What causes high blood pressure water retention? What are the symptoms of water retention? How can water retention be treated? Discover the answers to these questions and more.

Understanding Water Retention: Causes and Symptoms

Water retention, also known as fluid retention or edema, occurs when the body is unable to maintain healthy fluid levels. This can happen due to issues with the circulatory system, kidneys, lymphatic system, or hormonal factors. The main symptoms of water retention include swelling and discomfort in various parts of the body.

Role of the Cardiovascular System in Water Retention

The heart and blood vessels play a crucial role in regulating fluid balance. If the heart is not pumping effectively, as in the case of congestive heart failure, it can lead to changes in blood pressure and fluid buildup in the tissues, causing swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, and even the lungs.

The Impact of the Lymphatic System on Fluid Balance

The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting lymphatic fluid, which helps maintain fluid balance in the body. If there are problems with the lymphatic system, such as blockages or infections, it can result in fluid buildup and swelling in various areas of the body.

The Kidneys and Their Role in Fluid Regulation

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining fluid levels by filtering the blood and regulating the reabsorption and removal of waste, fluids, and other substances. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, as in the case of chronic kidney disease, it can lead to the retention of fluids and the development of swelling, particularly in the lower limbs.

Hormonal Factors and Their Influence on Water Retention

Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, can also contribute to water retention. The body naturally holds more fluid during pregnancy, leading to swelling in the lower limbs. In some cases, however, severe swelling may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as pre-eclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention.

Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on Fluid Balance

Physical inactivity and obesity can both contribute to the development of water retention. Lack of movement can weaken the calf muscle pump, causing fluid buildup in the lower legs, while excess weight can put additional strain on the body’s fluid regulation systems.

Treating Water Retention: Strategies and Solutions

The treatment for water retention depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, addressing the underlying condition, such as heart or kidney disease, may help resolve the issue. In other cases, lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, and the use of diuretics or compression stockings may be effective in managing fluid buildup and reducing swelling.

Is water retention a common issue, and what are some of the potential causes?
Water retention, or fluid retention, is a relatively common problem that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the main causes of water retention include issues with the cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, kidneys, and hormonal factors, as well as lifestyle factors like physical inactivity and obesity.

What are the typical symptoms of water retention?
The primary symptoms of water retention include swelling and discomfort in various parts of the body, such as the legs, feet, ankles, and abdomen. In some cases, fluid buildup in the lungs can also lead to breathing difficulties and a persistent cough.

How can water retention be treated?
The treatment for water retention depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, addressing the underlying condition, such as heart or kidney disease, may help resolve the issue. Lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and the use of compression stockings, can also be effective in managing fluid buildup and reducing swelling. In some cases, diuretics or other medications may be prescribed to help the body eliminate excess fluid.

Is water retention during pregnancy a normal occurrence, and when should it be a cause for concern?
During pregnancy, the body naturally holds more fluid than usual, leading to swelling in the lower limbs, especially in hot weather or after standing for long periods. This is generally not a cause for concern and will typically resolve after delivery. However, if the swelling becomes sudden or severe, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as pre-eclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention.

Can physical inactivity and obesity contribute to the development of water retention?
Yes, both physical inactivity and obesity can contribute to the development of water retention. Physical inactivity can weaken the calf muscle pump, leading to fluid buildup in the lower legs, while excess weight can put additional strain on the body’s fluid regulation systems, increasing the risk of edema.

Water retention (fluid retention): Causes, symptoms, and treatments

Water or fluid retention occurs when the body is unable to maintain fluid levels. Kidney or cardiovascular disease, for instance, may cause the body to retain fluid. The main symptoms are swelling and discomfort.

The circulatory system, the kidneys, the lymphatic system, hormonal factors, and other bodily systems help maintain healthy fluid levels. If a problem arises with one or more of these systems, however, fluid retention — otherwise known as edema — can occur.

Edema can affect any area of the body. It happens for a variety of reasons.

This article will look at some causes and symptoms of water retention, as well as how to treat it.

The human body uses a complex system to regulate its water levels. Hormonal factors, the cardiovascular system, the urinary system, the liver, and the kidneys all play a role. If there is a problem with any of these parts, the body may be unable to expel fluid as it should.

