Treatment of high blood pressure (arterial hypertension). Signs of high blood pressure High blood pressure (or hypertension) is one of the most common diseases of the heart and vascular system and, along with smoking, diabetes, high blood fats and obesity and it is one of the most serious risk factors for stroke, ischemic heart disease and other manifestations of atherosclerosis. In the advanced stages of the disease, patients suffer from shortness of breath, chest pain, eye or kidney disorders.
Symptoms of high blood pressure may include:
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • tinnitus
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • nosebleeds
These symptoms often appear in the morning. The ideal blood pressure is up to 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the arterial pressure rises repeatedly to a systolic value of more than 140 mm Hg and a diastolic value above 90 mm Hg measured at at least two different doctor visits, or home measurment.
Risk factors for high blood pressure Although the cause of hypertension is not clear and there is often no evidence of organic changes, there are risk factors that can accelerate the development of high blood pressure:
  • lack of exercise
  • stress
  • excessive alcohol consumption
  • smoking
  • increased levels of fats in the blood
  • diabetes
  • a tendency to high blood pressure in the family
  • overweight
Sometimes high blood pressure can be caused by another disease, such as kidney disease or taking certain medications. In many cases, there is no clear trigger, the cause often remains undetected. Persistent hypertension is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This can lead to heart attack, arterial occlusion, kidney failure or stroke. The treatment of high blood pressure is administered by a doctor. Each treatment includes general recommendations, which include:
  • sufficient physical activity: 30 – 45 min,3 – 4 times a week (not a performance sport!)
  • stress prevention
  • restriction of alcohol consumption
  • complete smoking cessation
  • low fat, low salt diet
  • weight reduction in overweight or obese people
In our cardiology clinic, we help set up the right treatment for patients with arterial hypertension so that the risk of heart faiur is minimised. We use Arterial Blood Pressure Measurment (Holter) to set the treatment more appropriately. It is recommended for patients to measure their pressure at home at regular intervals (at least 3 times a day) and bring the values to us for examination.