High Blood Pressure Water Retention: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
What are the causes of water retention? What are the symptoms of water retention? How can water retention be treated? Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Water Retention
Water retention, also known as fluid retention, occurs when the body is unable to maintain a healthy balance of fluids. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including issues with the circulatory system, kidneys, lymphatic system, hormones, and other bodily functions. When fluid builds up in the tissues, it can lead to swelling and discomfort.
Causes of Water Retention
Capillary Damage
Certain medications, particularly those used to treat high blood pressure, can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Capillaries play a crucial role in managing fluid balance by delivering fluid to surrounding tissues and then reabsorbing it. When capillaries are damaged, the fluid can leak out and become trapped in the tissues, leading to edema.
Congestive Heart Failure
If the heart is not effectively pumping blood, it can lead to changes in blood pressure and cause fluid to build up in the tissues, particularly in the legs, feet, ankles, and lungs. This can result in swelling and breathing difficulties.
Lymphatic System Issues
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance by delivering and reabsorbing lymphatic fluid. If there are problems with the lymphatic system, such as cancer, infections, or blockages, it can lead to fluid buildup around the tissues and cause swelling in various body parts.
Kidney Problems
The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste and excess fluids from the body. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, as in the case of chronic kidney disease, they cannot effectively remove waste and fluids, leading to fluid retention.
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 the extra weight in the abdomen can also contribute to this. In some cases, severe swelling may be a sign of a condition called pre-eclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention.
Physical Inactivity
People with mobility issues or a sedentary lifestyle can develop edema in the lower legs. This is because the calf muscle pump, which helps circulate fluid, can lose strength when underused.
Obesity
Individuals 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 contribute to fluid retention.
Symptoms of Water Retention
The primary symptom of water retention is swelling, also known as edema. This can occur in various parts of the body, including the legs, feet, ankles, hands, and face. In addition to swelling, individuals with water retention may experience discomfort, a feeling of heaviness, and difficulty moving the affected body parts.
Treating Water Retention
The treatment for water retention will depend on the underlying cause. Some common strategies include:
- Diuretic medications to help the body expel excess fluids
- Dietary changes, such as reducing salt intake and increasing potassium-rich foods
- Exercise and physical activity to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Compression stockings or garments to help prevent fluid buildup in the legs and lower extremities
- Addressing any underlying medical conditions, such as heart, kidney, or thyroid disorders
Preventing Water Retention
In addition to treating the underlying cause, there are several lifestyle changes that can help prevent or reduce water retention:
- Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active
- Limiting salt and processed foods in the diet
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Elevating the legs when possible to improve circulation
- Practicing stress-reducing activities, as stress can contribute to fluid retention
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you are experiencing persistent or sudden-onset swelling, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe headaches, it’s important to seek medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt treatment.
Conclusion
Water retention is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with the circulatory system, kidneys, lymphatic system, and hormones. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing appropriate treatment strategies, individuals can effectively manage and prevent fluid buildup and the associated symptoms.
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.
People with conditions that affect the thyroid gland may therefore experience water retention.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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Myths about the menu for high blood pressure
The diet for cardiovascular diseases causes a lot of controversy. To resolve our doubts, we turned to Anna Sergeevna Gabrielyan, a therapist at City Clinical Hospital No. 17 in Solntsevo. Here is how she commented on 10 readers’ opinions about the menu for high blood pressure.
1. Since the doctor has prescribed pills to reduce blood pressure, it is not necessary to follow the diet of hypertensive patients.
False There is no panacea pill. Of course, drugs maintain normal blood pressure, reduce symptoms. But the general condition still depends on what the person himself does with his body, first of all, how he eats. For example, when getting rid of extra pounds (and as a rule, hypertensive patients are obese), blood pressure decreases. Remember, with obesity of the second degree, the risk of diabetes is already 93%, and in the presence of a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases by 40-50%. That is, all the chances of heart and brain disasters can be reduced significantly by monitoring nutrition!
But if you follow the diet, you can reduce the dosage of the drug and even cancel it, but of course, under the supervision of a doctor. Very often, hypertension is caused by malnutrition, as a result of which a person gains fat.