Capillary damage

Capillaries are tiny blood vessels with a key role in managing fluid balance in the body. Some medications, such as those for high blood pressure, can cause damage to the capillaries.

Capillaries deliver fluid to surrounding tissues. This fluid, called interstitial fluid, supplies nutrients and oxygen to cells. After delivering the nutrients, the fluid returns to the capillaries.

If the capillaries sustain damage, edema can occur. Possible problems include changes in pressure inside the capillaries and the capillary walls becoming too leaky.

If these problems occur, too much liquid can leave the capillaries and enter the spaces between cells. If the capillaries cannot reabsorb the fluid, it will stay in the tissues, causing swelling and water retention.

Some people experience this type of edema because they have a rare condition known as systemic leaky capillary syndrome.

Congestive heart failure

The pumping action of the heart helps maintain normal pressure within the blood vessels. If a person’s heart stops working effectively, their blood pressure will change. Fluid retention can arise from this.

There may be swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles, as well as fluid in the lungs, which can result in long-term cough or breathing difficulties.

Eventually, congestive heart failure can lead to breathing problems and stress on the heart. It can therefore be life threatening.

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system carries lymph through the body. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells. It helps the immune system defend the body against infection. As the lymphatic system delivers and reabsorbs lymphatic fluid, it also helps the body maintain fluid balance.

If a problem prevents the lymphatic system from working properly, fluid can build up around the tissues. This can cause swelling in various parts of the body, including the abdomen, ankles, legs, and feet.

Cancer, infections, and blockages can all cause problems with this system.

Learn more about all forms of cancer in our dedicated hub.

The kidneys

The kidneys filter the blood and help maintain fluid levels in the body.

Waste, fluids, and other substances pass into tiny tubules in the kidneys, which act as a filter. The bloodstream reabsorbs anything the body can reuse and removes the waste in the urine.

If the kidneys do not work properly, they cannot remove waste material, including fluids and sodium. The fluid will therefore stay in the body.

People with chronic kidney disease, for example, may notice swelling in the lower limbs, hands, or face.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body holds more water than usual, leading to swelling in the lower limbs — especially during hot weather or after standing for a long time.

Hormonal changes and carrying extra weight in the abdomen can also contribute. This is not usually dangerous, and it mostly resolves after delivery.

If the swelling suddenly becomes more severe, however, it may be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This is a type of high blood pressure that can harm both the mother and the fetus.

Anyone who experiences headaches, vomiting, pain under the ribs, vision problems, along with increased swelling during pregnancy, should seek immediate medical attention.

Physical inactivity

People with mobility problems or a sedentary lifestyle can develop edema in the lower legs. Underuse can cause the calf muscle pump to lose strength.

It may help to:

• keep the feet raised
• wear compression stockings
• practice exercises, such as raising and lowering the feet or rotating the ankles

Obesity

People with obesity may experience swelling due to the extra weight they carry. Obesity also increases the risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart disease, all of which can result in edema.

Obesity also increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues.

Malnutrition

Albumin is a protein that helps the human body manage fluids. When a person has a severe protein deficiency, it may be harder for the body to move interstitial fluid back into the capillaries.

When a person is severely malnourished, they may develop kwashiorkor. Symptoms include a loss of muscle mass and an enlarged abdomen. This is due to fluid retention in the bodily tissues.

What is malnutrition, and who is at risk? Learn more here.

Infections and allergies

The immune system’s role is to defend the body from disease and infection. When the immune system detects an unwanted invader, such as bacteria or an allergen, it will mount an attack. Inflammation is part of this process.

When inflammation occurs, the body releases histamine. Histamine causes the gaps between the cells of the capillary walls to widen. It does this to allow infection-fighting white blood cells to reach the site of inflammation.

However, it can also allow fluid to leak from the capillaries into the surrounding tissues. The swelling that results from this is usually short-term.

People with long-term inflammation may experience water retention.

Medications

Some medications can also lead to water retention.

These include:

• calcium channel blockers
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• gabapentin
• some hormonal therapies, including some birth control pills
• prednisone, which is a corticosteroid
• some diabetes medications

Anyone concerned about swelling while using medication should speak to their doctor. They may be able to change the dosage or suggest an alternative.

