Complications of hypertension - classification, risk factors and their prevention

Blood pressure indicators are the most important aspect of the health of the entire body. If they are normal, it means that blood circulation in the vessels occurs correctly, the organs receive all the necessary elements to carry out their functions. Any deviation from the norm in one direction or another indicates the presence of some kind of disturbance in the blood flow. This indicates the possibility of developing a threatening condition for a person. Increased changes in blood pressure that are permanent are called hypertension. Complications of arterial hypertension are varied, and they cannot be called harmless.

Blood pressure numbers, stages of hypertension

Normal blood pressure: below 120/80.
Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89. First degree hypertension: 140-159 systolic, diastolic 90-99. Second degree hypertension: 160-169 systolic and 100-109 diastolic. Hypertension of the third degree: systolic/diastolic above 180/110. During the course of the disease, a hypertensive crisis is distinguished - a condition that requires emergency medical care and is characterized by symptoms:

• dizziness;
• shortness of breath;
• headache;
• chills;
• increased sweating (cold sweat);
• rapid heartbeat;
• blurred vision, flickering before the eyes;
• fear, panic;
• deafness, ringing in the ears;
• vomiting.

How stress increases the risk of developing hypertension

The combination of two risk factors for hypertension - stress and physical inactivity - makes a person practically defenseless against this disease and its complications. At the moment of stress, not only the hormone adrenaline is produced, which has already been mentioned in detail.

Adrenaline stimulates the production of glucocorticoids, which, in turn, also increase blood pressure, stimulate an increase in blood sugar levels, and the redistribution of proteins and lymphocytes in the body. Evolutionarily, these mechanisms were intended to increase the body's adaptation to a problematic situation from which in the habitat of our ancestors there were only two ways out - fight or run away.

In both cases, large amounts of energy were required - sugar and adrenaline literally “burned out” within a few minutes of active muscular work. The danger of injury made the “blood thickening” reaction physiologically justified, that is, increased blood clotting due to plasma and platelet factors, which was also relieved by active muscle work.

Why is stress the cause of hypertension in modern man, what happens at the moment of stress in an organism undermined by hypodynamic disorders?

Evolution has considered them appropriate for the existence of humans as a species, so we cannot get rid of them. And we get the following effect: increased blood pressure, blood sugar concentration, release of lymphocytes from lymphoid tissue, increased blood clotting.

But, instead of helping to resolve a stressful situation, “burning out” with the release of energy, in the absence of movement they remain in the bloodstream for a long time and lead not only to a persistent increase in pressure, but also to heart attacks, strokes and their further consequences.

This factor in the development of hypertension at a young age is especially great, since physical inactivity in combination with stress leads to an earlier development of atherosclerosis, decreased immunity and atrophy of the musculoskeletal system.

Getting rid of physical inactivity through various types of physical activity can prevent the development of not only hypertension and its complications, but also various “chondrosis”, radiculitis, immunodeficiency, obesity and diabetes.

Who is at risk?

Most often, arterial hypertension develops in the following category of people:

1. Older people: the higher the age, the greater the likelihood of developing the disease. Experts recommend regularly measuring blood pressure from the age of 45.
2. People who smoke a lot or drink too much alcohol.
3. If parents have been diagnosed with hypertension, then the risk of it developing in their children is quite high.
4. Overweight people.
5. People working in hazardous work associated with noise and vibration.
6. Patients suffering from kidney disease.
7. People who have ever had a head injury.
8. Representatives of the strong half of humanity. Men are more likely to experience the problem than women.
9. People who are often stressed. This is explained by the fact that adrenaline, a stress hormone, leads to tachycardia and increased blood pressure. If this process continues for a long time, then the vessels wear out and hypertension occurs.
10. People who move very little. Athletes have a much lower risk of developing hypertension than people suffering from physical inactivity.

Non-drug treatment

Treatment with folk remedies for hypertension is possible only in combination with medications prescribed by a doctor. People with high blood pressure should follow a diet that contains foods that help lower blood pressure and lower bad cholesterol (HDC).

