense pounding headache. May worsen with physical activity. Pulsates in time with the beats of the heart.
- Dizziness.
- Tachycardia (heart rate acceleration over 80 beats per minute).
- Swelling of the face and limbs in the morning.
- Cognitive impairment: decreased memory and performance, especially during the daytime.
- Increased sweating.
- Chills.
- Goosebumps before the eyes.
These are all possible symptoms of hypertension.
Blood pressure of 160 to 120 manifests itself in the same way in women and men. Representatives of the stronger sex may have an additional problem with potency.
How to help yourself at home?
There is no way to help. All the popular advice, such as washing with cold water, taking a contrast shower, or immersing your hands in hot water, is not only useless, but also dangerous.
If the pressure has risen to 160 to 120, you need to take a horizontal position, take a tablet of a prescribed emergency antihypertensive drug, or call an ambulance if there is none, or the pressure does not decrease within 30 minutes after taking the medication.
Additionally, the use of sedatives of plant origin is allowed. These are: Valocordin, Motherwort, Valerian in tablet form (not alcohol tinctures).
In the future, you should consult a doctor to prescribe or adjust therapy.
What to do with blood pressure 160/120?
First aid for second-degree hypertension consists of the following steps:
- Calm the patient and help him take a semi-lying position;
- Provide access to fresh air;
- Give the patient tincture of valerian or motherwort. Excessive panic can significantly worsen the patient’s condition;
- Take an extra dose of antihypertensive drugs, if any were previously prescribed by your doctor;
- Wait for the ambulance to arrive.
Under no circumstances should you take antihypertensive drugs unless they have been prescribed by a doctor! This can lead to irreparable consequences.
Screening for hypertension
Diagnosis of hypertension in adults and children is the prerogative of doctors of several specialties, since the etiology of the process is different.
Specialist - cardiologist.
You may need to consult a neurologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist, neurologist (depending on the primary disease).
The list of objective studies is as follows:
- Patient interview.
- Anamnesis collection.
- Determination of heart rate.
- Measuring blood pressure on both arms.
- Daily tonometry using a special monitor.
- Ultrasound of the kidneys.
- Electrocardiography.
- Assessment of the concentration of thyroid hormones, pituitary gland, sex hormones.
- Assessment of neurological status.
As a rule, nothing more is required. In difficult cases, angiography and MRI diagnostics are indicated. Stress tests are prescribed with caution. Everything is decided at the discretion of the doctor.
Treatment
Medicines prescribed by a doctor may belong to a variety of active groups:
- diuretics - Canephron, Diacarb;
- sartans - Valsartan, Losartan;
- calcium antagonists - Amlotop, Diltiazem;
- beta blockers - Bitoptik, Atenolol.
You can fight hypertension using traditional methods, which include drinking plenty of freshly squeezed rosehip, radish, pomegranate or carrot juices, since they are diuretics and help lower blood pressure.
Therapeutic methods
Treatment consists of eliminating the root cause of the pathological condition. Only then do they act on the symptoms (only insofar as to prevent adverse consequences).
Antihypertensive drugs are indicated. There are many of them (more than 100 items):
- ACE inhibitors.
- Calcium channel blockers.
- Beta blockers.
- Diuretics.
It is possible to prescribe angioprotectors (to protect blood vessels from rupture and strengthen their walls), as well as sedatives of plant origin (Valerian, Corvalol).
Endocrine problems are solved by correcting hormonal status. It is important to prevent the development of stroke, heart attack, hemophthalmos and other dangerous complications.
The doctor selects specific names. Self-medication is unacceptable. It is not possible to determine the dosage on your own.