Edema can develop when a person uses birth control pills. What other adverse effects can arise? Find out here.

Hormonal conditions

A hormonal imbalance can lead to fluid retention in the following ways:

• Menstruation: Changes in hormonal balance can result in fluid buildup before menstruation. A person may experience bloating and breast tenderness as a result.
• Thyroid problems: The thyroid gland releases hormones that play a role in managing fluid levels. People with conditions that affect the thyroid gland may therefore experience water retention.
• Cushing’s syndrome: This condition causes the adrenal gland to produce too much steroid hormone, leading to leg swelling.

Dependent edema occurs when fluid pools in the lower part of the body. Learn more here.

The symptoms of fluid retention will depend on the area it affects. Common areas include the lower legs, the hands, the abdomen, and the chest.

In the limbs, feet, and hands, symptoms include:

• swelling
• changes in skin color
• shiny or puffy skin
• areas of skin that remain indented when pushed in with a finger, known as pitting edema
• aches and tenderness in the limbs
• stiffness in the joints
• weight gain

Fluid retention can also affect the following areas:

The brain

Fluid retention in the brain is known as cerebral edema. This can cause symptoms including vomiting, blurred vision, headache, and difficulty with balance. This can be life threatening.

The lungs

Excess fluid in the lungs, or pulmonary edema, can indicate a serious problem with the heart or respiratory system. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, a cough, chest pain, and weakness, which can affect the lungs’ ability to supply oxygen to the body.

Many cases of edema will resolve without treatment. If there is an underlying condition, a doctor will focus on treating that.

Diuretics are one treatment option. They can help the kidneys remove fluid from the body. These are usually short-term options, however, as they can cause side effects such as dehydration, increased water retention, and kidney damage.

Some causes of fluid retention need medical treatment, but home remedies may help relieve the symptoms. The sections below discuss some of these in more detail.

Herbal remedies

Some herbs are natural diuretics. Some people believe that the extract of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) may help reduce the amount of water the body retains in a day.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that as a food, dandelion is “generally considered safe,” although there is no scientific evidence to show that it has any medicinal use or that it is safe as a treatment. Some people may also have an allergy to it.

A person should speak to a doctor before using this or other herbal remedy. Diuretics may not be safe for people with low blood pressure or taking other medications that affect fluid and electrolyte balance.

Elevation

If a person has edema in their lower limbs, it may help to:

• sit with the legs raised above the heart several times each day
• sleep with the affected limb on a pillow to raise it above the level of the heart
• have a massage, in which someone strokes the affected area firmly but gently toward the heart

Clothing

People with edema may wish to wear loose clothing, as it will be more comfortable and allow fluid to circulate.

Use support stockings to increase circulation in the lower limbs.

One method of managing water retention is through dietary changes.

For example, studies show that sodium consumption can increase water retention. Limiting salt content in the diet can help to keep sodium levels in a healthful range, decreasing water retention.

Other research has found magnesium supplements can reduce many premenstrual symptoms, including water retention and bloating.

To reduce or prevent water retention, try:

• managing weight
• getting regular exercise
• wearing support stockings, if edema affects the lower limbs
• avoiding sitting or standing still for too long
• taking breaks to walk around during long journeys
• avoiding extreme temperatures, such as hot baths, showers, and saunas

Although it is not always possible to prevent fluid retention, following a healthful diet and getting plenty of exercise can help reduce the risk.

Water retention, also known as edema and fluid retention, is a buildup of fluid in the body. This can occur in cavities, tissues, and the circulatory system.

The primary symptom of water retention is swelling. Most cases of water retention resolve without medical intervention and maintaining a healthful diet and lifestyle balance can often prevent the condition.

Water Retention: Causes and Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Could it be your diet?
• Could it be your lifestyle?
• Could it be hormones?
• Could it be your medication?
• Could it be a heart problem?
• Could it be your veins?
• Could it be something else?
• What can you do about it?

Your body is mostly water. It’s in your blood, muscles, organs, and even your bones. You need it, but sometimes your body holds on to too much of it. This is water retention, and it causes puffiness and swelling. It can be triggered by many different things.

We all need sodium. It plays an important part in regulating blood pressure and fluid levels. But you only need a small amount. If you have too much in your system, your body holds in water. Table salt is one source of sodium, but we get more of it from processed food like lunch meat, crackers, chips, canned vegetables and soups, fast food, and even soft drinks.