Recommended products for hypertensive patients:

1. bran bread;
2. fiber-enriched oatmeal;
3. from vegetables: broccoli, uncanned green peas, any greens, carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes;
4. from fruits: apples, apricots, peaches, bananas, grapes, citrus fruits, dried fruits;
5. milk, fermented milk products, including low-fat cottage cheese, cheese;
6. lean poultry meat, boiled or baked;
7. legumes: beans, lentils;
8. nuts: walnuts, almonds;
9. seeds: sunflower, sesame;
10. berries: cranberries, lingonberries, currants, viburnum.

Food must contain sufficient potassium. The substance displaces sodium salts from the body, has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, and helps reduce blood pressure. This fact should be especially taken into account by patients who are prescribed diuretics (diuretics) or herbal remedies. Some herbs flush potassium from the body.

We must not forget about sufficient fluid intake; you need to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day, after consulting with your doctor.

In addition to potassium, food should contain sufficient amounts of magnesium. This substance has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. For example, in magnesium, often prescribed for hypertension, it is the magnesium content that stops a possible heart attack. It also serves for better absorption of potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.

Products with high magnesium content:

• wheat bran, sprouted wheat grains;
• sunflower, flax, pumpkin seeds;
• Pine nuts;
• cocoa, dark chocolate;
• seaweed in its natural form;
• apricots.

For the best effect, it is advisable for a patient with hypertension to take complex vitamin and mineral preparations, because modern products contain harmful preservatives that negate their benefits. Frozen meat or fish loses its quality by half. That's why it's better not to rely only on products and take vitamins/minerals separately.

Harmful foods for hypertensive patients:

• salted fish, canned vegetables;
• animal fats (it is advisable to replace them with unrefined vegetable fats);
• fatty dairy products: sour cream, butter;
• Use jam and honey sparingly, avoid pure sugar altogether;
• hot spices, smoked meats, which have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, kidney function, and heart function;
• strong coffee or tea, meat broths, sauces.

In addition to products, traditional medicine recommends and successfully applies treatment with hypertensive herbs, the list of which is huge. Ready-made herbal infusions are purchased at the pharmacy, but you can prepare them yourself if you know their list:

• periwinkle;
• mistletoe;
• prickly hawthorn;
• calendula officinalis;
• Dill seeds;
• round-headed Echinops;
• swamp grass;
• yarrow;
• Melissa;
• valerian;
• chokeberry fruits;
• dog-rose fruit;
• mint;
• linden flowers;
• St. John's wort.

It is important to know that the above herbs should not be used by people prone to low blood pressure. They are used as the main treatment only in the initial stages of the disease.

Some herbs and plants have contraindications, they must be taken into account. Herbal treatment is carried out in courses, with a mandatory break.

What causes hypertension

In the recent past, hypertension was considered to be a consequence of arteriosclerosis or nephritis. Currently, cardiologists insist that arterial hypertension is the result of a violation of the muscle tone of the vascular wall, leading to persistent spasm.

This opinion is supported by supporters of the neurogenic theory, who consider permanent stress to be the main cause of hypertension. It is supported by the authors of a popular natural theory, according to which increased pressure is a consequence of an imbalance in the human environment:

What are the causes of the disease?

Arterial hypertension is divided into two types: primary and secondary.

The nature of the development of the primary form of the disease is still unknown. Doctors agree that the main cause of its appearance is atherosclerosis. But here there is a statement that it is atherosclerosis that is caused by the presence of hypertension. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle, eating a lot of salt, fatty foods and regular stress at home or at work can be to blame.

The secondary form implies the fact that the cause of hypertension is problems with internal organs. These may be pathologies of the endocrine system, heart disease, stenosis of the artery in the kidneys, nephritis.

