Hypertensiology refers to the treatment of high blood pressure. Hypertension has become a common disease, but not everyone knows about their condition. How does high blood pressure develop and what methods are used to treat hypertension? Hypertension is a vascular disease that now affects 50% of European citizens. Often there is no knowledge about a disease and it negatively affects the human organism and brings long-term damage. Especially in old age, the number of sufferers increases significantly. Two types of hypertension are distinguished, one is hypertension and the other is secondary hypertension. With hypertensiology, doctors have found a way to treat high blood pressure and contain permanent damage based on disease.
What is hypertensiology?
Hypertensiology is the treatment of high blood pressure. When there is persistent high pressure, the doctor refers to it as hypertension. Blood pressure is the pressure in the vessels that exerts pressure on the vessel wall from the inside. Blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. The normal blood pressure value is 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). A value of 140 mmHg or higher is referred to as mild hypertension, i.e. first-degree hypertension. A value above 180 mmHg is severe hypertension. If the person is in extraordinary situations, such as stress or excitement, the blood pressure can rise, but lowers again to the normal value in the rest phase. Only when there is a permanent high pressure, the doctor speaks of hypertension. Two basic forms of hypertension are distinguished:
Primary hypertension is the most common form of hypertension and is also called essential hypertension. More than 90% of patients suffer from this form. This condition occurs without any detectable underlying disease. Secondary hypertension is the side effect of an existing disease. For example, kidney disease or a metabolic disorder can trigger nonessential hypertension. However, the use of certain medications can also promote the disease. Isolated clinical hypertension, also known as white coat hypertension, is another and common variant of hypertension. The patient’s blood pressure is significantly higher at the doctor’s office than the value measured by the sufferer at home. The reason lies in the fear of visiting the doctor, which causes the blood pressure value to rise upward.
Treatments and therapies
The causes of hypertension can be many different factors that play a role in its development. A hereditary cause may be involved in the development of hypertension. If one parent suffers from hypertension, the child is twice as likely to develop it as if no disease is present. Likewise, a genetic defect in combination with external factors can trigger hypertension. Other risk factors that can lead to primary hypertension include obesity, high levels of table salt, alcohol consumption, smoking, chronic stress and lack of exercise. In secondary hypertension, a risk factor is not clearly definable. The patient suffers from a disease that results in the development of hypertension. When suffering from arteriosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels) or a narrowing of the renal artery, high blood pressure can develop. Sufferers are mostly over 55 years old and smokers. In rare cases, secondary hypertension can also occur if medication is taken. Among the triggering drugs are hormone preparations. Contraceptives, in this case the estrogen pill, and drugs taken for rheumatic diseases cause high blood pressure. If high blood pressure occurs, those affected often live for years without recognizing any clear symptoms. Therefore, the risk of permanent damage to the body is very high. Possible symptoms that occur with hypertension include dizziness, headaches, ringing in the ears and severe nosebleeds. If hypertension goes undetected, long-term damage can occur to the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels. If damage occurs in the organs as a result, signs such as shortness of breath, shortness of breath, chest pain and difficulty standing appear. The risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke is very high.To diagnose hypertension, blood pressure is first measured. In conjunction with other findings made, an assessment is made as to which treatment is right for the person concerned. Often the patient is very agitated when visiting the doctor, so it is advisable to allow the patient to calm down before the measurement. A long-term measurement by wearing a 24-hour blood pressure device, allows the high blood pressure to be determined. Stress measurements (ergometry) and self-measurements also provide the doctor with a clear picture of the blood pressure. During an examination, the patient’s living conditions are also taken into account. In addition to the blood pressure measurement, a blood test and an examination of the urine are ordered. To detect secondary hypertension, the physician performs an ECG (electrocardiogram), an ultrasound examination, and a chest X-ray.
Diagnosis and examination methods
To prevent the development of a secondary disease, hypertensiology is started immediately after diagnosis. The therapy used depends on the patient. In general, patients should change their lifestyle habits and reduce stress. In many cases, antihypertensive medication must be taken. In secondary hypertension, the treatment of the triggering disease is adapted to the affected group of people. Combination therapies are necessary if very high blood pressure or a concomitant disease or organ damage is present. Here, two antihypertensive drugs are taken at the same time. If the effect is insufficient, the dose can be increased. An effect can be seen after two to six weeks. To prevent hypertension, make sure you eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise.