Understanding Blood Pressure Readings | American Heart Association

What do your blood pressure numbers mean?

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is to have your blood pressure tested. Understanding your results is key to controlling high blood pressure.

Healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges

Learn what is considered normal, as recommended by the American Heart Association.

Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A health care professional should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings.

Download this chart: English Jpeg | English PDF | Spanish Jpeg | Spanish PDF | Traditional Chinese Jpeg | Traditional Chinese (PDF)

Blood pressure categories

The five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association are:

Normal

Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

Elevated

Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.

Hypertension Stage 1

Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, health care professionals are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, such as heart attack or stroke.

Hypertension Stage 2

Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently is 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this stage of high blood pressure, health care professionals are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.

Hypertensive crisis

This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your health care professional immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg or you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.

Your blood pressure numbers and what they mean

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:

• Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart contracts.
• Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart muscle is resting between contractions.

Which number is more important?

Typically, more attention is given to systolic blood pressure (the first number) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to the increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term buildup of plaque and an increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.

However, either an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors. See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: May 30, 2023

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Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

How to use a home blood pressure monitor

• Be still.
  Discuss how to use your home blood pressure monitor with your health care professional. Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and ensure at least five minutes of quiet rest before measurements. 
• Sit correctly.
  Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface, such as a table, with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration or have your health care professional show you how.
• Measure at the same time every day.
  It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening. It is best to take the readings daily, ideally beginning two weeks after a change in treatment and during the week before your next appointment.
• Take multiple readings and record the results.
  Each time you measure, take two readings one minute apart and record the results using a printable (PDF) tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile.
• Don’t take the measurement over clothes.

Download a PDF sheet that shows you how to measure your blood pressure properly. Also available in Spanish and Chinese.

Know your numbers

Learn what the numbers in your blood pressure reading mean.

Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A health care professional should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings.

Download this chart: English Jpeg | English PDF | Spanish Jpeg | Spanish PDF | Traditional Chinese Jpeg | Traditional Chinese (PDF)

If you get a high blood pressure reading

• If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see whether your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911, as this is an emergency.
• A single high reading is not an immediate cause for alarm. If you get a reading that is slightly or moderately higher than normal, take your blood pressure a second time and write the results of the two measurements down. Consult your health care professional to verify if there’s a health concern or whether there may be any issues with your monitor. 
• If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and test again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your health care professional immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

AHA recommendation

The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood pressure to help the health care professional determine whether treatments are working. Home monitoring, or self-measured blood pressure, is not a substitute for regular visits to your physician. If you have been prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure, don’t stop taking your medication without consulting your health care professional, even if your blood pressure readings are in the normal range during home monitoring.

Choosing a home blood pressure monitor

The American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep (upper arm) monitor.

• Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended because they yield less reliable readings.
• Choose a monitor that has been validated. If you are unsure, ask your health care professional or pharmacist for advice or find options at validatebp.org(link opens in new window).
• When selecting a blood pressure monitor for a senior, pregnant woman or child, make sure it is validated for these conditions.
• Make sure the cuff fits — measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct cuff size.

Once you’ve purchased your monitor, bring it to your next appointment

Have your health care professional check to see that you are using it correctly and getting the same results as the equipment in the office. Plan to bring your monitor in once a year to make sure the readings are accurate.

Home blood pressure monitoring may be especially useful for:

• Anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
• Individuals starting high blood pressure treatment to determine its effectiveness.
• People requiring closer monitoring, especially individuals with risk factors for high blood pressure and/or conditions related to high BP.  
• Pregnant women experiencing pregnancy-induced hypertension and/or preeclampsia.
• Evaluating potentially false readings, like:
  • People who only have high readings at the health care professional’s office (“white coat” hypertension). 
  • People who only have high readings at home but not at the health care professional’s office (“masked” hypertension).
• NOTE: People with atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias may not be good candidates for home monitoring because electronic home blood pressure devices may not be able to give accurate measurements. Ask your health care professional to recommend a monitoring method that works for you.

Left-arm versus right-arm blood pressure

Several studies have been done to determine what is a normal variation between right and left arm. In general, any difference of 10 mm Hg or less is considered normal and is not a cause for concern.

Why keep a blood pressure journal?

