1ST CITY CLINICAL HOSPITAL

Mysterious - because in most cases the causes of the disease remain unknown, silent - because in many patients the disease is asymptomatic and they do not know about the presence of high blood pressure (BP) until any complication develops. In order to correctly determine the risk of developing arterial hypertension and, as a result, coronary artery disease, you need to know and control your blood pressure level, and, if necessary, undergo an examination that will help clarify disorders of carbohydrate and fat metabolism and the degree of damage to target organs (vessels, heart, kidneys). , brain).

Blood pressure (BP) control

Regular blood pressure monitoring is not only blood pressure measurement, it is also a set of measures aimed at reducing the risk of complications. If an increase in pressure is detected, it is recommended:

• undergo examinations recommended by your doctor;
• determine the risk of complications;
• pay attention to risk factors;
• follow the rules below regarding nutrition, physical activity, etc.;
• measure blood pressure regularly:
• at least once a year - with a single “unstable increase in blood pressure discovered by chance;
• at least once a month - if you feel well, but have a tendency to frequent or stable increases in blood pressure;
• at least 2 times a day - in case of exacerbation, stable increase in blood pressure and poor health.

If the pressure rises sharply and a crisis develops

• It is necessary not only to measure blood pressure, but also to write it down in a diary or on a piece of paper.
• Call an ambulance doctor.
• Take fast-acting drugs under the tongue: clonidine (clonidine) 0.075-0.15 mg, captopril (Capoten) 25-50 mg, nifedipine (Corinfar) 10 mg.
• If chest pain occurs (manifestation of angina), take nitroglycerin under the tongue.
• Do not use ineffective drugs - papazole, dibazole tablets.
• Do not sharply reduce blood pressure over a short period of time.
• Further actions will be determined by the ambulance doctor.

Doctor's orders and recommendations

Following your doctor's recommendations will help:

• get rid of the disease if the pressure rises slightly;
• achieve a decrease in blood pressure faster and reduce the dose of medications if there is a persistent increase in blood pressure.

An important place in the treatment of arterial hypertension (AH) is occupied by non-drug methods (healthy lifestyle), which are the initial step for absolutely all patients with AH and allow one to achieve good results at minimal cost and risk.

What is a healthy lifestyle?

The concept of a healthy lifestyle implies compliance with certain measures that can reduce the overall risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, stroke, heart and kidney failure.

What are the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle? Basic rules for a healthy lifestyle include:

Weight loss

It is well known that obesity is a risk factor for the development of hypertension and diabetes. Most people with high blood pressure are overweight. The abdominal type of obesity (excessive fat deposition in the neck, abdomen and chest) is most typical for patients with impaired fat metabolism, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Therefore, the most effective way to combat hypertension is weight loss. A weight loss program includes a low-calorie, fat-restricted diet and increased physical activity (regular dynamic exercise), which promotes gradual and sustainable weight loss.

Reducing salt intake

Studies have shown that blood pressure levels are directly related to the amount of salt consumed. Most people consume more salt than necessary. To reduce blood pressure, the average dose of salt should not exceed 5 g. (1 teaspoon) per day. Reducing salt intake can reduce blood pressure by 9/6 mmHg. Elderly hypertensive patients and patients with heart or renal failure should strictly adhere to this recommendation.

There are foods that initially contain large amounts of salt. These include: tomatoes, olives, soy sauce, biscuits, cheeses, pancakes, tomato juice, beans, spinach, ham, sauces, ready-made soups. Patients suffering from hypertension should exclude these foods from their diet.

Increased physical activity

Regular physical training reduces blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg. You should not engage in exhausting sports. Dynamic loads such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc. are recommended. Physical exercise should be regular, approximately 3-4 times a week for 20-30 minutes. Increased physical activity will not only reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but will also significantly improve your well-being and mood.

