Blood pressure is important for the normal functioning of the human body. And as soon as blood pressure disruptions begin, serious changes occur in various organs and systems of the human body. For example, many are aware that pressure causes headaches, loss of strength, etc. But people do not always think about how pressure affects the functioning of the brain. Scientists have proven that this role is direct and extremely important. Moreover, both increased and decreased values have their own influence. AiF.ru spoke about how exactly the readings on the tonometer affect the condition of one of the main and at the same time sensitive organs of the body Doctor of Medicine, Professor, expert of the National Health League Mehman Mamedov.
How does latent arterial hypertension manifest itself?
Doctors call hypertension the “silent killer” because of its insidiousness: the disease often occurs without symptoms and can continue this way for years. The person does not feel any rise in blood pressure; on the contrary, he leads an active lifestyle and does not complain about anything. And sometimes the attacks of “lightheadedness”, severe weakness and dizziness that occur are attributed to overwork. The asymptomatic form of hypertension is usually detected by chance, during an outpatient examination, and often not by a cardiologist, but by a therapist or other specialist. The doctor measures the blood pressure and understands that he is hypertensive.
There are quite a lot of people who do not feel surges in blood pressure (BP). At the same time, they can suffer from both primary, or essential, hypertension, the cause of which is bad habits, age, poor vascular condition, heredity, and secondary, or symptomatic, hypertension. In this case, it accompanies another serious illness - urolithiasis and other kidney pathologies, endocrine diseases (thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus and others), obesity, and heart disease. But in only one out of ten patients, high blood pressure is caused by damage to any organ. The remaining almost 90% of patients suffer from essential hypertension. Both primary and secondary hypertension may hardly manifest themselves at all. “With an asymptomatic course of the disease, doctors do not single out any specific group of patients. Both men and women can almost equally not feel pressure rises. But, since the mortality rate of men from cardiovascular diseases is higher, it is believed that they are more susceptible to arterial hypertension, which occurs without symptoms, says Elena PRASLOVA, a physician at the Research Institute of Physical and Chemical Medicine of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia . – Why the body does not react in any way to changes in blood pressure and for the time being does not show any signs is not known for sure; scientists have not yet established any specific reason. But most experts are inclined to believe that the reason for this is most often a physiological feature of the work of the cardiovascular system of a particular person, a kind of “game” of blood vessels, when the vessels are not in constant tone, necessary for normal blood flow.”
Of the few indirect signs indicating latent hypertension, the main one is headache. “Almost everyone complains about attacks of headaches and dizziness,” continues Elena Praslova. – Short-term pressing pain behind the sternum, palpitations, pulsation of a vessel in the temporal region, numbness of the left arm may appear. If such conditions recur periodically, it is highly likely that you are developing hypertension.”
Increased numbers
High blood pressure or arterial hypertension refers to a situation where a person’s blood pressure regularly increases to more than 140 per 90 mm Hg. Art. With hypertension, the upper values can reach up to 200 and even a little higher. And this is a direct threat to blood vessels and, accordingly, the brain.
Article on the topic Every six months - ECG and once a year ultrasound. Examination schedule for hypertensive patients Naturally, when the vessels are hypertonic, blood circulation is impaired. As a result, the brain does not receive enough nutrients supplied with oxygen to maintain normal functioning. Of course, the consequences are not long in coming. For example, a number of studies have determined that high pressure damages the tissue of the white matter of the brain, which contains nerve fibers that send signals from one part of the brain to another. All this causes problems with memory and thinking. By the way, this is precisely what can partially explain the fact that older people have difficulty remembering and assimilating information. After all, arterial hypertension is often the lot of older people.
Also, high blood pressure in older people can trigger the development of dementia - all due to the same damage in the brain. Against the background of increased pressure, blood vessels become thinner and become especially fragile. If the pressure constantly brings them into tone, they cannot stand it and react by the appearance of micro-tears or microcracks. As a result, small, pinpoint hemorrhages begin in the brain tissue. Against the background of such damage, neurons begin to die, which also causes problems with memory and thinking.
Regular increases in blood pressure can result in ischemic stroke. The brain lacks oxygen and cannot function normally. This situation can occur in the vast majority of cases with hypertension. Against this background, embolism of the cerebral vessels appears (i.e., the brain vessels overlap), which carries a fatal danger to humans.