One blood pressure measurement is like a snapshot. It only tells what your blood pressure is at that moment. A record of readings taken over time provides a “time-lapse” picture of your blood pressure that can help you partner with your physician to ensure that your treatments to reduce high blood pressure are working.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors. See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: May 30, 2023

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Hypertension: stages 1 and 2 and risk 3

Contents

• 1 Hypertension: stages, risks and home treatment
  • 1. 1 Hypertension: what it is
    • 1.1.1 Definition

    9 0005 1.1.2 Causes

    • 1.1.3 Symptoms
    • 1.1.4 Treatment
    • 1.1.5 Risk 3
  • 1.2 Definition and summary of hypertension
    • 1 .2.1 Definition:
    • 1.2.2 Characteristic:
  • 1.3 Stages and risk of developing hypertension
    • 1.3.1 Stages
    • 1.3.2 Risk stage 1
      • 1.4.1 What is stage 1 hypertension?
      • 1.4.2 What are the symptoms of stage 1 hypertension?
      • 1.4.3 How is stage 1 hypertension defined?
      • 1.4.4 What are the possible consequences of not treating stage 1 hypertension?
    • 1.5 Hypertension stage 1 stage 2 risk 3: Description stage 2
      • 1.5.1 What is stage 2 hypertension?
      • 1.5.2 Symptoms of hypertension stage 2
      • 1.5.3 Treatment of hypertension stage 2
      • 1.5.4 Prognosis of hypertension stage 2
    • 1.6 Risk of developing stage 3 hypertension

    90 005 1. 7 Symptoms of hypertension

    • 1.7.1 High blood pressure
    • 1.7.2 Headache and dizziness
    • 1.7.3 Feeling of pulsation in the head and neck
    • 1.7.4 Shortness of breath and feeling tired
    • 1.7.5 Palpitations and possible heart rhythm disturbances
    • 1.8 How to determine the presence of hypertension?
    • 1.9 Manifestation of hypertension stage 1 or 2 risk 3: main symptoms
      • 1.9.1 Sleep and memory disorders
      • 1.9.2 Headache and dizziness
      • 1.9.3 Vision and tinnitus

      90 005 1.9.4 High blood pressure

    • 1.10 Treatment of hypertension
      • 1.10.1 Drug therapy
      • 1.10.2 Life style and diet
      • 1.10.3 Blood pressure control

      900 10

    • 1.11 Related video:
    • 1.12 Q&A:
      • • 1.12.0.1 What is hypertension?
        • 1.12.0.2 What are the symptoms of hypertension stage 2 risk 3?
        • 1.12.0.3 How is hypertension diagnosed?
        • 1. 12.0.4 What are the causes of hypertension?
        • 1.12.0.5 How is hypertension stage 1 risk 3 treated?
        • 1.12.0.6 What are the consequences of stage 2 risk 3 hypertension?
    • habits
    • 1.13.4 Stress control
  • 1.14 Drug treatment of hypertension stage 1 stage 2 risk 3
    • 1.14.1 Principles of drug treatment
    • 1.14.2 Prescribing and monitoring drug treatment

Learn all about hypertension stage 1 and 2 and the risk 3. What are the symptoms, causes and treatment? Read on our website!

Hypertension is a common disease among the inhabitants of the country. It can lead to serious complications if you do not consult a doctor in time. The main cause of this disease is an increase in blood pressure, which can disrupt the function of the heart and blood vessels.
Hypertension refers to chronic diseases and is classified into several degrees depending on the level of increase in blood pressure. In modern medicine, there are three degrees of hypertension and several stages of risk.
In this article, we will look at the first and second stages of hypertension, as well as the third stage of risk, to help people who have experienced this disease better understand its features and take the right measures to treat and prevent possible complications.

Hypertension: what it is

Definition

Essential hypertension (arterial hypertension) is a chronic disease in which blood pressure is constantly elevated to a level above 140/90 mmHg. Art.

Yes

66.67%

No

33.33%

Causes disposition.

Symptoms

In the early stages, the disease may be asymptomatic, but later on, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, fatigue and neuralgia may occur.

Treatment

Treatment for hypertension includes medication, regular monitoring of blood pressure, and lifestyle changes that include proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, and stress avoidance.

