How to Treat Hypertension: An Overview of Traditional and Alternative Therapies for Hypertension
The content of the article:
- Traditional treatments for hypertension
-
Treatment of hypertension without drugs
- Homeopathy
- Phytotherapy
- Treatment of hypertension with iodine
- Hypertension treatment according to the Neumyvakin method
- Kinesiotherapy
- Therapeutic breath in the treatment of hypertension
- Causes of arterial hypertension
- Stages of hypertension
- Video
Effective treatment of hypertension is one of the most urgent tasks of modern medicine. High blood pressure occurs in about 30% of adults. With age, the prevalence of pathology increases and in persons over 65 years of age it occurs already with a frequency of 50-65%. If not treated, the disease leads to the development of serious complications (coronary heart disease, acute and chronic cerebrovascular accident).
Treatment of hypertension should be carried out by a doctor, self-medication is unacceptable
Arterial hypertension (hypertension, AH) is a repeatedly recorded increase in blood pressure up to 140/85–90 mm Hg. Art. and higher.
Traditional treatments for hypertension
Lifestyle modifications are of prime importance in the treatment of hypertension. This concept includes:
- rejection of bad habits;
- compliance with the daily routine;
- proper nutrition;
- regular moderate physical activity;
- normalization of body weight.
At the same time, active treatment of diseases that caused the development of symptomatic hypertension, if any, is carried out. If the listed measures are ineffective, antihypertensive drugs are included in the therapy regimen. Usually, it is possible to cope with hypertension without pills only in the initial stages.
Drug treatment of hypertension is aimed at lowering blood pressure to a level of 140/90 mm Hg. Art. and less. The choice of a medicine depends on the patient's presence of certain concomitant diseases, age, general health. For example, alpha blockers are indicated for the treatment of hypertension in men with prostate adenoma.
The main antihypertensive drugs used in patients without concomitant pathology:
- the diuretic torasemide;
- thiazide-like and thiazide diuretics;
- angiotensin receptor blockers (ARA);
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors;
- long-acting calcium channel blockers (calcium antagonists).
With hypertension in adults, therapy begins with the appointment of ACE inhibitors. Treatment of hypertension in the elderly and African race is preferable to carry out calcium channel blockers belonging to the dihydropyridine group.
In older people, for the prevention and treatment of heart failure, it is better to start therapy for arterial hypertension with ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers.
Modern methods of therapy allow you to quickly normalize high blood pressure. But sometimes treatment with one drug does not lead to the desired effect. In this case, they resort to combination therapy, which most often includes ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics.
Women receiving calcium channel blockers of the dihydropyridine group should be monitored by a mammologist, since these drugs increase the risk of malignant breast tumors by 2.5 times.
Arterial hypertension is treated at home. Indications for hospitalization usually arise with the development of a hypertensive crisis, in this case, an ambulance team should be immediately called to the patient. At the prehospital stage, magnesium sulfate, dibazol, antispasmodics are injected intramuscularly or intravenously to reduce pressure.
Medications are used to treat II and later stages of hypertension; at an early stage, it is enough to improve the lifestyle
Currently, unfortunately, there is not a single remedy that can once and for all cure a patient of hypertension. Therefore, the course of therapy should be long, it is often carried out throughout a person's life.
Surgical treatment of arterial hypertension is carried out in cases where its development is caused by stenosis of the renal arteries, it is aimed at restoring normal blood supply to the kidneys.
Treatment of hypertension without drugs
As discussed above, lifestyle modification is an important part of treatment. At the initial stages of hypertension, blood pressure can be reduced only by non-drug methods:
- rational nutrition (limiting the diet of fats, spices and salt, including fresh vegetables and fruits in it);
- normalization of body weight;
- moderate physical activity (walking in the fresh air, swimming, yoga);
- rejection of bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol);
- physiotherapy (kinesiotherapy, massage, breathing exercises).
Unfortunately, it is impossible to do without drugs at stage II-III of hypertension. However, in the media and on the Internet, you can often find descriptions of various alternative treatment methods, which, according to their authors, have a more effective effect than traditional antihypertensive drugs, allowing you to permanently cure hypertension in three weeks, while being absolutely safe, which makes it possible to use them even in pregnant women and children. Let's consider some of them.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative medicine method based on the principle of "treat like with like". The patient is given highly diluted drugs, which can cause symptoms of a similar disease in healthy people. Homeopaths claim that the treatment they carry out does not lead to the development of complications and is aimed at the fact that the body itself learns to cope with the disease.
Homeopathy was invented in the 18th century, and since then there has not been a single reliable evidence of its effectiveness (unlike official medicine, which is called evidence-based). The results of modern clinical trials have shown that the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines does not exceed the effectiveness of placebo.
Currently, the World Health Organization urges doctors to abandon homeopathic treatment for any serious illness. The experts of this organization note that "the use of homeopathy has no evidence base, and in cases when it is used as an alternative to the main treatment, it poses a real threat to the health and life of people."