Risk factors for hypertension

The following factors contribute to increased blood pressure and lead to the development of hypertension:

1. Hereditary predisposition.

If the mechanisms regulating the functioning of the vascular system are insufficient, arterial hypertension develops. Since heredity cannot be changed, relatives with hypertension are a warning, a kind of reminder, a reason to be wary. Regular (from a young age) monitoring of blood pressure numbers, changes in lifestyle: quitting smoking, proper nutrition, physical activity, plus early diagnosis and timely initiation of therapy - the ability to keep blood pressure within “limits” and avoid dangerous complications.

1. Age.

Blood pressure gradually increases with age, as the walls of blood vessels lose elasticity and narrow due to atherosclerotic deposits. But the thesis “hypertension is a disease of the elderly” ceases to be relevant. Yes, the prevalence of arterial hypertension is higher in people over 60 years of age, but the pathology also occurs in young people.

1. Floor.

Men are more prone to hypertension in young/middle age, while women are more prone to hypertension in old age. This happens because women are “protected” by hormones until a certain time, and only with the onset of menopause do they “catch up” with men in terms of high blood pressure numbers.

1. Wrong lifestyle.

Consumption of too much salt (chips, smoked foods, etc.), coffee and other drinks with a high caffeine content, lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet, fatty foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, sleep disturbances, physical inactivity, excess weight are risk factors for hypertension, other cardiovascular pathologies.

1. Diseases.

Diabetes mellitus: vascular permeability is impaired, there is a tendency to thrombosis, atherosclerosis develops early, blood vessels narrow, plus nephropathy leading to kidney damage contribute to increased blood pressure and the development of hypertension. Atherosclerosis: lipid metabolism disorders lead to cholesterol deposition and plaque formation. The vessels narrow, so the pressure increases. Itsenko-Cushing syndrome: elevated levels of adrenal hormones, which can be caused by taking corticosteroid drugs, leads to the development of persistent hypertension. Hypertension can also be provoked by: hyperthyroidism (hyperfunction of the thyroid gland), hyperparathyroidism, which affects the level of calcium and phosphorus, kidney disease, and other pathologies.

Patient care for arterial hypertension

When caring for a sick person, it is necessary to constantly, at least twice a day, monitor blood pressure and analyze its fluctuations in one direction or another, since it is these fluctuations that make it possible to timely assess the patient’s condition and, if necessary, take urgent measures. To prevent complications of arterial hypertension, you should:

• protect the patient from nervous and emotional stress;
• encourage moderate physical activity, walking;
• minimize watching TV and board games that require mental stress;
• two hours before bedtime, turn on quiet, calm music;
• avoid overstimulating the patient;
• monitor the amount of urine excreted; swelling or weight gain;
• limit salt intake, reduce the amount of fatty foods.

The implementation of the above measures together with drug therapy will stabilize arterial hypertension and its complications. In caring for a sick person, it is important to remember that for a patient diagnosed with hypertension, the main thing is to maintain pressure at the same level without sudden jumps, either down or up, only in this case there are chances to eliminate or reduce severe complications.

Prevention of complications

The main thing is to adjust your lifestyle and diet. Experts have been able to prove that hypertension is hereditary. And if one of your relatives suffers from this disease, its development cannot be ruled out

In this case, it is very important to eliminate the factors that cause it.

Excess weight may be a fundamental factor in the development of the disease. Therefore, the main prevention of its development is to get rid of extra pounds. The development of the disease is also facilitated by uncontrolled consumption of table salt, which causes water retention in the body tissues, which puts a significant burden on the kidneys.

One of the reasons that becomes the impetus for the development of this disease may be an increased level of lipoproteins in the blood. These substances are deposited in the vessels, contributing to the loss of their elasticity and disrupting blood flow. Therefore, people at risk should avoid eating foods that contain significant amounts of cholesterol.

Prevention of the development of the disease consists of giving up bad habits. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of alcoholic beverages and stop smoking.

Most often, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle suffer from hypertension. Sedentary work and natural inactivity contribute to blood stagnation and the formation of blood clots. Therefore, it is necessary to build a daily routine in such a way as to find time to do physical exercise. Walking helps improve blood circulation and improves sleep quality.