Excess adipose tissue always causes fluid retention in the intercellular space. It presses on the blood capillaries, creating a spasm. This spasm is transmitted to the arteries, which also narrow. To push blood into a narrow lumen, the heart begins to increase pressure. Reducing the amount of fat and water in the body will only help hypertension.
2. Salt is harmful to hypertensive patients. When preparing food, you do not need to add salt to it at all. The body gets enough salt from processed foods anyway. They always contain it – even bread, kefir and cottage cheese, not to mention cheese, sausage, canned food.
True. Salt retains fluid in the body and thereby increases blood pressure. Reducing salt intake to 5 g per day has been shown to lower blood pressure by 10 mm Hg, which is comparable to the effect after taking some antihypertensive drugs. In addition, people with hypertension tend to be obese and are prescribed certain diets.
With a low-calorie diet, eating a lot of salt leads to muscle breakdown. Including the heart muscle, which naturally increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
For a healthy person, salt intake up to 8-10 g per day is not dangerous, but if you have arterial hypertension, we recommend reducing it to 5 g – that is, a teaspoon of salt per day (do not forget to count salt in finished products!). If the food seems bland to you, use lemon, herbs – they will give the dishes a pleasant bright taste.
3. I read in one magazine that people with cardiovascular diseases can drink coffee. And the recommendations are generally accepted that it is harmful. Where is the truth?
There is no uniqueness here. Scientists after much research have found that there are two types of people: some quickly metabolize (ie break down and assimilate) coffee, others slowly. This type is genetically determined. And throughout life, most often, does not change.
If a person metabolizes coffee quickly, then drinking 1-2 cups of coffee (meaning standard cups of espresso) reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 18%. 3-4 cups also reduce the risk by about 10%, 5-6 cups by 4%. That is, even a large amount of coffee reduces cardiovascular risks! But if a person slowly metabolizes coffee, then the opposite is true. 1-2 cups increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about 5-6%, 3-4 by 10% and 5-6 by 18%.
How do you know what type you are? Watch yourself. If you drink coffee and almost immediately feel alert, strong, wake up, brain activity is activated, it means that you quickly metabolize coffee and 1-2 cups a day are good for you. By the way, most people belong to this type. But if you drink coffee and do not feel the effect, then you are slowly metabolizing coffee. He will still cheer you up, but after 3-4 hours. These people should limit coffee.
By the way, it has been noticed that with the constant use of coffee in a considerable amount, tolerance to caffeine can develop, and the effect is also lost with lack of sleep, thyroid diseases, depression, etc.
But the genetic type does not change throughout life!
4. Hypertensive patients can drink green tea, but not black tea, because the former normalizes blood pressure, while the latter increases.
As for green tea, is true. It contains a lot of antioxidants, due to which it improves the functions of the heart, nervous system, fights aging, promotes additional fat burning during exercise. Therefore, green tea is very useful for everyone. Black tea is more tonic, indeed contains more caffeine-like substances, but so far doctors do not have a clear definition of whether black tea is harmful or not for cardiovascular diseases. The exception is very strong black tea, it is definitely not worth drinking for hypertension. And in general, observe for yourself how the tea you drink affects your well-being.
5. Red meat contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, it is better to replace it with fish.
True that red meat is not the best food for hypertensive patients.
We now eat a lot more of it than our great-great-great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents. Even 40 years ago, meat was eaten less often: only in autumn and winter, more often in soups, pies, cutlets. They baked meat in pieces and ate it that way mainly on holidays. The recommendations of the World Health Organization are as follows: after 40-45 years, it is recommended to give up red meat.
But what if a person is allergic to fish? There is indeed less sodium in sea and river fish than in meat. But if you don’t like fish or it causes an allergic reaction (itching, rash, hay fever, sore throat), choose lean meats – skinless chicken or turkey breast, pork tenderloin, lean beef, veal. Contrary to popular belief, pork liver is not fatty, it is quite possible to use it for hypertension.
The method of preparation is especially important. It is better not to fry, but to bake in the oven or on the grill, boil, stew or steam. By the way, this also applies to fish. If you roll it in flour or batter and fry it in oil, do not console yourself with the hope that this is a dietary dish.
