The fact that there is a diagnosis of high blood pressure is only thought of if there is a persistent rise in blood pressure on the face or frequent jumps. However, different stages of hypertension occur with different intensities. In the early stages of the disease, people are usually unaware that the problems are developing. Sometimes even a slight rise in temperature is given more attention than a violation of the condition when arterial hypertension develops. The types of pathology differ in the severity of the manifestation of symptoms and the presence of concomitant disorders in the body. In fact, high blood pressure is no less dangerous, even in the absence of obvious signs, than when it is accompanied by various abnormalities in the body. Signs of high blood pressure include: tremors in the limbs, nausea, headaches, flies in front of the eyes. All symptoms are caused by problems with the blood flow to the internal organs.
Stages of high blood pressure
The clinic of hypertension is divided into stage and severity according to the effect on the whole body and the severity of the accompanying symptoms. There are 3 sections. Breaking down into stages helps the physician organize the diagnostic data obtained and select the appropriate tactics to improve the patient's condition.
Section 1
In stage 1 of high blood pressure, the blood pressure level does not exceed 159/99. This increase can last for several days. Rest helps to normalize blood pressure, relieves stress. With further progression of the pathology, it will not be so easy to restore pressure to normal.
At this stage in the development of the disease, there is no evidence of an effect on the target organs. Because of this, arterial hypertension is often asymptomatic. Only occasionally sleep disturbances, implicit headaches and heart pain can develop.
During clinical diagnosis, a slight increase in the tone of the fundus arteries can be observed. In the first stage of the disease, the risk of a hypertensive crisis is minimal, often due only to the effects of external conditions on the body. The risk also increases in women during menopause. The initial phase responds well to treatment. A lifestyle change is usually enough. Medications are not always needed. With timely therapy and strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions, the prognosis will be favorable.
2 levels
This is the stage of active pathological changes in the blood vessels - severe high blood pressure. The pressure in stage 2 reaches 179/109. Rest does not restore your level. A person complains of excruciating headaches, shortness of breath during exercise, deteriorating sleep, dizziness, and an increased heart rate.
This stage is characterized by the formation of the first signals from the internal organs. The most common symptoms of severe hypertension are:
- signs of left ventricular hypertrophy;
- narrowing of the lumen of the retinal arteries;
- increase in blood cholesterol levels;
- presence of protein in the urine.
Stage 2 hypertension significantly increases the risk of dangerous complications that can lead to stroke. It will not work without permanent medical treatment.
3 levels
This is the stage of the target organ disorders due to abnormal changes in the arteries and impaired blood flow in the body. Very severe hypertension in stage 3. The last stage of high blood pressure is the most severe, extensive disorder in the body that affects the target organs. The eyes, kidneys, brain and heart are most affected. The pressure is stable in stage 3 and is difficult to normalize even with medication. Leaps of 180/110 mmHg are common. Art. and more. The symptoms are similar to those seen in stage 2, but are also accompanied by abnormal manifestations of the organs involved. Memory often deteriorates, heart rate is severely impaired, and visual acuity decreases.
This stage is dangerous because it always affects the heart. Its contraction and impulse conduction are disturbed in the heart muscle.
degrees
With an increase in blood pressure and the lack of effect of the measures taken, it is assumed that the disease is progressing. The optimal blood pressure is 120/80. Systolic pressure ranges from 120 to 129 and diastolic from 80 to 84. There is also a high normal pressure when one is feeling well - up to 139/89 mmHg. Art. In medicine, high blood pressure is divided into 3 degrees.
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Grade 1 arterial hypertension is characterized by a slight drop in pressure and fluctuations from 140/90 to 159/99, in which case the risk of crisis is minimal and there are no symptoms of dysfunction of the other organs or the central organ. nervous system. To quell the attack, in addition to taking special pills, you need to relax a bit, 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 - 99 mmHg. Art. , The person is diagnosed with mild hypertension - first degree. It is characterized by the following signs:
- headache that gets worse with exercise;
- a stinging, painful sensation radiating to the left side of the chest, toward the shoulder blade, and under the arm;
- severe dizziness that may lead to fainting;
- acceleration of the heartbeat;
- black flies;
- tinnitus;
- sleep disorders.
A person will not notice the listed symptoms if they continue to develop. The onset of high blood pressure can start under stress and go away without consequences with proper help.
Grade II
Grade 2 hypertension begins to develop more actively. The pressure level already reaches 160/100 to 179/109. Signs of a hypertensive crisis appear - cold sweat appears, goosebumps appear on the skin, and the skin on the face turns red.
Symptoms of grade 2 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 arteries in the retina;
- increase in left ventricular size;
- protein in the urine found in the tests;
- persistent fatigue;
- nausea;
- throbbing in the head;
- swelling of the face;
- heavy sweating;
- damage to internal organs;
- numbness of the fingers;
- blurred vision;
- crises.
Medication cannot 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 at which the disease develops. Secondary high blood pressure affects the kidneys. The patient almost always complains of malaise.
Grade III
Grade 3 hypertension is the most severe. When it occurs, vision deteriorates sharply, memory deteriorates, tachycardia often occurs, and the risk of hypertensive crisis is high. Complications of this condition include thrombosis, brain disease, aneurysm, left ventricular and heart failure, bruising throughout the body, and swelling of the optic nerve. The pathology is irreversible. In case of high blood pressure, the patient necessarily needs external help and care. The main signs of high blood pressure are:
- arrhythmia;
- unsteady walking;
- significant visual impairment;
- violation of blood flow to the brain, causing paresis and paralysis;
- accompanied by crisis, confusion and speech disorder;
- sharp heart pain;
- blood depletion;
- restrictions on mobility and self-service;
- inability to communicate properly.
These symptoms indicate the progression of high blood pressure and the involvement of new organs in the disease. Gradually, more irreversible complications develop.
Classification by risk factors
High blood pressure is dangerous because of its multiple and often irreversible complications. Most patients become disabled or die not specifically because of high blood pressure, but because of acute disorders of other organs it causes.
The most dangerous conditions are ischemic necrosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, renal failure. To prevent various complications associated with dysfunction of other organs, your doctor will determine the degree of risk during the test. Risk levels are indicated by numbers from 1 to 4. It turns out that the diagnosis contains information about the extent and risk of damage, such as GB 2 degrees, 4 risks.
Low risk (negligible)
This risk of developing high blood pressure complications is seen in women under 65 years of age and men under 55 years of age who have mild stage 1 high blood pressure. Over the next 10 years, only 15% of people will develop additional cardiovascular disorders due to high blood pressure. These patients are usually seen by GPs as there is no point in seeing a cardiologist and undergoing serious treatment.
If the minor risks persist, a person should make lifestyle changes over the next 6 months. This leads to positive developments. If there is no result and a reduction in blood pressure is not recommended, it is recommended to change the patient's treatment tactics and use drug therapy.
Medium risk
This group of patients includes hypertensive patients whose blood pressure is less than 179/110. Usually, these people have 1-2 risk factors out of the following:
- smoking;
- genetics;
- obesity;
- high cholesterol;
- lack of physical activity;
- impaired glucose tolerance.
Over the next 10 years, 20% of cases will develop dangerous cardiovascular pathologies. Organizing a proper lifestyle is an integral part of maintaining good health. No medication may be prescribed for 3 to 6 months to help the patient recover as much as possible through a lifestyle change.
high risk
This risk group includes patients with a score of 179/110 or more in the presence of more than 2 predisposing factors. In addition, they are at high risk for those with target organ damage, diabetes, retinal vascular disorders, and atherosclerosis.
There may be no risk factors, but people with stage 3 hypertension are at high risk anyway. These should be treated by a cardiologist. The risk of complications is 30%. Lifestyle normalization is only used as an additional tactic in the background of taking specially selected medications. The selection of the most effective drugs should be done as soon as possible.
Management approaches
The main goal of treating high blood pressure is to reduce the pressure and prevent the consequences. Complete recovery is impossible, but staggering and appropriate treatment will help stop the active progression of the pathology and minimize the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Drug therapy usually involves the use of antihypertensive drugs that inhibit the production and vasomotor activity of noradrenaline. However, diuretics, antiplatelet agents, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and sedative medications should be prescribed. In the absence of the expected result, the combined effect of several antihypertensive drugs is performed simultaneously.
In a hypertensive crisis, the pressure must be reduced within one hour of the attack, otherwise there is an increased risk of dangerous complications and death. In this situation, the antihypertensive medicine is given as an injection or drip.
Regardless of the degree and stage of the dysfunction of the body, the normal therapeutic method is the normalization of nutrition and adherence to a special diet. The diet necessarily includes foods fortified with magnesium, potassium and vitamins. It is necessary to restrict the use of salt, to omit alcohol, fried and fatty foods. Obesity reduces the daily caloric content of the diet and prohibits sugar, pastries and other confectionery products.
People with high blood pressure benefit from moderate physical activity - exercise, swimming, walking. Therapeutic massage has a good effect on well-being even in case of high blood pressure. Smoking is strictly prohibited, and resistance to stress must be developed through psychotherapeutic practices and relaxation techniques.
The effectiveness of complex therapy is evaluated based on several criteria:
- The short-term goal is to normalize the pressure to a level at which the patient feels comfortable.
- Medium-term goals are to prevent the occurrence and active development of pathologies in the target organs.
- The long-term goals are to prevent complications and prolong the patient’s life.
High blood pressure is a disease that is much easier to prevent than to fight it for a lifetime, to relieve symptoms and prevent a systematic worsening of the condition. The earlier the diagnosis and stage of hypertension are determined, the more effective the treatment will be.