The trigger for the development of hypertension is frequent stress. In the presence of risk factors, another psycho-emotional shock can cause vasospasm and a persistent increase in blood pressure. Therefore, breathing exercises and exercises that promote general relaxation of the body are very useful.

People with unfavorable heredity should be alert and constantly monitor the level of blood pressure in the vessels. If there is an unreasonable increase in it for several days, you should consult a doctor without hesitation and follow all his instructions without waiting for the disease to progress.

We must not forget about the significance of the symptoms of the disease, contact medical institutions in a timely manner and follow preventive measures to avoid the development of complications of the disease.

Types of complications

Often a patient with hypertension gets used to his condition. Problems arise only during exacerbation of the disease, when significant pressure surges occur. Untreated hypertension leads to complications that disrupt the normal functioning of the body. The following dangerous complications of hypertension are identified:

• Hypertensive crisis. With this pathology, the patient’s blood pressure begins to increase sharply and very rapidly. In this case, the following symptoms occur:
• darkening of the eyes;

headache;

• heart pain, suffocation;
• attack of nausea, vomiting.

Also, during a crisis, the patient may faint. This pathological condition develops during physical overload, emotional shock, due to lack of sleep or stress.

What you need to know about hypertension?

Content

Arterial hypertension currently ranks first among the most common diseases on the globe. Probably, each of us has dealt with high blood pressure at least once in our lives; some have experienced this condition personally, while others have heard about it through complaints from family members or friends.

Not only is this disease dangerous in itself, but in addition to this it contributes to the emergence of other, much more dangerous diseases, often resulting in death. And therefore, every person should know everything about this insidious disease - about its symptoms, causes and treatment - in order to face it fully armed.

To understand the causes of hypertension, what triggered its appearance, see its symptoms, learn about preventive measures and which treatment method is most effective, let's first find out what blood pressure actually is. It is well known that blood pressure is calculated in two figures, in simple words, an upper and a lower figure.

Every person should know their working pressure

The top number is called systolic blood pressure. It indicates the pressure in the arteries precisely at the moment the heart contracts and blood is pushed out. This pressure is determined by the force with which the heart muscle contracts. As for the lower number, it is called diastolic blood pressure.

It is generally accepted that normal blood pressure is a reading of 120 and 80 mmHg (the first number is systolic, the second is diastolic). In this case, it is unnatural to talk about the fact that a person has a disease such as arterial hypertension. But if there is a persistent increase in blood pressure from 140/90 or more, this is already considered hypertension in modern medicine.

It is worth noting that the causes of hypertension sometimes lie in kidney disease, no matter how strange it may sound. If this organ is not working properly, pressure may increase. This is explained by the fact that unhealthy kidneys are unable to produce an active substance called renin, which increases the tone of the muscles of the arterial walls and this provokes the occurrence of hypertension.

Risk factors

In addition to hypertension caused by improper functioning of the kidneys, the causes may lie in other features. This disease may appear due to the following factors:

1. Age. The older a person gets, the harder and stiffer the walls of his large arteries become, which is why the muscle resistance of blood vessels to blood flow increases and blood pressure rises.
2. Gender. It may seem a little strange, but the male half of humanity is more predisposed to this disease.
3. Smoking cigarettes. This bad habit has a negative effect on the condition of blood vessels and becomes the cause of the disease.
4. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol affects every internal organ of the human body and causes an increase in blood pressure.
5. Wrong diet. Frequent consumption of products and products containing a lot of salt.
6. Sedentary lifestyle, overweight.
7. Constantly increased adrenaline in the blood.
8. Stressful situations, anxiety, worries, negative psychological emotions.
9. Heart defects.
10. Consumption of certain medications.
11. Late toxicosis in women expecting a child, or pregnancy with complications.

You should consult a doctor if you have such problems and do not hope that everything will go away on its own at home.