But, fish oil is a fat that is very useful for hypertension. It contains polyunsaturated fatty acids that protect blood vessels from cholesterol plaques. Eat any fatty fish (boiled, stewed, baked), but better at lunch: heavy food at night is undesirable.
6. Hypertensive patients should not eat eggs.
Not true. Many people with cardiovascular disease refuse because of the cholesterol in eggs, there is no evidence that eggs increase total cholesterol. But they contain lecithin, which supports the health of the cardiovascular system. It is believed that an egg a day is a safe rate for hypertensive patients.
7. Hypertension is harmful to sugary foods. They can be safely replaced with fruits.
Only partly true. Fruit is a good choice, but no more than 200 g per serving. Sour and sweet apples are absolutely equal in calories, the former only have more fruit acids. Moderately hard pears, citrus fruits, kiwi, frozen berries are a great snack.
One banana is a great source of potassium, which removes excess water, plus it saturates for a long time. There is too much sugar in dried fruits, but compote from them (without sugar, of course) will “collect” all the much-needed potassium from fruits for hypertension and thereby help remove swelling.
8. For problems with the cardiovascular system, fast food is a real poison.
True. Although it is not recommended to abuse it and people with healthy blood vessels. Hypertensive patients need to remove those foods that contribute to weight gain and water retention. That is, these are all fatty foods, dishes where fats are combined with a large amount of carbohydrates, as well as fried foods. And this is the trump card of fast food. All dishes from the menu of such establishments contain a lot of salt, that is, sodium that retains water. In addition, the combination of salt and sugar is a favorite cooking move in the preparation of any sauces, confectionery creams and dough, cookies, even chocolate.
Salt sets off sugar and thereby increases the palatability of food. So, as you can see, cutting out fast food, ready-made sauces, baked goods, fatty and fried foods will significantly reduce the amount of sodium, fat and simple carbohydrates in your diet.
9. Mushrooms are unhealthy food. In order not to harm the heart and blood vessels, you need to exclude them from the menu.
Not true. Mushrooms – contrary to popular belief – a very light and healthy food that is perfectly digested. Chemically similar to zucchini, they can be added to vegetable stews, grilled, and used as a side dish. The main thing is not to add butter, cream, sour cream and cheese in large quantities to the mushrooms!
10. Vegetables must be on the hypertensive menu. Salads can be eaten three times a day.
True, vegetables are the most useful foods in the diet for hypertensive patients. Doctors recommend zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers, leafy greens, all kinds of cabbage, carrots, radishes, daikon.
They have a lot of potassium, which, in contrast to sodium, removes excess water. Therefore salads are really recommended. But salads are different. Such as “herring under a fur coat”, “olivier”, “mimosa”, popular among Russians, will have to be limited, since potatoes, corn, peas are a large amount of carbohydrates, herring is salty, and mayonnaise adds a lot of calories. Salads made from fresh and green vegetables are safe, but even here you should not abuse mayonnaise or a lot of vegetable oil (even olive oil!). Remember, 100 g of this oil is equal to 1000 kcal. It is better to fill the dish with natural yogurt, it is good to add spices to it (mustard, ground pepper, garlic, curry, turmeric). Low-fat sour cream will do.
—
Svetlana Chechilova
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 .
It can be faced by hypertensive patients who are used to taking pills to normalize blood pressure, as well as people who have not had such problems before 5 .
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 hypertensive patients 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;
- lack of sleep;
- 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 large number 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 arterial spasm, 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 90 111 . 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 sudden 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 hypertensive “with experience”;
- 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, take 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 need to put the drugs 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 ;
- to supply fresh air, ventilate the room 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 is high 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 what drug and dosage you have taken – this information should be reported to the doctor 7 . 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: 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 . Adequate intake of potassium and magnesium is one way to prevent complications associated with hypertension. In addition, the use of potassium and magnesium preparations makes it possible to enhance the effects of drugs used to control blood 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. Back to top
How to prevent high blood pressure?
Panangin® is a regular nutrition for the heart, which helps to make it stronger and keep life full 9 . References:
