Hypertension, or arterial hypertension, is a condition characterized by a stable, that is, detected by repeated measurements, increase in blood pressure. Accompanying many diseases, it is considered a risk factor for the development of dangerous complications from the cardiovascular system, including stroke and myocardial infarction. Hypertension, as the main cause of the pathology under consideration, requires taking medications, normalizing the patient's lifestyle and nutrition.
Blood pressure is the force with which circulating blood acts on the walls of blood vessels. This pressure at the time of contraction of the heart is called systolic, and during its relaxation - diastolic. The range of normal values for these indicators is quite wide.
In the course of numerous observations [1], scientists came to the conclusion that the risk of cardiovascular complications increases with each additional increase in blood pressure by 10 mm Hg. Art. already starting from the level of 115/75 mm Hg. Art. However, it turned out to be expedient to reduce pressure with medication only above 140/90 mm. rt. Art., therefore, it is this value that is taken as the criterion for determining arterial hypertension.
The Reasons For High Blood Pressure
In about 90% of cases, the cause of a stable increase in blood pressure is hypertension. Such a diagnosis is made to the patient when no other diseases accompanied by hypertension are found during the examination. Among the latter:
- kidney pathology - pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, polycystic, diabetic nephropathy, renal artery stenosis;
- endocrine disorders - neoplasms of the adrenal glands, pancreas or pituitary gland, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, Itsenko-Cushing's disease or syndrome, pheochromocytoma;
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