If the above points (one or even several) apply to you, then you are more or less susceptible to this disease (depending on the number of matches). You need to carefully monitor your own health, say “no” to bad habits, so as not to become one of the many people suffering from hypertension, who have experienced all its hardships by their own example.

Constant stress, nervousness and overwork can cause hypertension

It is worth noting that the situation with hypertension is not as clear as it might seem at first glance - not every increased blood pressure can be assessed as an immediate danger to health and human life. After all, a short-term and insignificant rise in blood pressure sometimes appears due to a random factor: a stressful situation, weather, overwork and will not visit the person in the future.

Doctors advise all people to know their own “working” pressure - this term means the pressure that is normal for you, which you have regularly, at which your well-being does not worsen. If you have had a blood pressure of 135/90 throughout your life and felt great, then it is difficult to give it the name “elevated” - this is the norm for you specifically.

Degrees of hypertension

• first degree: (SBP) 140-159/90-99 (DBP);
• second degree: 160-179/100-109;
• third degree: 180 and more/110 and more.

Highly normal blood pressure (SBP) is considered to be from 130 to 139/from 85 to 89 (DBP).

Symptoms

Headaches can be caused by anything - even high blood pressure

How can you understand whether your blood pressure is high or normal? Naturally, the simplest and most reliable means for this is a tonometer, thanks to which you can measure pressure at home. However, you should be alert to changes in your well-being and some sensations at the bodily level. The main symptoms are:

• headaches;
• nausea, dizziness, feeling like you are about to faint;
• swelling;
• feeling of high temperature;
• burst vessels in the eyeball;
• flushing of the face;
• feeling that you are short of air; irritation, restlessness, aggressiveness;

If you notice these symptoms occurring, you should consult a doctor. Trying to cope with them on your own at home, and using folk remedies may not give the desired effect and may even worsen the situation.

Treatment

Treatment of hypertension is carried out in stages. The first step is to determine what underlies hypertension and what causes it. In order for the doctor to make a final and completely correct diagnosis, an additional examination is required - it may include studying the fundus of the eye, the functioning of the heart, and the functioning of the kidneys.

Drug treatment is considered the most effective

Antihypertensive therapy can be carried out simultaneously with the above. If a person suffers from high blood pressure for the first time, he may be admitted to the hospital for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive examination, excluding various pathologies and complications, taking test material and selecting personal therapy and treatment options.

So, if you heard a diagnosis of hypertension from a doctor, then you need to:

• take all medications prescribed by the doctor;
• take medications regularly, fully obeying the doctor;
• do not stop taking medications before the time prescribed by the doctor;
• Avoid treatment at home if doctors strongly recommend hospitalization.

To summarize, it is important to note that the main condition for successful treatment of hypertension, as well as any other serious disease, is full compliance with all the doctor’s instructions and prescriptions. And for preventive purposes, you need to listen to your body, get rid of bad habits, reduce the stress factor to a minimum, lead an active lifestyle and eat right.

What are the complications of arterial hypertension?

High blood pressure in our world is a serious problem that affects everyone.
According to scientists, hypertension is a leading factor in the development of strokes, myocardial infarction, vascular and kidney damage and vision loss. Over the past 35 years, medicine has made dramatic strides in solving this problem. Deaths from stroke fell by 50%, and deaths from heart attacks fell by 40%. But still, this disease has not yet been completely overcome. Many patients suffering from high blood pressure neglect measures to prevent hypertension, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many people on our planet live with an undiagnosed disease, and several million are sick with it.

Complications of hypertension are:

• atherosclerosis;
• heart disease;
• diseases of the central nervous system;
• kidney diseases;
• visual impairment;
• diabetes;
• preeclampsia;
• metabolic syndrome.

Atherosclerosis - this form of complication is represented by the fact that the patient has a high level of lipoproteins in the blood, and at the same time their density is quite low. And atheromatous plaques form on the walls of blood vessels. The progression of arterial hypertension can lead to these problems if the patient does not receive the necessary treatment.