Hide and seek with hypertension. How to understand the normal value of your blood pressure? More details
Men with bad habits are at risk
Very often, arterial hypertension selects as its victims efficient, thriving, successful men under the age of 50 in their careers. In their endless worries and labors, they have no time for pressure. Only about 37% of men know about their illness (more women are aware - 58%), and only 22% of them are treated (women - 46%). Only 5.7% of men properly control their blood pressure. The result of this attitude towards one’s own health is sad: hypertension is one of the reasons for the low average life expectancy of men in Russia and the high frequency of heart attacks and strokes. The life expectancy of the stronger sex in our country is the lowest in Europe. In 2005, this figure was only 58 years, in 2009 it increased to 69 years. By comparison, in Germany, life expectancy in 2010 is 77 years for men and 82 years for women.
According to experts, the main cause of hypertension in men is their frivolous attitude towards their own health and bad habits (alcohol abuse, smoking, overeating). They are ruined by excessive busyness and responsibility for everything, constant stress at work and overwork, lack of sleep and physical inactivity. There are also natural reasons for the predisposition of men to hypertension: they have greater body weight compared to women and the volume of the vascular bed and the blood circulating through it is higher, which creates favorable conditions for the occurrence of high blood pressure. They do not have a “protective” hormonal background, like women.
And about medications
Do not self-medicate, do not listen to the advice of friends and neighbors. There are several groups of medications that lower blood pressure, and only a doctor can determine which drug should be taken at the moment.
Hypertension cannot be cured using folk remedies. Follow your doctor's recommendations and take the medications he prescribed for you.
Every Moscow clinic has health centers where you can get doctors’ recommendations on preventing hypertension. Many medical institutions operate schools for patients with arterial hypertension, where qualified specialists explain why hypertension is dangerous and how to treat it.
When to start blood pressure monitoring
It is very important to diagnose hypertension in time and identify its nature and the cause of its occurrence. Then, with proper treatment and constant monitoring of the patient’s well-being, it will be possible to avoid dangerous complications - atherosclerosis, thrombosis, aneurysm formation, deterioration or loss of vision, the development of heart and kidney failure, myocardial infarction and stroke. But with almost complete absence of symptoms, this is extremely difficult to do. Therefore, doctors insist that everyone who has entered middle age (after forty years) regularly measure their blood pressure - at least once a month, even if they feel great.
First of all, this applies to those who have poor heredity (there are close relatives with hypertension) and men. World experience in recent decades shows that, thanks to blood pressure control, it was possible to reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction by 20%, and stroke by 50%. Every modern person must have a tonometer in their home medicine cabinet - a device for measuring blood pressure. The gold standard for pressure is 120x80 mmHg. Art., plus or minus 10 mmHg is allowed. Art. in one direction or another. With numbers above 140x90 mm Hg. Art. you need to see a doctor immediately. True, a tonometer is not always at hand. “In such situations, you should focus only on your feelings. If you have a severe, pressing headache, rapid heartbeat, or a feeling of heat in the head and neck, immediately call an ambulance or have them take you to the doctor on duty. Don’t get behind the wheel yourself, recommends Elena Praslova. – If the disease is detected for the first time, it is better to undergo a full examination in a hospital setting and select drug therapy. The medications will have to be taken constantly. Many patients like to change medications or their doses on their own (increase or decrease), which absolutely cannot be done without consulting a doctor. In case of chronic hypertension, it is necessary to undergo a scheduled medical examination once every six months, which should include: general clinical blood and urine tests, biochemical blood test for cholesterol and glucose levels, echocardiography. Other examinations depend on the indications and the patient’s well-being.”
There is no such thing as too much precision
A person suffering from hypertension should regularly monitor their blood pressure - at least five times a day, including at night and immediately after waking up. Self-control plays a very important role in the fight against illness: it not only helps to avoid dangerous life-threatening situations (hypertensive crisis, heart attack, stroke), but also generally disciplines the patient and improves his adherence to treatment. Today, anyone can conduct thorough blood pressure monitoring without any problems while at home or at work.
The industry produces a wide variety of devices: mechanical, semi-mechanical and automatic models. Mechanical devices require certain skills, automatic blood pressure monitors are simple, compact and convenient, and their use does not require any special knowledge and skills. Such practical and reliable models include German Tensoval electronic blood pressure monitors. Among the company's latest developments is the unique Tensoval Duo Control tonometer, which combines two methods of measuring pressure - auscultatory (Korotkoff method) and oscillometric. Both methods have their own characteristics: for example, the first is suitable even for patients with heart rhythm disturbances and makes it possible to select the correct dosage of medications, the second is recommended for people with a very quiet pulse. German engineers have combined two technologies in one device, making it possible to obtain very accurate data on the patient's pressure. Essentially, this is double blood pressure control.
When purchasing a blood pressure monitor, make sure it meets international standards, is properly adjusted and tested for accuracy. From time to time, compare your blood pressure monitor readings with results obtained from other devices, such as those used by your doctor. Inflated values can also be obtained with a working device if the standard cuff is too narrow for your hand. It is not recommended to use pressure measuring devices on the finger or wrist; they do not give reliable results.
To get a reliable result:
- Measure your blood pressure in a quiet, calm environment, at a comfortable temperature, and while sitting in a comfortable position. You need to sit with a straight back, leaning on the back of a chair, with relaxed, uncrossed legs;
- you should not be wearing tight, oppressive clothing;
- Do not take the measurement immediately after eating; 1–2 hours should pass after eating. An hour before the measurement, you must refrain from smoking and coffee;
- It is not recommended to talk while measuring pressure;
- Rest for at least five minutes before measuring your blood pressure;
- Doctors are never guided by data obtained once. To obtain accurate data on the patient's blood pressure level, they take repeated measurements (at least twice, three minutes apart). You can do the same, but the pressure must be measured on both the left and right hand.
Hypertension - what worries patients
05.Jul.2021
QUESTION: “Can I suspect hypertension myself?
I often have tinnitus. Is this a sign of high blood pressure? ANSWER:
Hypertension has different symptoms. Among them: uneven gait (a person literally staggers from changes in pressure), headaches (both strong and weak, usually occurring in the morning in the back of the head or temples), tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, nosebleeds, insomnia, redness of the face, “floaters” before the eyes or fog in the eyes... Often, patients are bothered by pain under the shoulder blade, in the chest, in the fingers. But, alas, hypertension does not manifest itself for a very long time. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly monitor your blood pressure levels - purchase a tonometer.
QUESTION: I feel comfortable with high blood pressure.
Conversely, I feel bad when the pressure drops. Is it necessary to treat hypertension in such a situation? ANSWER:
Some patients do not feel pressure surges at all; there are often cases when the body adapts, and at such moments people, on the contrary, feel very well. It is very dangerous. If hypertension is not treated, a person may very soon develop a stroke or coronary heart disease. In addition, high blood pressure increases the risk of premature death. There are such sad figures: in 68 out of 100 cases of myocardial infarction and in 75 out of 100 cases of stroke, patients had an increase in blood pressure, which these people were not sufficiently controlled. If at the initial stage you can fight hypertension with a diet, a correct lifestyle, regularly measuring your blood pressure and preventing it from increasing, then at more serious stages you can no longer do without medications.
QUESTION: What blood pressure is considered normal?
ANSWER
: The biggest debate among doctors and patients is about what pressure is considered normal. So, up to 120/80 is the norm, from 120/80 to 130/80 is high blood pressure, from 130/80 to 139/89 is already first-degree hypertension, which requires drug therapy. But, as hypertensive patients note, at different times of the day and depending on anxiety, after physical activity, drinking alcohol or smoking, these numbers can fluctuate significantly. Therefore, information about how quickly after a jump blood pressure returns to normal is very important for the attending physician. It’s good if it takes no more than 30 minutes to stabilize. Moreover, the less stress or physical activity, the sooner the pressure should return to its original level.
QUESTION: How many times a day do I need to measure my blood pressure before my doctor can make a diagnosis?
ANSWER:
The diagnosis of “hypertension” is made to a patient only based on the results of multiple pressure measurements (at least five times a day - measurements will have to be taken both at night and early in the morning), performed on different days. When blood pressure increases slightly, measurements using a tonometer should be carried out over several months.
QUESTION: I am taking medications for hypertension.
I recently discovered that my husband’s blood pressure is also fluctuating. He started taking my pills, but they don't help. Why? ANSWER:
If you have hypertension, you should never prescribe medications yourself. Very often, people use drugs that were not prescribed to them, but recommended by neighbors, friends, and relatives. Under no circumstances should this be done. Only a doctor can choose the dosage of medications after examination and examination. The doctor prescribes a medicine based not only on the diagnosis, but also takes into account: the patient’s age, the stage of the disease (there are 3 stages of hypertension), the condition of the heart (is there angina pectoris, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias), does the patient have obesity, diabetes mellitus, bronchospasm and other ailments. Antihypertensive (pressure-lowering) drugs often have a very powerful effect, and the consequences of a sudden and severe decrease in blood pressure can be unpredictable. In addition, the dosage during the entire treatment period can be changed repeatedly, both upward and backward, depending on the patient’s condition. It must be remembered that the full effect of taking the drug often appears only after 1-2 weeks.