Risk 3

Hypertension stage 1 or stage 2 risk 3 means that the patient has a high risk of complications associated with the disease, such as heart attack, stroke, and organ damage.

Definition and brief characteristics of hypertension

Definition:

Hypertension (AH) is a chronic disease characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure (BP) above normal. In most cases, patients do not pay attention to the increasing pressure, but over time this leads to serious complications.

Characteristics:

As a rule, hypertension lasts for a long time, without symptoms or little noticeable symptoms, but gradually and steadily increases the level of blood pressure. According to the modern classification, hypertension can be divided into several stages depending on the height of pressure and the presence of complications. The stages of hypertension are determined based on the analysis of the level of blood pressure and additional studies, such as measuring glucose and cholesterol in the blood, ECG and ultrasound examination of organs.

• Stage 1: BP 140-159 / 90-99 mmHg without complications.
• Stage 2: BP 160-179 / 100-109 mmHg with complications.
• Stage 3: BP from 180 / 110 mmHg. with serious complications.

Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, circulatory disorders in the kidneys and eyes, vascular dysfunction and aneurysms. Fortunately, hypertension can be successfully managed with modern medications, a healthy lifestyle, and BP control.

Stages and risk of developing hypertension

Stages

Hypertension is a disease that develops in stages. There are several stages of hypertension. At the first stage, blood pressure rises to a value of 140/90 mm Hg. In the second stage, the pressure is above 160/100 mm Hg. At the third stage, the pressure reaches 180/110 mm Hg. At each subsequent stage of hypertension, the risk of serious complications increases.

Risk

One of the indicators of hypertension is the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. The risk depends on several factors – the stage of hypertension, age, the presence of other diseases, lifestyle and heredity.

In the first stage of hypertension, the risk of complications is minimal, in the second stage the risk increases, and in the third stage it increases significantly. The risk of complications also increases in the presence of factors such as smoking, malnutrition, prolonged exposure to stressful situations, and heredity.

It is important to remember that hypertension requires constant monitoring and treatment, even if the risk of complications is currently low. Irregular treatment can lead to the development of serious complications that can be life threatening.

Stage 1 hypertension Stage 2 risk 3: Stage 1 description

What is stage 1 hypertension?

Stage 1 hypertension is the initial stage of high blood pressure when the values ​​do not exceed 140/90 mmHg. But even at this stage, changes in the body are already taking place, which in the long run can lead to serious health problems.

What are the symptoms of stage 1 hypertension?

At this stage of hypertension, there may be no symptoms, but sometimes patients may complain of: headaches, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations and sleep disturbances.

How is stage 1 hypertension defined?

Repeat blood pressure measurements over several weeks are used to diagnose stage 1 hypertension. Normal blood pressure is repeated twice at different times of the day while monitoring pressure throughout the day. A slight increase in blood cholesterol levels may also be found.

What are the possible consequences of not treating stage 1 hypertension?

Although symptoms may be mild at this stage, if left untreated, complications can result, such as damage to organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. Therefore, it is important to detect and treat stage 1 hypertension in a timely manner to prevent serious consequences.

Hypertension stage 1 stage 2 risk 3: Description stage 2

What is stage 2 hypertension?

Stage 2 hypertension is a serious disease in which blood pressure rises to 160-179 mm Hg. (systolic) and / or up to 100-109 mm Hg. (diastolic). At the same time, the work of many body systems is disrupted, and the risk of complications increases.

Symptoms of hypertension stage 2

Symptoms of hypertension stage 2 can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. These may include headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue, decreased performance, poor sleep, and visual disturbances. Some people may not experience any symptoms but still have high blood pressure.

Treatment of stage 2 hypertension

Treatment of stage 2 hypertension should begin with lifestyle and dietary changes. Patients should stop smoking, drinking large doses of alcohol, begin to engage in physical activity, and control their weight. In addition, drug therapy may be prescribed – drugs that lower blood pressure and protect against complications. Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor who determines an individual approach and chooses the most effective methods.

Prognosis of stage 2 hypertension

The prognosis of stage 2 hypertension depends on many factors – the magnitude of pressure, the presence of concomitant diseases, the age and lifestyle of the patient. If the disease is detected at an early stage, and the patient follows the recommendations of the doctor, then the prognosis may be favorable. However, without control and proper treatment, stage 2 hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and problems with the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Stage 3 hypertension risk

Hypertension is a chronic disease that can lead to serious health consequences such as stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. With the development of hypertension, three stages of the disease often occur, and the risk of developing stage 3 hypertension is the most dangerous.