Heart diseases. High blood pressure increases the risk of myocardial infarction. Therefore, this disease is classified as a number of complication factors, which will subsequently lead to narrowing of the coronary arteries that directly supply blood to the heart muscle.

Central nervous system disorders. This risk factor for the development of the disease includes stroke and chronic cerebrovascular accident.

Kidney problem. Due to the fact that the blood circulation of the whole body is impaired, kidney failure gradually develops.

Vision. Due to problems with blood circulation, the eyes also begin to suffer. This occurs because the retina and optic nerve do not receive enough blood to feed the small arteries.

Diabetes. Arterial hypertension is a risk factor for the development of complications in patients with diabetes mellitus. It can cause diabetic feet, retinopathy and many other manifestations in the patient.

Preeclampsia - this disease mainly affects pregnant women, that is, manifestations of gestosis, or, as it is otherwise called, toxicosis. If you have high blood pressure during this period of life, this can significantly affect the complication of your condition.

Metabolic syndrome is a condition of the body that develops as a result of obesity, increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.

It is very important during the progression or sudden onset of hypertension to promptly consult a doctor for help. . Then the likelihood of symptoms appearing is reduced to zero.

And if your doctor discovers this type of illness at an early stage of development, then be sure to take advantage of all his advice. After all, it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it in a long and difficult way.

Then the likelihood of symptoms appearing is reduced to zero. And if your doctor discovers this type of illness at an early stage of development, then be sure to take advantage of all his advice. After all, it is better to prevent a disease than to treat it in a long and difficult way.

Classification

In medical science, there are several types of hypertension, depending on the nature and origin of the disease. Determining the type of pathology is an integral part of diagnosis, which directly affects the tactics of further treatment.

Types of hypertension

Depending on origin:

1. Primary. High blood pressure acts as an independent disease. Caused by endocrine, neurological and genetic factors. Mostly occurs in young people. Accompanied by redness of the skin, chills, painful pulsation in the temporal region.
2. Secondary. Acts as a symptomatic manifestation of lesions of individual organs. Characteristic for diseases of the kidneys, endocrine glands, and brain. It is also observed in cases of blood disorders, congenital heart defects, and the use of certain medications.

By severity:

1. Benign. It is characterized by a long development, slow progression, and low intensity of symptoms. Often, signs of benign hypertension are not noticeable during diagnostic studies. The likelihood of complications increases in old age, since during this period the vessels are most worn out and are subject to heavy stress.
2. Malignant. The development of hypertension has a spasmodic character, symptoms appear quickly and are highly intense. Exacerbations usually occur at the same time, and the patient’s condition becomes more complicated. Without medical attention, the risk of death increases.

Depending on the severity:

1. Soft. Characterized by a slight rise in pressure up to 159/90 mm. Changes occur abruptly and persist for a long period of time. The mild form of hypertension is usually associated with an unhealthy lifestyle and bad habits.
2. Moderate. The pressure reaches 170/109 mm. Hypertensive attacks occur frequently, alternating with short-term remissions. Treatment is carried out through medication.
3. Heavy. The blood pressure exceeds 180/110 mm and persists for a long time. In hypertensive patients, pressure affects other organs, including the brain, kidneys, and liver, and the wear and tear of blood vessels accelerates, causing them to become inelastic and fragile. There is a high probability of developing complications of hypertension.

There are several types of arterial hypertension that can cause serious pathologies.

Risk factors

Hypertension is considered the most common disease on the planet, the manifestations of which every person encounters throughout his life. Obviously, not in all cases the pathology causes complications, however, under the influence of factors harmful to the body, the risk increases significantly.

Factors aggravating the course of hypertension:

1. Unhealthy food. Poor nutrition is the main cause of high blood cholesterol. Fatty plaques impair vascular patency, causing hypertension. With severe contamination of the arteries, the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases.
2. Excess weight. Excess body weight is an additional burden on the cardiovascular system. The organ does not have time to pump enough blood to nourish the tissues, which causes the heart rate to increase and the blood pressure to constantly rise.
3. Heart defects. With some congenital anomalies, the rhythm of muscle contractions is disrupted, which increases the volume of blood ejected from the ventricle into the aorta.
4. Thyroid diseases. With endocrine disorders, the production of hormones that prevent the harmful effects of adrenaline produced during stressful situations is reduced. The vessels lose their elasticity, which is why they are constantly in a narrowed state.
5. Smoking and alcohol. When toxic substances enter the blood, the heart rate (HR) accelerates, causing blood pressure to rise. Due to this, the body strives to remove alcohol breakdown products, preventing poisoning of brain cells. Cigarette smoke also has a vasoconstrictor effect.
6. Age. Severe and severe hypertension often occurs in older people. This is due to many factors, including a decrease in hormone production, wear and tear of the heart muscle, and slagging in the body.

In general, complications of hypertension often arise due to unfavorable environmental conditions, bad habits of the patient and non-compliance with the rules of a healthy lifestyle.

Classification of hypertensive crises

Hypertensive crises are traditionally divided into complicated and uncomplicated depending on whether there are signs of acute or progressive target organ damage. Although this division is somewhat arbitrary, it is very convenient for choosing treatment.

A complicated hypertensive crisis is accompanied by acute dysfunction of vital organs due to high blood pressure. It must be reduced immediately; the drugs are usually administered parenterally, and the patient is observed in the intensive care unit. Delay may result in irreversible end-organ damage and death.

Clinically, several variants of complicated hypertensive crises are distinguished.

Progressive and malignant hypertension, as well as hypertensive encephalopathy, are classic variants of a complicated hypertensive crisis.

With progressive and malignant arterial hypertension, the average blood pressure exceeds 120 mm Hg. Art., bilateral retinal hemorrhages, exudates (with progressive hypertension) or papilledema (with malignant hypertension) are noted. These conditions require emergency treatment and then careful monitoring.

Types of complications in hypertension

During complications of hypertension, serious forms of exacerbation of this disease appear; hypertension can behave quite aggressively.
A hypertensive crisis is a sharp increase in blood pressure combined with a neurovascular reaction. One type of complication of this disease is cerebral hemorrhage. This form of complication represents the highest degree of danger, which often leads to damage to the entire brain. This manifestation occurs in all parts of the brain.

From the point of view of the clinical picture, this disease is presented as the most dangerous exacerbation, which develops instantly and unexpectedly with the manifestation of a severe headache. After this, the patient experiences a disturbance in speech function and also develops paralysis.

If the patient is immediately taken to a medical facility, then perhaps he will have a chance to restore all body functions in full.

Another type of complication of hypertension is hypertensive brain damage. The impetus for the development of this disease is that vascular spasm occurs, due to which cerebral edema develops. Subsequently, necrosis of small vessels and adjacent areas of brain tissue occurs.

The disease manifests itself as sharp cutting pains, high blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and convulsions. In the presented case, it is urgent to restore blood pressure; if such measures are taken, then the restoration process is reversible.

At this point, complications may arise with the occurrence of stroke and acute hypertensive encephalopathy. If high blood pressure suddenly occurs, the result can be a hemorrhagic stroke. If hypertension continuously increases, an ischemic stroke may occur. Chronic circulatory disorders mainly predominate in older people and those who suffer from long-term hypertension.

In addition to the above types of complications, myocardial infarction and heart failure may also occur; the most dangerous development of the disease is damage to the kidneys and brain.

As the disease progresses, sclerotic changes in the kidneys occur due to chronic ischemia, which forms shrunken kidneys. Such kidneys subsequently cannot cope with their functions, resulting in the formation of renal failure.

Hypertension, which cannot control the blood vessels, plus high blood pressure can lead to rapid kidney damage. In this case, their functions can only be restored with the help of hemodialysis.

Types of complications in hypertension

If the course of hypertension becomes complicated, serious consequences may develop not only for the health, but also for the life of the patient. Let's take a closer look at the complications of arterial hypertension.