Check the sodium levels of food and drinks before you buy them. You can help balance your sodium by eating potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach, and drinking plenty of water.

Do you have swollen legs and ankles? Gravity keeps blood lower in your body. That increases the pressure inside the blood vessels in your legs and feet and causes fluid to leak into those tissues.

Sitting or standing too long can cause your tissue to hold water. If your job keeps you on your feet, you may notice swollen legs and ankles at the end of the day. It’s also common after a long time on an airplane.

The key is to keep blood circulating. If you stand or sit all day, it’s important to take time to move around.

It’s normal for a woman to feel puffy or bloated in the days leading up to their period. It usually goes away after a few days. Hormones taken for birth control or hormone replacement therapy can also cause you to hold water.

Many medicines have water retention as a side effect. They include:

• High blood pressure medication
• Pain relievers known as NSAIDs, including ibuprofen
• Antidepressants
• Chemotherapy medication

Ask your doctor if your meds may be the problem. If so, there may be something else you can take instead.

A weak heart doesn’t do a good job of pumping. That can cause you to retain water and lead to swelling in the legs and abdomen.

Other symptoms of heart failure include:

• Weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Rapid heart rate
• Tired feeling
• Shortness of breath

In extreme, heart failure can cause a dangerous buildup of fluid in the lungs called pulmonary edema.  Signs of this include shortness of breath; rapid, shallow breathing; and coughing. This requires emergency treatment.

If the valves inside your veins don’t close the way they should, not all of your blood gets pumped back to your heart. This causes swelling in your lower legs.

Other symptoms include:

• Aching legs
• Enlarged veins
• Change in skin color
• Skin rashes
• Skin ulcers

Water retention can also be caused other serious conditions:

Deep vein thrombosis: If you have swelling in just one foot or leg, it’s possible you have a blood clot. Other signs include pain, warmth, and redness. A clot can form while you’re healing from surgery or during a long flight. This can be very dangerous, and you need to see your doctor right away.

Preeclampsia: It’s normal for women to have swelling in their feet and legs toward the end of a pregnancy. But swelling in the hands and face could be a sign of a dangerous blood pressure problem called preeclampsia. Call your doctor if you have swelling along with headaches, blurred vision, or abdominal pain.

Other possible causes include:

• Cancers including kidney, liver, and ovarian cancer
• Kidney disease
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Protein loss from severe malnutrition
• Lymphedema, a rare condition that can develop if lymph nodes are damaged or removed during cancer treatment

Call your doctor. In some cases, swelling calls for immediate medical help. If it’s brought on by your menstrual cycle or a salty meal, it’ll go away on its own. If it’s a symptom of another medical condition, treating it should help.

Your doctor may also suggest you:

Try a low-salt diet: Don’t get more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day.

Take medication: Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic, or water pill. These help your body get rid of extra sodium and fluid through peeing.

Raise your feet: Lie down with your feet above the level of your heart several times a day to move fluid out of your feet and ankles.

Wear compression stockings: Special stockings or socks gently squeeze your lower legs to help keep your blood circulating.

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First aid for high blood pressure

Reading time: 6 minutes

Content:

What causes high blood pressure?
What pressure is considered high and dangerous?
Why is a sharp increase in blood pressure dangerous?
What should I do if my blood pressure is high?
How to prevent high blood pressure?

Doctors call a sharp increase in blood pressure (BP) a hypertensive crisis – this is a really critical condition, it can be dangerous, therefore it requires an ambulance call ¹ . Hypertensive patients who are accustomed to taking pills to normalize blood pressure, as well as people who have not had such problems before ⁵ , may encounter it.

What to do with high blood pressure? What to do before the arrival of the medical team? What mistakes should be avoided? We will answer these questions in the article.

What causes high blood pressure?

The level of blood pressure depends on three main factors – the tone of small arteries, the amount of fluid in the bloodstream and heart contractions ¹ . All this determines the pressure that the walls of the vessels experience while blood flows through them ⁶ . In hypertensive patients, the regulation of these processes is disturbed: there is a tendency to spasm of the arteries, fluid retention in the body and / or more active work of the heart. Therefore, even ordinary situations that are not dangerous for a healthy person can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure in a hypertensive patient ¹ .

The following factors can provoke a hypertensive crisis ² :

• emotional overstrain;
• intense physical activity;
• prolonged mental work without rest, especially if it is associated with great responsibility;
• sleep deprivation;
• drinking large amounts of water or salty foods;
• weather changes, fluctuations in air temperature;
• prolonged sun exposure;
• loud noises, bright lights that cause overexertion;
• excessive consumption of coffee;
• smoking a lot of cigarettes;
• certain food.

Did you know that…

Some types of cheese, such as cheddar, are high in tyramine. Once in the body, it stimulates the production of stress hormones (catecholamines), and they, in turn, cause a spasm of the arteries, provoking an increase in pressure (arterial hypertension) ² .

But most often, a pronounced rise in blood pressure is due to the fact that a person forgets to take the drugs prescribed by the doctor, or stops taking them on his own, believing that since the pressure “does not jump” anymore, then you can not take medications ^{3. 5} . Poor adherence to treatment of arterial hypertension increases the risk of hypertensive crisis by 6 times ³ .

What pressure is considered high and dangerous?

The main and obligatory feature of a hypertensive crisis is a sharp increase in blood pressure to individually high (higher than usual) values ​​within minutes, a maximum of several hours ^{4 90 017 . For example, in humans, blood pressure usually reaches the level of 150/95 mm Hg. Art., but he does not feel any complaints at the same time. And with a rapid increase to 160/100 mm Hg. Art. or higher, various unpleasant symptoms occur.}

For young people, even a small rise in blood pressure can be dangerous, while in the elderly, symptoms of a crisis are sometimes absent even with high numbers ⁴ . Therefore, first of all, pay attention to your well-being.

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Why is a sharp increase in blood pressure dangerous?

With a rapid and sudden rise in blood pressure, “under the gun” are target organs – the heart, blood vessels, brain or kidneys. They are involved in the regulation of blood pressure in the normal. But when it “jumps” sharply, the mechanisms of blood flow regulation fail ^1.2 . Then the blood supply to the target organs is disturbed – the blood flows either little or in excess. In both cases, the function of the organ is impaired ² .

In an uncomplicated crisis, a person is bothered ⁵ :

• headache;
• dizziness;
• nausea;
• muscle tremors;
• increased sweating;
• red spots on the skin;
• heartbeat;
• by the end of the crisis – copious excretion of urine;
• sometimes profuse loose stools.

In severe cases (with a complicated course), dangerous complications can develop – stroke, myocardial infarction, retinal detachment ¹ . The first signs of these conditions may be confusion, fainting, vomiting, chest pain, choking, numbness, or impaired speech ^{1. 5} .

When to call an ambulance?

It is impossible to know in advance whether a crisis will be limited to mild symptoms or lead to complications. Therefore, with any increase in pressure, you need to consult a specialist.

Be sure to call an ambulance if ⁵ :

• this is the first case of high blood pressure;
• you are a “experienced” hypertensive patient;
• you are over 60 years old;
• you are pregnant;
• you have a chronic disease (autoimmune disease, kidney disease or hormonal disorders).

What should I do if my blood pressure is high?

If you feel unwell, you need to measure your blood pressure. At values ​​160/90 mmHg Art. and above, take the drugs prescribed by your doctor in case of a sharp increase in blood pressure ⁷ .

A hypertensive crisis can strike you anytime, anywhere. If you have a tendency to hypertension, it is advisable to form an individual mini-first aid kit and carry it with you at all times. In the first aid kit, you should put the medicines that the doctor recommended to take as first aid for high blood pressure ⁷ .

However, in a hypertensive crisis, “regular” tablets, or rather, their usual dosage, may be ineffective, especially if the “upper” pressure is above 200 mm Hg. Art.. Therefore, be sure to call an ambulance ⁷ .

While waiting for a specialist , you can use the following tips:

• postpone any classes ⁶ ;
• remove bright light ⁷ ;
• open shirt collar ⁷ ;
• ventilate the room for fresh air supply ⁷ ;
• sit in a chair with armrests ⁷ ;
• dip your feet, preferably in a container of hot water ⁷ ;
• breathe slowly ⁶ ;
• you can have a cup of sweet tea ⁷ .