To give up smoking

Nicotine has a detrimental effect on the body. Under the influence of nicotine, the heart rate increases, vascular spasm occurs, and atherosclerosis appears over time. Smoking patients are 2 times more likely to die from cardiovascular complications compared to non-smokers. In addition, smoking increases the risk of developing lung cancer. bladder, causes damage to peripheral arteries. You should stop smoking immediately. In some situations, specialist help is necessary.

Compliance with dietary recommendations

Compliance with a special diet designed for people with high blood pressure leads to a decrease in blood pressure after only 8 weeks of use. This diet includes complete foods containing mainly plant protein, microelements (magnesium, calcium, potassium), very low fat foods and plant carbohydrates. It is necessary to give preference to vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, fish, and lean meat. Frequent consumption of food in small portions (4-5 times a day) is recommended. In addition, it is necessary to correctly distribute food intake throughout the day (breakfast - 20%, lunch - 40%, dinner - 10%, the last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime).

Relaxation

Stress is the scourge of our time. Learn to deal with stress adequately. Don't try to suppress negative emotions by smoking, overeating or drinking alcohol. There are types of relaxation such as yoga, meditation, hypnosis. Using these techniques once or twice a week will reduce the levels of catecholamines, which increase blood pressure.

If, despite following all non-drug measures, you still have elevated blood pressure readings, do not be upset and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. These measures will significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and help control blood pressure with lower doses of antihypertensive drugs.

DRUG TREATMENT OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

In cases where non-drug methods of normalizing blood pressure are not enough, it is necessary to supplement treatment with medications that lower blood pressure. These drugs are called antihypertensives. There are quite a large number of them and they have a different mechanism of action, which makes it possible to effectively control blood pressure.

Do not self-medicate. The doctor will select for you exactly the drug or combination of several drugs that is suitable only for you, taking into account the characteristics of your body. Only a doctor can determine the indications and contraindications for the use of a particular drug, taking into account your individual characteristics.

Remember! For successful treatment, medications should be taken daily, constantly, strictly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose of the drug without consulting your doctor.

If you feel unwell after taking the drug, or if a side effect of the drug occurs, please inform your doctor. Remember that you must become your doctor's ally in treating hypertension. Keep a self-monitoring diary (a blood pressure self-monitoring diary is attached) and constantly maintain contact with your doctor. Without your help, no doctor will be able to successfully treat hypertension.

REMINDER AGAIN!

Arterial hypertension is a dangerous and insidious disease. This disease is long lasting and requires lifelong treatment. Contact your doctor promptly. Regular treatment will help you avoid dangerous complications. Pay special attention to risk factors such as smoking, excess weight, excessive alcohol consumption, and low physical activity. It has been established that drug therapy is ineffective if a person smokes or is overweight. And even if you control blood pressure perfectly, but do not control these risk factors, you cannot count on effective prevention of complications.

Do not interrupt treatment yourself under any circumstances. Even a short break in treatment can undo the enormous efforts that you and your doctor spent in selecting medications to normalize blood pressure. A break in treatment increases the risk of a stroke or heart attack, as blood pressure may rise sharply.

We hope that your desire to overcome the disease, your patient persistence, together with the experience and knowledge of your attending physician will help you avoid dangerous complications. We are confident that strict adherence to medical recommendations will help you maintain a full life for many years.

“Remember that victory over any disease, including arterial hypertension, is more important and valuable than any other success in life.”

Thus, to effectively prevent most cardiovascular diseases and their complications, you need to follow only 7 rules:

1. Monitor your blood pressure.
2. Control your cholesterol levels.
3. Eat right.
4. Get some exercise: a little is better than nothing.
5. Don't start smoking, and if you smoke, try to quit, no matter how difficult it may seem.
6. Do not overindulge in alcoholic beverages.
7. Try to avoid prolonged stress.

By following simple but important rules for health, you can help yourself increase the effectiveness of doctor’s prescriptions, improve your prognosis and quality of life, and maintain good health and health indicators. A new, healthier lifestyle and new habits will not require large financial resources, but will require mobilization of will and active action.