QUESTION: I’m not yet 50 years old, I follow a diet, take pills, but my condition is not improving.
The pressure is still high. What's the matter? ANSWER:
In this situation, one can suspect that hypertension is not caused by hereditary causes, bad habits (excess fatty and salty foods, tendency to overeat, sedentary lifestyle, smoking) or older age and poor vascular condition, but is associated with other health problems. Among the ailments that increase blood pressure are various diseases of the kidneys and renal arteries, thyroid disease, problems with the adrenal glands, heart disease, and brain injuries. In this case, the patient will have to undergo various studies. If the underlying disease is not treated, hypertension will not go away - medications that lower blood pressure will not help. An examination is required. It is impossible to make a diagnosis in absentia.
Afterword:
Today, arterial hypertension is diagnosed in every fifth Russian. And after 50 years - every second person. It is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, but it is imperative to control your blood pressure, otherwise there is a high risk of developing deadly ailments such as stroke, heart attack and coronary heart disease... Don’t neglect your health, take five minutes, at least in the morning and evening hours, to measure your blood pressure .
Prevention that reduces blood pressure
- eliminate the consumption of table salt or limit it to 6 g per day;
- reduce consumption of fatty and sweet foods (ice cream, chocolate, candy). The caloric content of the daily diet should correspond to the energy expenditure of the body. Products should be steamed, boiled or baked;
- exercise regularly. The load must be strictly dosed, without effort and only with full pressure compensation. For patients with hypertension, walking, swimming, Pilates, and cycling are recommended. Running, lifting weights and bending, sauna and Russian bath are excluded;
- Periodically check your blood cholesterol (lipid) and glucose (sugar) levels.
HOW DOES ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION MANIFEST:
- headache, which has no clear connection with the time of day, can occur at night or early in the morning, after waking up. As a rule, this is a feeling of “hoop”, heaviness or fullness in the back of the head. Sometimes the pain intensifies with a strong cough, tilting the head, straining, and may be accompanied by slight swelling of the eyelids and face. Improving venous outflow (upright position of the patient, muscle activity, massage) usually helps to reduce or eliminate headaches;
- pain in the heart area, different from angina attacks: occur at rest or during emotional stress; usually not associated with physical activity; last long enough (minutes, hours); do not go away after taking nitroglycerin;
- shortness of breath, which occurs first during physical activity and then at rest. Shortness of breath with hypertension indicates significant damage to the heart muscle and the development of heart failure;
- swelling of the legs, which is caused by sodium and water retention. The reason is a violation of the excretory function of the kidneys or taking certain medications. Serious edema indicates the development of heart failure;
- visual impairment – fog, veils, and “spots” appear before the eyes. These symptoms are associated with functional circulatory disorders in the retina. Severe changes in the retina (vascular thrombosis, hemorrhages, retinal detachment) can be accompanied by a significant decrease in vision, double vision (diplopia) and even blindness.
Decrease in indicators
Although hypotension receives less attention than high blood pressure, it is no less dangerous for the brain. Hypotension is understood as a decrease in pressure readings below 100 by 60, in some cases they talk about numbers below 90. With low blood pressure, a person usually feels constantly tired, wants to sleep, and may feel cold. Indeed, in contrast to hypertension, the matter here is characterized by reduced vascular tone.
Hypotension affects brain function in the following ways. Due to the decreased tone of even the smallest arteries in the brain, the blood pressure in them begins to increase, the walls begin to stretch, and headaches develop. Also, due to decreased tone, problems arise with the outflow of venous blood. This problem can be especially clearly felt when sitting or lying down. A bursting headache in the morning also indicates problems with blood flow. This happens because during sleep the veins relax, blood accumulates, when a person rises from the bed, the muscles contract, blood is pushed out, the tone of the veins increases - and the head begins to hurt.
Low blood pressure also affects memory and thinking. Indeed, against the background of reduced vascular tone, blood circulation slows down, and the brain again does not receive enough nutrients. The consequence of this effect on the brain can be problems with coordination, vision, etc.
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