What not to do if your blood pressure rises ⁷ :

• get up abruptly;
• sit down abruptly;
• go to bed;
• bend over;
• push hard;
• perform any physical activity;
• take drugs that the doctor did not prescribe.

Check your blood pressure again 40-60 minutes after taking the medicine recommended by your doctor. If its level has decreased by 20-30 mm Hg. Art. from baseline and / or your health has improved, you can lie down on a bed with a raised headboard. Write down which drug and at what dosage you have taken – this information should be reported to the doctor ⁷ .

How to prevent high blood pressure?

The hypertensive crisis is over, but this does not mean that the pressure is under control. In order to prevent its increase again, you must follow all the instructions of the attending physician. Get ready to change your habits.

In case of hypertension it is recommended:

• limit salt, coffee and alcohol intake ¹ ;
• be physically active ¹ ;
• stop smoking ¹ ;
• sleep 7-9 hours ⁶ ;
• use stress management techniques (walking outdoors, listening to music, engaging in a hobby that brings pleasure, trying breathing techniques or meditation) ⁶ ;
• avoid fatty and very sweet foods ⁶ ;
• eat more foods containing potassium and magnesium ¹ .

Did you know that…

Potassium and magnesium help prevent high blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Potassium counteracts the vasoconstrictive effect of sodium, which comes with table salt. It also reduces the sensitivity of blood vessels to hormones that cause arterial spasm. Magnesium provides an optimal level of potassium inside the cells and promotes vasodilation ⁸ .

Sufficient intake of potassium and magnesium is one way to prevent complications associated with hypertension. In addition, the use of potassium and magnesium preparations can enhance the effects of drugs used to control pressure ⁸ .

Panangin® is a preparation that contains potassium and magnesium with aspartic acid. The latter increases the permeability of cells to magnesium and potassium, and these trace elements are better absorbed. Potassium and magnesium help strengthen the heart muscle, control blood pressure and heart rate. Panangin® is a regular nutrition for the heart, which helps to make it stronger and keep life full ⁹ .

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References:

1. Roitberg G.E., Strutynsky A.V. Internal illnesses. Cardiovascular system: textbook. allowance. M. : MEDpress-inform, 2019. – 904 p. :
2. Okorokov A.N. Diagnosis of diseases of the heart and blood vessels Volume 7. M .: Med.lit., 2003 – 416 p.
3. Yevsyutina Yu.V. Hypertensive crisis in modern guidelines: how to avoid errors in diagnosis and treatment. Based on the materials of the congress “Man and medicine” and III cardio-summit. Archive of internal medicine. 2019; 9(6): 407-412.
4. Filippova O.V. Crisis course of arterial hypertension at the prehospital stage: patient management algorithm. breast cancer. 2018; 1(II): 76–81.
5. Algorithms for managing a patient with arterial hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Publication of the Russian Society of Cardiology. 2019 – 88 p.
6. How to Lower My Blood Pressure Immediately: 13 Ways & Chart URL: https://www.medicinenet.com/how_to_lower_my_blood_pressure_immediately/article.htm
7. Urgent measures of self-help and mutual assistance in acute life-threatening conditions. Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Federal State Budgetary Institution “State Research Center for Preventive Medicine” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. 2018 – 12s.
8. Tkachenko V.I., Bagro T.O. The role of potassium and magnesium in the complex therapy of arterial hypertension. Medicine of Ukraine. 2016; 7-8 (203-204): 32-34.
9. Instructions for medical use of the drug Panangin® film-coated tablets. URL: https://panangin.ru/instructions/

What not to do with high blood pressure

Arterial hypertension is dangerous for its complications. To prevent them, you need to follow the doctor’s recommendations.
and know what to do and what not to do with high blood pressure.

Contents

1. What is high blood pressure
2. What not to do with high blood pressure
1. Take hot baths and hot showers
2. Visit a bath, sauna
3. Rest in resorts with sudden changes in temperature
4. Subject the body to severe stress
5. Smoking, drinking alcohol
6. Eat too much salt
7. Skip medication
3. What can be done with high blood pressure
   1. Eat right
   2. Make time for moderate physical activity
   3. Take a contrast shower

What is high blood pressure

The optimal blood pressure for an adult is 120/90 mm. rt. Art. (exact ones depend on
age). The upper value is the systolic pressure and the second one is the diastolic
pressure.