A complication of hypertension is cerebral hemorrhage, accompanied by headache.

1. Brain hemorrhage. This type of complication is very dangerous, since quite often the entire brain is damaged. Hemorrhage can occur in any area of ​​the brain. If we consider the clinical picture, then there is an instant and unexpected exacerbation, accompanied by a very intense headache, speech impairment, and subsequent development of paralysis. In such a situation, it is important to quickly and timely assign the victim to a medical facility. Then it is possible to completely restore all functions in the body.
2. Hypertensive crisis is a complication accompanied by a sharp increase in blood pressure in combination with a neurovascular reaction.
3. Hypertensive brain damage. This complication can develop as a response to vasospasm, which causes cerebral edema. As a result, the process of necrosis of small vessels, as well as areas of brain tissue located next to them, begins. Damage to the brain of a hypertensive nature is accompanied by high-intensity pain, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and blood pressure, which is much higher than normal. In this situation, it is very important to bring blood pressure numbers back to normal as soon as possible. If this can be done, then completely reversible processes are possible. With hypertensive brain damage, stroke and acute hypertensive encephalopathy can occur. If the pressure increases unexpectedly, a hemorrhagic stroke is possible. If hypertension increases continuously, then an ischemic stroke threatens. Chronic circulatory disorders often occur in older people, as well as in those who have suffered from hypertension for a long time.
4. Complications of hypertension are myocardial infarction and heart failure, and the most life-threatening are damage to the kidneys and brain. As arterial hypertension progresses, chronic ischemia occurs, resulting in sclerotic changes in the kidneys. The kidneys become wrinkled and cease to cope with their functions. This is how kidney failure occurs. Damaged kidneys can be restored using hemodialysis. In the described situations, timely delivery to a specialized medical facility is vital for the victim.

What risk factors exist for hypertension - how to prevent them. Find out here which vasodilator drugs are best for hypertension.

Common complications of hypertension Complications of hypertension

Risk levels

The well-known saying that it is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with its consequences applies perfectly to arterial hypertension and hypertension: their complications are more severe the higher the stage of the disease:

1. Early stage. Pressure 140-170/90-100 mmHg. Art. This condition causes functional changes that can be treated if diagnosed early. The insidiousness of this stage is that the patient may not be aware of his pathology
   . Often a person finds out about this by accident, for example, during routine medical examinations, and attributes all ailments to various reasons.

Symptoms:

• noticeable decrease in performance, weakness;
• sleep disorders;
• headache;
• instability, blood pressure surges.

1. Middle stage: pressure 171-200/105-110 mm Hg. Art. At this stage, initial organic lesions are noted, especially dangerous to the kidneys, optic and auditory nerves. Due to circulatory disorders, small capillaries and nerve endings are most quickly affected: visual, auditory, and only then larger arteries.

A symptom characteristic of this stage: blood pressure is stable and does not decrease well.

1. Severe stage: pressure 201-230/115-120 mm Hg. Art. Organic changes occur in other organs and vessels
   .
   Further complications of arterial hypertension occur: myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, the likelihood of complete loss of vision, and the development of heart failure
   .
   Blood pressure is reduced for a short time only with the help of medications
   . Antihypertensive medications must be taken on an ongoing basis under the supervision of a physician.

In addition to stages, there are benign and malignant forms of hypertension. With benign development, hypertensive crises and other complications rarely occur; pressure can be easily corrected with medications

. No sudden pressure surges are observed.

The malignant form is characterized by the fact that it occurs in young people; hypertensive crises occur frequently and are difficult to respond to drug therapy. Arterial hypertension has complications in the malignant form, which appear early and are more severe.

Symptoms for stages 2-3 of hypertension:

• pain in the back of the head, worse in the morning;
• decreased brain performance: impaired memory function, decreased vision;
• nervous disorders: irritability, insomnia;
• pain in the heart area;
• nosebleeds, facial redness due to flushing;
• shortness of breath due to physical exertion.