The risk of developing stage 3 hypertension increases with delayed treatment or ignoring the initial symptoms of the disease, such as headache, palpitations, fatigue. This is due to the fact that stage 3 is characterized by an increasing dysfunction of the heart, blood vessels and kidneys, which leads to irreversible consequences for the body.

It is important to remember that the risk of developing stage 3 hypertension can be reduced with regular monitoring of blood pressure, proper treatment, healthy lifestyle and habit changes that can lead to high blood pressure.

1. Reduced dietary intake of salt and animal fats;
2. Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and green foods;
3. Smoking cessation;
4. Moderate physical activity;
5. Timely treatment of other diseases that contribute to the development of hypertension (diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders).

Thus, the risk of developing stage 3 hypertension can be reduced with improved blood pressure control, timely medical attention, proper treatment, and changing habits that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Symptoms of hypertension

High blood pressure

The most important symptom of hypertension is constantly high blood pressure. It can be detected by measuring pressure with a tonometer and must be controlled.

Headache and dizziness

One of the most common symptoms of hypertension is headache, which can occur in the back of the head, as well as in the forehead and temples. Dizziness is also common, especially when changing body position or after physical exertion.

Pulsating sensation in the head and neck

Pulsating sensation in the head and neck is possible, which can also become symptoms of hypertension. The sensation of pulsation may be due to an overreaction to an increase in blood pressure.

Shortness of breath and feeling tired

Hypertension can cause shortness of breath, which manifests itself during physical exertion or even at rest. It is also possible to feel tired and weak, which can be caused by a decrease in the quality of sleep or a metabolic disorder.

Palpitations and possible heart rhythm disturbances

Possible heart palpitations and also heart rhythm disturbances such as extrasystoles and atrial fibrillation. They can be caused by excessive excitations of the nervous system or myocardial ischemia.

How to determine the presence of hypertension?

Hypertension is common among people over 40 years of age. Signs of hypertension can vary, so it is important to know which symptoms may indicate the development of this disease.

• Constant increase in blood pressure. Here it is important to know your blood pressure standards and monitor its performance.
• Headaches, often localized in the occipital region.
• Dizziness, feeling of weakness and fatigue.
• Pain in the heart (chest), interruptions in the heart.
• Edema of the lower extremities, morning swelling of the face.

If you suspect that you have hypertension, be sure to consult your doctor. It is important to remember that early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension helps to avoid serious complications of the disease and maintain health.

In addition to a visit to the doctor, blood pressure measurements at home with a tonometer and monitoring of diet and lifestyle can be signs of hypertension. It is important to give up bad habits, monitor weight and physical activity, and maintain a healthy daily routine.

Manifestation of hypertension stage 1 or 2 risk 3: main symptoms

Sleep and memory disorders

One of the first symptoms of hypertension is sleep disturbance, which can manifest itself as insomnia or drowsiness during the day. There may also be problems with memory, concentration and orientation in space.

Headache and dizziness

Patients with hypertension may often complain of headache, which can be severe and prolonged. Dizziness may also be present, especially with changes in body position.

Vision and tinnitus

Hypertensive patients may experience visual disturbances such as dilated pupils, diplopia or redness of the eyeballs. Often, patients also complain of tinnitus, which occurs due to circulatory disorders in the vessels of the brain.

High blood pressure

And, of course, one of the main symptoms of hypertension is a constant increase in blood pressure, which can reach very high levels. This symptom requires immediate intervention and treatment.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please see your doctor. Hypertension is not able to be cured by itself and requires complex treatment and constant monitoring by specialists.

Treatment of hypertension

Drug therapy

There are many drugs for the treatment of hypertension, but the choice of a particular drug depends on the degree of hypertension, the presence of comorbidities and the individual patient. Usually, one drug is given to start treatment and then others are added as needed. Treatment should only be carried out under the supervision of a physician, as too high a dosage can be harmful to health.

Drugs used in hypertension may include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium antagonists, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors, and others.

Life style and diet

In addition to drug therapy, it is important to take care of your overall health. It is necessary to monitor your weight, do not smoke, limit alcohol consumption and exercise regularly. In addition, you should monitor your diet: eat less salt, limit the intake of fatty and fried foods, increase the amount of fruits, vegetables and grains in the diet.

In addition, it is recommended to include in the diet foods that help lower blood pressure, such as watermelons, cherries, low-sugar chocolate, nuts and some spices.

Blood pressure monitoring

To control your blood pressure, it is recommended that you measure your blood pressure regularly at home and record the results. This will help to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and take timely measures in case of deterioration. It is also important to regularly visit a doctor and undergo the necessary examinations.

In hypertension stage 1 and 2, risk 3, it is important not to delay treatment, as this can lead to serious consequences. With the right drug therapy and lifestyle changes, most patients successfully control their condition.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is a disorder of blood pressure, in which it is elevated for a long time. This is due to disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

What are the symptoms of hypertension stage 2 risk 3?

Symptoms of stage 2 risk 3 hypertension may include headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, palpitations, sweating, headache, fatigue. However, in many cases this stage of the disease is asymptomatic.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

Blood pressure must be measured to diagnose hypertension. Additional tests, such as ECG, echocardiography, blood and urine tests, may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the causes of hypertension?

Hypertension can be associated with many factors such as heredity, age, bad habits, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, metabolic disorders, etc.

How is stage 1 risk 3 hypertension treated?

The treatment of hypertension includes lifestyle changes (elimination of bad habits, proper nutrition, physical activity), the use of drugs to reduce pressure and control its indicators. Regular blood pressure monitoring is also recommended.

What are the consequences of hypertension stage 2 risk 3?

Consequences of hypertension stage 2 risk 3 may include serious disorders of the heart and blood vessels, heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, etc. Therefore, it is important to start treatment and control blood pressure in a timely manner.

Non-drug treatments for hypertension

Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition is one of the key methods of non-drug therapy for hypertension. Vegetables, fruits, cereals, fish, low-fat meats, low-fat dairy products are recommended. It is important to reduce your intake of salt, fatty meats, sugar, and foods high in cholesterol. In addition, potassium-rich foods such as beans, nuts, potatoes, and bananas are helpful.

Exercise

Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga helps improve circulation, reduce weight and lower blood pressure. Before starting classes, it is recommended to consult a doctor and start with a gradual increase in load.

Quit bad habits

Some bad habits, such as drinking alcohol and smoking, can increase your risk of developing hypertension and make it more difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to abandon these habits and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Stress control

Stress can lead to high blood pressure, so it is important to learn how to control your emotional state. To do this, you can use various methods, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, massage and other relaxation techniques.

Drug treatment of hypertension stage 1 stage 2 risk 3

Principles of drug treatment

Treatment of hypertension stage 1 stage 2 risk 3 is a long process and includes medication, diet, regular physical activity and control of blood pressure.

The main principle of drug treatment is to reduce blood pressure to target values: less than 130/80 mm Hg. Art. for many patients and less than 120/70 mm Hg. Art. for some.

Various classes of antihypertensive drugs are used to treat hypertension stage 1 stage 2 risk 3: thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, AT1 receptor blockers, and others. The choice of drugs depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and concomitant diseases.

Prescribing and monitoring drug treatment

Drug treatment is prescribed by a doctor and selected individually for each patient. When prescribing medicines, the doctor takes into account age, gender, weight, the presence of concomitant diseases and other factors.

Monitoring the effectiveness of drug treatment is carried out by regularly measuring the patient’s blood pressure, as well as analyzing adverse effects and changes in health status.

It is important to remember that discontinuation of the medication may have the opposite effect and worsen the patient’s health. You should always strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and do not change the dosage or regimen of medication on your own.

Hypertension: degrees, symptoms, treatment in Krasnoyarsk

A sedentary lifestyle, constant strong stress, bad habits can lead to the appearance of heart pathologies. Hypertension is one of the common diseases of modern man. This pathology is characterized by high blood pressure at rest and for a long time.

Why is hypertension dangerous?

The heart moves blood through the blood vessels, providing all the cells of the body with oxygen and nutrients. When the blood vessels become clogged or lose their elasticity, the heart begins to work harder and increases the pressure inside the vessels.

Against the background of the disease with untimely treatment, serious pathologies such as acute heart failure, hypertensive crisis, stroke, myocardial infarction can occur.

The complexity of hypertension is that it often proceeds almost asymptomatically for years and the person does not know about the existence of the disease. Symptoms are often observed – headache, fatigue, memory loss, dizziness, high blood pressure, to which a person simply does not pay attention. This may indicate the beginning of the development of the disease.

Symptoms of hypertension

• ongoing migraines;
• numbness of limbs;
• redness of the face;
• excessive sweating;
• “midges” before the eyes;
• chills;
• palpitations.

Causes of hypertension

• Excess weight. Obese people are several times more likely to suffer from heart disease. Also, excess weight is the cause of increased levels of calcium and sodium in the blood, disruption of the normal functioning of the kidneys and diseases of the internal organs. This, in turn, is an additional factor for the development of hypertension.
• Arterial sclerosis. Due to the presence of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels, normal blood circulation stops. The heart has to work harder to increase the pressure in the vessels.
• Stressful situations. During stress, blood pressure rises due to the release of the hormone adrenaline into the blood. By acting on the heart, adrenaline makes it beat faster, throwing more blood into the vessels.
• Bad habits. Smoking, drinking alcohol, fatty and heavy foods increase pressure in blood vessels, form spasms of blood vessels and lead to their damage.
• Age. Over the years, a person’s heart wears out. The risk of developing hypertension increases with age if you do not pay due attention to your health. It is necessary to undergo preventive examinations and give up bad habits, if any. High blood pressure often develops in people over 35 years of age.
• Genetic predisposition. If relatives of the first link (father, mother, siblings, sisters, grandparents) suffer from hypertension, the risk of developing the disease increases.
• Sedentary lifestyle. With a low level of stress, metabolism slows down, the nervous system and other body systems are weakened, and immunity is lowered. The risk of developing hypertension increases by 50%.

Hypertension vs Hypertension: What’s the Difference?

Hypertension is a chronic disease characterized by a persistent increase in blood pressure and overall muscle tone.

Hypertension is a state of the human body with increased pressure. Unlike hypertension, which is an independent disease, hypertension is a symptom of a pathological condition.

Types of cardiac hypertension

There are many classifications of the disease, which are based on the appearance of the patient, the level of pressure, the reasons for the increase in blood pressure, the nature of the course of the disease. However, doctors everywhere use a classification according to the degree of the course of the disease.

Hypertension 1 degree – also called the preclinical stage. This is the mildest form of hypertension, in which blood pressure reaches 140/90 mm. mercury column. There are mild headaches, decreased performance, general fatigue. During the patient’s stay in a calm state, the pressure normalizes.

Hypertension 2 degree – moderate stage, in which the pressure increases to 180/110 mm. rt. Art. there is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, hypertrophy of the left ventricle of the heart, an increased concentration of creatinine.

Hypertension grade 3 – the pressure rises to 220/115 mm. rt. Art. in this case, the risk of complications is high. With this degree of development of the pathology, the blood supply to the internal organs is impaired. Grade 3 disease can manifest itself as kidney failure, hemorrhage from the eyes, blindness.

How to diagnose a disease?

When the first symptoms of hypertension appear, consult a cardiologist. He will inspect and send for tests:

• general blood and urine analysis;
• blood test for hemoglobin;
• urinalysis for protein and glucose;
• electrocardiography;
• echocardiography;
• chest x-ray;
• biochemical blood test to detect the level of cholesterol, urea, glucose and calcium;
• phosphates and uric acid;
• computed tomography;
• ultrasound.

Based on the results of the tests, the attending physician will determine whether there is hypertension, the stability of the increase in pressure, the degree of development of pathological changes in the internal organs, the cause of the increased pressure.

Treatment of hypertension

The method of therapeutic therapy depends on the degree of development of the disease. At the first preclinical stage, it is possible to maintain a normal level of blood pressure without the use of medications. The patient needs to balance the diet, give up bad habits, lead an active lifestyle and normalize sleep and work patterns.

When treating grade 2 hypertension, the doctor prescribes a medication for long-term use and with a minimum number of contraindications, combined with moderate activity and the rejection of bad habits. The drug is prescribed by a cardiologist after examining the patient. The drugs must be taken continuously, as this can cause a stroke or heart attack.