The pharmacy sells drugs that help normalize hypertension, hypotension and get rid of “spikes” in blood pressure. But it is important not to purchase medicine without first consulting a doctor, since the consequences of using the wrong medicine can be very serious.
Hypertension is a disease in which blood pressure is elevated. Pathology most often occurs in people over 45 years of age. Hypertension cannot be cured, which is why patients need to take medications regularly to avoid complications: stroke, heart attack and other equally serious health problems.
The use of one type of drug (monotherapy) has a positive effect only at the initial stage of the disease. In more serious cases, blood pressure is normalized with the help of combination drugs, including two or three active ingredients from different groups. Hypertensive patients should know that the body gets used to the action of any medicine and the effect of the drug is individual. For this purpose, each patient should consult a cardiologist at least once every six months.
Medicines with antihypertensive effects are long-acting (prolonged) and rapid-acting.
The tablets act on various organs to lower blood pressure - the effect depends on the group of the drug. For different people, remedies are selected individually, taking into account the general state of health and the presence of concomitant diseases, which are discovered after a full medical examination.
Tablets for normalizing high blood pressure
List of main drug groups for blood pressure:
- Beta blockers. They act on the walls of blood vessels, eliminating spasms. Accordingly, the heart rate decreases and blood pressure normalizes. Classic beta blocker drugs include: Atenolol, Propranolol, Anaprilin, Metaprolol.
- The antihypertensive effect of alpha blockers occurs due to the relaxation of muscle tissue that is located inside the blood vessels. As a result, arterioles and arteries dilate. Common tablets: Minoxidil, Hydralazine.
- Calcium channel antagonists block the calcium currents involved in the contraction of the heart muscles, after which the heart slows down and blood pressure returns to normal. Representatives of the group are short-acting and rapid-acting drugs (“Nifedipine”); with a prolonged effect - Amlodipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem.
- Diuretics (diuretics) are used to relieve swelling by removing fluid. Thus, an automatic decrease in blood pressure occurs. When using diuretics, it is taken into account that useful and necessary microelements are removed from the body, therefore diuretics should be taken carefully and under the control of a biochemical examination. The most common drugs: Hypothiazide, Furosemide, Diuver.
- ACE inhibitors inhibit the formation of a peptide responsible for the dilation of blood vessels. Names: “Ramipril”, “Anaprilin”, “Captopril”.
Massage and self-massage
Massage and self-massage can help reduce high blood pressure. The procedures take place in a calm state. Each exercise is repeated 6-9 times. Self-massage exercises:
- With relaxed hands, lightly stroke the frontal bone from the bridge of the nose to the temple area. At the same time, continue to repeat out loud “I am calm.”
- Stroke your face from forehead to chin, repeating “don't worry.”
- We stroke the back of the head, bringing the fingertips to the neck and applying pressure to the transition area between the cervical and thoracic spine.
- With our right hand we stroke the forearms, starting with the left, and with our left we push back and forth. Try to reach your shoulder blade with your hand.
- The palm of the right hand is used to guide the palm along the neck.
Massage is recommended along with drug treatment as an additional measure to help cope with unpleasant symptoms.
Fast-acting drugs
Hypertensive patients from time to time face a situation where the pressure rises sharply. People who have been suffering from the disease for a long time keep on hand means to stabilize the indicator, which can reduce it in a short time.
List of drugs:
- Furosemide has an effect on reducing blood pressure approximately 20 minutes after administration. After 60-70, the maximum effect occurs, which is achieved by expanding the loop portion of the renal nephron and, consequently, increasing urination.
- "Anaprilin" helps reduce the rate in 15-20 minutes. The tablets are able to be quickly absorbed into the blood, and elimination occurs after 5-10 hours. In accordance with the instructions, you should take the drug 80 milligrams in two doses throughout the day. If the prescribed dose is ineffective, then the dosage is doubled. Suitable for stopping episodic attacks of tachycardia.
- "Captopril" is the gold standard for emergency medical care for high blood pressure. The medicine acts quickly, but lasts only three hours, so it is not recommended for continuous use for hypertension.
- "Adelfan" is a combination drug that constricts blood vessels and calms the nervous system thanks to the main active ingredients: reserpine, digidazaline. According to the instructions, take 0.25 milligrams 3 times a day. If necessary, the doctor may increase the dose. After a course of taking it, it is gradually reduced until completely eliminated.
- "Ebrantil" is an excellent choice for tachyarrhythmia due to high blood pressure. A new product with lightning-fast (at the end of a needle) effect. In tablets at a dose of 60 mg.
- "Physiotens" is a drug that affects the vasomotor center and cerebral cortex. An excellent modern medicine that quickly brings the indicator back to normal. It is produced in doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mg and is available for use 2 times a day.
What does acid-base balance depend on?
Violation of the acid-base balance of our internal environment, a gradual increase in the acidity of the body, is one of the important causes of aging.
To build the cells that make up our body, we need a certain amount of building material. We get it through nutrition. For this purpose, there is an entire digestive system, the main task of which is to ensure that the cells receive all the substances they need for life and normal functioning.
And since these substances are carried to the cells using the blood, then, naturally, the circulatory system takes an active part in this process.
All substances contained in the food we consume are eventually broken down into acidic or alkaline residues. Depending on this, all products are conventionally divided into alkaline or acidic.
Acid foods include carbohydrate foods (porridge, baked goods, flour, sweets, starch) and protein foods (meat, fish, milk). And alkaline - all greens and vegetables (except potatoes). Other foods, such as fruits, are both acidic and alkaline.
The diet we are all accustomed to, to which we have been accustomed since childhood, consists of approximately 70% acidic foods. Therefore, over time, acids accumulate in the body, changing the pH of our internal environment to the acidic side. Accordingly, in order to restore the pH of the blood and other environments of our body, it is necessary to change the ratio of acidic and alkaline foods in the diet in the opposite direction so that it is 70% alkaline. Then the acidity level will decrease and the acid-base balance will begin to restore.
Long-acting tablets for hypertension
Prolonged pressure stabilizing agents are characterized by long-term effectiveness. Because of this, they are used for course treatment, and not for a one-time reduction in the indicator.
Many patients are prescribed by doctors to take the drug throughout their lives. It is important not to stop taking the medicine, as this will significantly increase the patient's risk of dying from heart problems.
List of drugs:
- "Bisoprolol" . The spectrum of action is wide - lowering blood pressure, normalizing heart rate, preventing and stopping the development of angina pectoris. In case of second and third degree hypertension, it is prescribed for complex treatment or monotherapy (taking one drug). Following the instructions, you need to drink the medicine 50-75 milligrams 2 times a day during or immediately after meals. The dosage is doubled if the disease is extremely severe, or the patient is overweight.
- "Diroton" helps reduce blood pressure, but does not affect the heart rate. The highest level of effectiveness is six hours after taking the drug, and the duration is approximately a day. In accordance with the instructions, the daily dose should not exceed 40 milligrams.
- Prestarium dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Maximum effectiveness occurs five to six hours after administration and lasts at least a day. The drug helps to quickly lower blood pressure. If you take it regularly, the overall result of the treatment will be visible after 10-14 days. The doctor determines the dosage individually, based on the complexity of the disease. Following the instructions, you need to take a tablet once a day.
Honey and bee products
As for the beneficial properties of honey and other bee products, both traditional and classical medicine have always believed that they are a means of treating many diseases. However, we should not forget that honey is one of the allergenic products, and before using it you should make sure that you are not allergic to it. If there is no rash or other symptoms, you can proceed to preparing the drug.
To do this, take 450 g of linden honey, 2.5 kg of onions, 45 g of walnut shells and half a liter of vodka. Remove the onion peel, grate and squeeze out all the juice. Mix with linden honey and ground walnut particles. Pour the mixture with vodka and leave for 10 days under a closed lid in a dark place. Drink 1.5 tablespoons no more than 3 times a day.
Groups of drugs for low blood pressure
- Alpha-agonists should be kept in the medicine cabinet if attacks of hypotension occur with complications (loss of consciousness).
- A group of anticholinergic drugs is popular among doctors and is often prescribed to patients with low blood pressure.
- Adaptogens of plant origin have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and stimulation of heart activity (no evidence base).
Names of drugs:
- “Gutron” promotes vasoconstriction, resulting in increased blood pressure. The drug helps eliminate uncontrolled urination. After taking it, it takes about an hour for the indicators to stabilize, and the effectiveness lasts four to six. As written in the instructions, people over 12 years of age should take the tablet, divided into 2 doses throughout the day.
- “Ecdisten” increases performance, enhances protein synthesis processes, and tones. Positively affects memory and retention of information. Following the instructions, you need to take no more than 25 milligrams at a time, 3 times a day.
- "Rantarine" normalizes blood pressure, has a tonic effect on the central nervous system, and increases mental and physical performance. You can take no more than three tablets (one per dose) per day, half an hour before meals.
- "Heptamil" helps normalize the tone of blood vessels and the heart. The medicine significantly increases the number of contractions of the heart muscle. The instructions state that you can take the drug in a dose of up to 0.45 grams per day, divided into 3 doses.
- "Citramon". There is a misconception that this medicine lowers blood pressure, but in reality it increases the level. The effect of the product lies in the work of three main components: paracetamol (reduces body temperature, eliminates pain symptoms), aspirin (prevents inflammatory processes), caffeine (increases blood pressure and enhances the effect of paracetamol and aspirin).
Changes in blood pressure cannot be ignored, since the patient’s well-being significantly worsens. In order to normalize blood pressure in a timely manner, you need to have on hand a drug that corresponds to the symptoms: to increase or decrease it.
Acupressure stimulation
In alternative medicine, acupressure is the stimulation of acupuncture points. You can do this yourself at home. Pressure points should be placed on the body with your fingers. If you have high blood pressure, it won't take long to stimulate these points. After a few minutes of proper exposure, relief will come.
Acupressure stimulation can also help revitalize the body and relieve symptoms of pain and dizziness.
This treatment has a number of contraindications. Acupressure cannot be used for grade 3 hypertension, some cardiovascular diseases, the presence of cancer in the body, digestive tract disorders, mental disorders, diabetes, tuberculosis, open wounds on the skin, apathy and loss of strength, as well as overwork. Stimulation should not be used in women with menstrual tension syndrome.
- If you feel a pulse in the carotid artery, stimulate this point for 15 seconds. It is located on the left under the jaw. Then release your finger and press it again a few seconds after taking a deep breath. Repeat three times.
- Do the same in the medulla area. Then you should squeeze the bone in the occipital region 3 times.
- Place three fingers on the bottom of your neck and apply pressure. Repeat 3 times.
- Squeeze and stretch around the middle finger of both hands. Swipe one at a time.
- Using your little finger on the inside of your arm, apply pressure to this point for 1 minute.
When performing stimulation, it is important to follow the correct acupressure technique.
Lifestyle changes and nutrition correction
When it comes to blood pressure control, preventive measures are considered effective. Doctors identify several main reasons that directly affect the occurrence of high blood pressure.
- Frequent consumption of unhealthy foods.
- Alcohol abuse and smoking.
- Excessive weight.
- Lack of work and rest schedule, frequent stress.
- Hereditary factor.
The development of high blood pressure directly depends on a person’s lifestyle. Junk food, lack of normal rest and a sedentary lifestyle - all this negatively affects health. Therefore, changing habits and adjusting diet is an effective tool for preventing hypertension. As much exercise as possible is required, give regular muscle exercises, avoid junk food. You should not abuse alcohol and quit smoking.
For the elderly
To reduce high blood pressure in older people, the following alternative medicines are used:
- Mix still mineral water, honey and lemon juice. Drink water in one gulp. The first signs of improvement are observed after half an hour.
- Pour boiling water over 35 g of clove inflorescences. Leave until the drink cools to room temperature. Then drink it quickly.
It is also important to eat right, go outside and walk more often. It is important to visit your doctor regularly.
The main effects of angiotensin 2:
- Peripheral vasoconstriction
- Aldosterone release
- Synthesis and release of catecholamines
- Control of glomerular circulation
- Direct antinatriuretic effect
- Stimulation of hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells
- Stimulation of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy
- Stimulation of connective tissue development (fibrosis)
One of them is the release of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex. The function of this hormone is to reduce the excretion of sodium and water in the urine (antinatriuretic effect) and, accordingly, to retain them in the body, that is, to increase circulating blood volume (CBV), which also increases blood pressure.
Hypertension. What are the consequences of increased blood pressure?
Pressure above 140/90 mm Hg. Art. (increased) in medical practice is called hypertension. It is usually divided into two types:
- Symptomatic – hypertension is a symptom of a disease of the cardiovascular system.
- Essential – when the increase in pressure is not explained by pathologies, so to speak, causeless. 90% of patients diagnosed with hypertension suffer from the essential type of the disease.
Causes of hypertension
In addition to age-related changes that lead to increased blood pressure, the following people are at risk:
- Patients with atherosclerosis.
- Overweight.
- Diagnosed with diabetes.
- Abuse: alcohol, tobacco, salt.
- Women using hormonal contraceptives.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
- Subject to psycho-emotional stress caused by professional activities.
Also, horse racing can be affected by atmospheric pressure and weather conditions.
Symptoms of hypertension
Often, the symptoms of hypertension are attributed to fatigue, so treatment begins only when the disease progresses. Symptoms of this pathology include:
- dizziness;
- noise in the head;
- nausea;
- Strong headache;
- darkening of the eyes.
The danger of uncontrolled development of hypertension is the occurrence of a hypertensive crisis.
A hypertensive crisis is a sharp increase in blood pressure (increased by more than half the initial increase). In such cases, emergency medical care is necessary, since the consequences of an attack can be:
- stroke attack;
- heart attack;
- pulmonary edema;
- circulatory disorders in the brain.
A hypertensive crisis is characterized by: dizziness, nausea, decreased vision, and a “bursting” headache.
What is the role of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the development of arterial hypertension?
The greatest importance in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension is given to humoral factors. Catecholamines - adrenaline and norepinephrine , which are produced mainly in the medulla of the adrenal glands, have powerful direct pressor and vasoconstrictor activity They are also neurotransmitters of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. Norepinephrine acts on the so-called alpha-adrenergic receptors and acts for quite a long time. Mainly peripheral arterioles narrow, which is accompanied by an increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Adrenaline, stimulating alpha and beta adrenergic receptors (b1 - cardiac muscle and b2 - bronchi), intensively but briefly increases blood pressure, increases blood sugar, increases tissue metabolism and the body's need for oxygen, and leads to an acceleration of heart contractions.