The Magic of Numbers: how high blood pressure destroys your health
According to WHO, every third inhabitant of Russia suffers from hypertension. At the same time, almost half of hypertensive patients do not even suspect that they have high blood pressure, or do not attach importance to it. Meanwhile, this disease is one of the main causes of death in the world. How not to miss hypertension, what to do to ensure that blood pressure is always normal, and which products help reduce the numbers on the blood pressure monitor — in the Izvestia article.
Pain, stress, diabetes mellitus
Hypertension is not a single episode, but a persistent, regular increase in blood pressure above 140 to 90, emphasizes Denis Prokofiev, a general practitioner with the status of "Moscow Doctor." The first figure is the so—called systolic pressure, that is, the pressure in the blood vessels at the moment when the compression or contraction of the heart muscle occurs. The second indicator (diastolic pressure) is recorded when the heart is at rest between two contractions.
According to Prokofiev, there are three degrees and stages of hypertension.
At the first, mild, pressure readings range from 140/90 to 159/99 mmHg. Most often, this stage manifests itself without any special symptoms, but increased heartbeat, tinnitus, weakness, heaviness in the extremities and swelling should alert a person. In most cases, the cause of this degree of hypertension is an improper lifestyle. Treatment mainly consists of normalizing body weight, correcting diet, giving up bad habits and stress, as well as increasing physical activity.
The second degree is called moderate, but the numbers on the tonometer already look scary — from 160/100 to 170/109. A person develops weakness, dizziness and nausea, flies flash before his eyes, he complains of severe throbbing headaches radiating to the back of his head, and pressing pains in the heart area. In addition to prolonged stress, intense night work and an unhealthy lifestyle, the causes of health problems can be associated with diseases of the heart, blood vessels, adrenal glands, kidneys, thyroid gland, as well as diabetes mellitus. Genetic predisposition plays an important role. In addition to lifestyle adjustments and giving up bad habits, the patient needs regular supervision by specialized doctors and taking medications.
When the upper pressure index exceeds 180 mmHg, and the lower limit rises above 110, we are talking about the third degree of hypertension — severe. A throbbing headache is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, a person suffers from pain in the heart, weakness in the arms and legs, his eyesight is impaired, his face turns very red, and even memory lapses are observed. In this case, all the causes characteristic of the first and second degrees converge, as well as the problems that menopause adds. Serious treatment and constant monitoring by specialists are essential.
Trouble from a tender heart
Fortunately, our body is designed in such a way that it can even control blood pressure normally.
— This is helped, in particular, by the hormonal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In addition, there are many receptors in the body that carry out the necessary control. There are other protective mechanisms at work. Blood pressure begins to rise systematically if these functions fail in the body," says Denis Prokofiev.
It is important to examine every patient with high blood pressure in order to understand which reason is "annoying" him — symptomatic (related to external factors), episodic or permanent, the general practitioner emphasizes. Specialists determine whether there are negative changes in the organs: they examine the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, and brain. The most common causes of hypertension are usually associated with impaired heart function, kidney and thyroid disease. But, according to Prokofiev, it is possible to get to the bottom of the true causes in no more than 50% of cases.
A general practitioner warns that an episode of high blood pressure, the so-called hypertensive crisis, can occur even in an absolutely healthy person. Hypotonic patients also run the risk of becoming hypertensive. This does not happen very often, but it can still happen at an advanced age, when the body is no longer as good at controlling blood pressure as it used to be. It is almost impossible to determine by external signs that a person is hypertensive, the expert believes. Sometimes there are no signs of hypertension at all, and sometimes they are similar to cardiological or neurological symptoms. However, cold hands, a slight tremor and too red face may indicate an undesirable vascular reaction.
— If, in addition, with high blood pressure, there is a feeling that there is not enough air, severe shortness of breath and a throbbing headache are observed, then it is better to call an ambulance, warns Denis Prokofiev.
There are situations when you can remove the cause of high blood pressure and forget about it once and for all. For example, this is possible if the cause of hypertension is a muscle spasm or urolithiasis.