In a healthy person, the pressure rises during physical activity, strong excitement, but its indicators should
be close to those observed in a calm state. If, with repeated measurements, systolic pressure
is from 140 mm. rt. Art. and (or) diastolic pressure – from 90 mm. rt. Art., then diagnose
arterial hypertension.

A steady increase in pressure is due to various reasons, among which are overweight, sedentary
lifestyle, malnutrition, constant and severe stress, alcohol abuse, smoking.

Even if the pressure has increased once, you need to monitor its performance and heart rate by periodically measuring
and entering the results in a diary. Self-control should be carried out at the same time, in the morning after sleep and in the evening.

If the doctor diagnosed hypertension, then you need to take medications. Treatment should not be stopped without
specialist approval.

What not to do with high blood pressure

If you have hypertension, do not follow the steps below.

Take hot baths and hot showers

A hot shower or hot bath provokes an increase in blood pressure, as under the influence of high
temperatures dilate blood vessels, accelerates blood circulation. In addition, hot water increases heart rate. Taking a bath with
water temperature over 45 degrees can lead the patient to a hypertensive crisis.

Visit a bath, sauna

There are some caveats here. At the first stage of hypertension, a bath and a sauna are allowed (with a sense of proportion).
At the second stage, you can go to the sauna, but not to the bathhouse. In the third stage of the disease,
both the bath and the sauna are prohibited. It is important to remember that you can visit the steam room only when the indicators are normalized.
pressure.

Eat certain foods

With hypertension, you can not use:

• strong tea;
• fatty meats;
• coffee;
• rich meat, fish broths;
• pickles;
• pepper;
• radish;
• mustard;
• spicy, fatty, salty;
• alcoholic beverages;
• chocolate;
• cocoa;
• fat, internal organs of animals.

Exercise hard

Bodybuilding is banned, as power loads increase blood pressure even in
young people. Static exercises are not recommended, especially if they are performed for a long time. Better
combine them with aerobic training, which have a beneficial effect on the condition of the heart and blood vessels.

Vacation in resorts with extreme temperature changes

A sharp change in weather conditions adversely affects the well-being of hypertensive patients. Places with
stable air temperature, for example, Anapa.

Subject the body to severe stress

If possible, hypertensive patients should protect themselves from stress, as it can significantly increase blood
pressure. This is fraught with the development of complications.

Smoke, drink alcohol

Drinking alcohol with hypertension can provoke cerebral hypoxia, as well as a heart attack. WITH
The permission of the doctor is allowed no more than 40 g of red wine per day.

Smoking is also not worth it, because under the influence of nicotine, the walls of blood vessels narrow, and the indicators also increase.
cholesterol in the blood. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing complications from cardiovascular pathologies than those who
I do not smoke.

Eat too much salt

For hypertension, it is recommended to consume no more than one gram of salt per day (unless the doctor has prescribed otherwise). Availability
in the diet of salty foods can provoke fluid retention in the body and increase blood pressure.
It is necessary to abandon the use of salted nuts, cheeses, sausages, canned fruits and vegetables.

Skip medications

Even if the condition has returned to normal, you should not skip the treatment prescribed by your doctor. Regular therapy will help
prevent serious complications.

With hypertension, you need to follow the recommendations of a specialist. It is necessary to maintain a normal weight, because obesity
increases the risk of complications. To do this, you need to eat right, devote time to moderate physical
activity (with normal blood pressure).

What can be done with high blood pressure

With arterial hypertension, you can and should follow the actions listed below.

Eat right

It is useful to eat foods rich in potassium and magnesium, such as raisins, parsley, dried apricots, citrus fruits. In the diet
it is desirable to include cottage cheese, lean meat, buckwheat porridge, fish. It is useful to increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, etc.
as they contain vitamins and fiber. Food is preferably baked, boiled, stewed, steamed.

Make time for moderate physical activity

Physical activity is allowed only with the normalization of blood pressure. Should start with
walking up stairs, hiking. A full and recommended load is walking at an average pace (minimum
10,000 steps per day).