— It happens that the pressure increases on a one-time basis due to muscle spasm or severe stress, but the problem is episodic. And then the biggest mistake of doctors is to immediately prescribe lifelong medication to reduce blood pressure without a serious examination, just because the patient complained about this isolated case at the reception, warns Dr. Prokofiev.
What to do while the ambulance is on its way
What should I do if my blood pressure has skyrocketed, I don't have the necessary medications at hand, and the ambulance is still on its way?
Ivan Efremkin, a cardiologist at the Scandinavian Health Center, notes that in an emergency situation it is important to calm down, sit down or lie down, create silence and dim the lights.
— Slow diaphragmatic breathing (about five seconds per inhalation and the same amount per exhalation) helps to reduce blood pressure by 10-15 mmHg by activating the parasympathetic system, — suggests the cardiologist.
According to Ivan Yefremkin, a warm foot bath or foot warmer causes a redistribution of blood and slightly reduces pressure in the central vessels. If you feel hot, you can cool your forehead and temples with a cool compress. It is good if you have herbal tea (for example, mint tea) on hand.
The cardiologist emphasizes that all these measures are temporary. If the pressure surge is significant and there is a risk of a hypertensive crisis, then it is necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible. However, even basic peace of mind, a warm foot bath and relaxing tea can buy time and ease the condition before the doctor arrives, the cardiologist emphasizes.
But in order not to bring yourself to a critical condition, it is important to pay attention to the prevention of hypertension — it is important at any age. Judging by the main reasons, you can avoid an unpleasant diagnosis if you lead a healthy lifestyle.
— This is, of course, body mass index control, regular physical activity, abstinence from alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. It is necessary to avoid stressful loads, normalize sleep and wakefulness. And if doctors have made an unpleasant diagnosis and there really is a persistent increase in blood pressure, then it is imperative to take the prescribed therapy," comments Denis Prokofiev.
What foods reduce blood pressure
The blood pressure level is strongly influenced by the diet — some foods provoke its growth, while others help to keep it under control, Ivan Efremkin believes.
— Excess salt (sodium) is considered the main factor in the growth of blood pressure. Salt retains water in the body and increases the volume of circulating blood. Especially a lot of sodium is hidden in sausages, sausages, pickles, smoked meats, canned soups, ready—made sauces and snacks, - says Ivan Efremkin.
According to the expert, caffeine also has a direct effect on the increase in blood pressure: strong coffee, tea, energy drinks constrict blood vessels and accelerate the pulse.
"People who drink coffee regularly develop a tolerance to caffeine over time, but if they are prone to hypertension, it is better to limit such drinks," the doctor warns.
The expert also notes the harm of alcohol — ethanol negatively affects blood vessels, provoking a persistent increase in blood pressure.
— Special attention should be paid to licorice (licorice). Glycyrrhizic acid in its composition contributes to sodium retention, which can increase blood pressure even with a small regular intake, warns the cardiologist.
A diet rich in potassium, magnesium and fiber is useful for normalizing blood pressure, the cardiologist emphasizes. Potassium neutralizes excess sodium, so bananas, raisins, apricots, prunes, dried apricots, almonds, walnuts, cashews and baked potatoes are good at maintaining balance. And whole-grain breads, fresh vegetables and berries will help you avoid reaching for salt or unhealthy snacks. Magnesium, contained in nuts, greens, cereals and whole-grain bread, improves the condition of blood vessels. And vegetable fiber supports their elasticity.
Beetroot, spinach, arugula and other leafy greens contain nitrates: they are converted into nitric oxide in the body, dilating blood vessels. Beetroot juice can reduce systolic pressure (first or upper number) by 7-12 mmHg, and garlic (thanks to allicin and other substances) — by 3-5 mmHg. Karkade (hibiscus), thanks to bioflavonoids, also improves vascular function: several cups a day have an effect comparable to mild antihypertensive agents. Moderate consumption of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) in a number of studies reduces blood pressure by 2-4 mmHg, explains the cardiologist.
According to Efremkin, it is useful for hypertensive people to have spices in the kitchen without salt: dried herbs, garlic, lemons. They add flavor to the dishes without increasing the pressure. Herbal teas (mint, chamomile, karkade) are preferred among the drinks, as they do not contain caffeine and help to relax.
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