No confirmation of the efficacy of homeopathy has been found in more than two and a half centuries.
Most public scientific and professional medical organizations in developed countries of the world openly express a negative attitude towards homeopathy due to the lack of evidence confirming its effectiveness. Such organizations, in particular, include the National Council for Medical Research and Health of Australia, the US Federal Trade Commission, the Committee on Technology and Science of the UK Parliament.
In 2017, the Commission for Combating Pseudoscience and Falsification of Scientific Research under the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences issued a memorandum, according to which homeopathy was recognized as a pseudoscience.
Thus, homeopathic medicines should not be used in the treatment of hypertension, since there is no evidence of their ability to control blood pressure levels and prevent the development of complications.
Phytotherapy
Phytotherapy, that is, treatment with medicinal plants and preparations made from them, is widely used in both folk and traditional medicine. For hypertension, the most commonly used:
- Citrus fruits, dried fruits, walnuts and honey. Take lemon, orange, dried apricots, raisins, walnuts and honey in the same weight ratio. Twist dried fruits, nuts and citrus fruits (including the peel) through a meat grinder and mix with honey. Take a tablespoon 3 times a day 30-40 minutes before meals for 30 days. The course should be repeated many times after short (10-14 days) breaks. This mixture has a beneficial effect on the state of blood vessels - it helps to increase their elasticity, prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
- Kissel from red viburnum. Rinse a glass of viburnum berries under running water and mash until juice appears. Pour boiling water over with a liter. Cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes, drain. Stir one tablespoon of starch with a small slide in a glass of cold water and pour a thin stream into the broth of viburnum, stirring. Without stopping stirring, bring to a boil, cool. Take 1-2 glasses a day.
- Collection of medicinal herbs No. 6 for hypertension. Mix yarrow, marsh dryweed, chopped valerian root and lemon balm in a ratio of 1: 2: 2: 2. Pour two tablespoons of the resulting collection with a glass of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes, strain. Take 40 ml three times a day.
Herbal medicine for hypertension can be effective in the early stages of the disease
There are many collections of medicinal herbs that lower blood pressure. What kind of recipe is suitable for a particular patient in each case should be determined by a therapist, cardiologist or phytotherapist.
Among a part of the population, medicinal herbs are more trusted than the new developments of scientists. Some people believe that the natural origin of phytopreparations guarantees their absolute safety and eliminates side effects. However, experts emphasize that one should not underestimate the possible danger of medicinal plants. They contain various biologically active ingredients, the effect of which on the human body, both individually and jointly, has not been fully studied. In addition, many factors influence the chemical composition of plants (composition of water and soil, external sources of pollution). At the same time, the composition of pharmaceutical preparations is constant, and the mechanism of action of the active components is well understood.
Thus, herbal remedies can be used in the treatment of hypertension, but only as directed by a doctor.
Treatment of hypertension with iodine
The "secrets" of oriental medicine are quite popular among some part of the population. Supporters of traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda believe that hypertension develops as a result of a lack of iodine in the body. For the treatment of high blood pressure, they recommend applying iodine tincture in the form of circles to the skin at certain points on the body.
Before correcting iodine deficiency, you need to make sure it is there.
In fact, such treatment of hypertension with iodine is ineffective. Tincture of iodine applied to the skin does not eliminate the deficiency of this microelement in humans. Therefore, a more justified solution is to regularly take iodine-containing drugs. However, it is advisable not to start such therapy on your own, but to consult with your doctor and confirm the alleged iodine deficiency with a blood test.
Hypertension treatment according to the Neumyvakin method
On the Internet, the method of treating hypertension with the help of hydrogen peroxide is widely promoted. Its author is Professor Neumyvakin. He recommends taking a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution orally to lower blood pressure.
The author believes that when entering the body, hydrogen peroxide interacts with the enzyme catalase, resulting in the formation of atomic oxygen, which oxidizes fats and thereby prevents the formation of cholesterol deposits on the walls of blood vessels. In addition, supposedly atomic oxygen normalizes the course of redox reactions, kills pathological cells.
Treatment of arterial hypertension with the Neumyvakin method can harm health
From a scientific point of view, the treatment of hypertension by the Neumyvakin method does not stand up to criticism. Experts pay attention to the following points:
- Oxygen cannot enter the bloodstream from the digestive tract. It should be remembered that food is digested in the stomach, and blood is enriched with oxygen in the lungs and not vice versa.
- Oxygen formed from peroxide is not able to influence biological processes. From 1 g of 3% hydrogen peroxide, only 14 mg of oxygen is formed, and with a normal deep breath, the body of an adult receives 24 mg of oxygen. Thus, using hydrogen peroxide as a source of oxygen makes no sense.
- Atomic oxygen is a strong oxidizing agent. Oxygen formed during the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is a free radical that damages cell membranes. In fact, he not only does not protect cells from damage, but on the contrary, he himself damages them.
The personality of Professor Neumyvakin also raises many questions. The personal site states that Ivan Pavlovich Neumyvakin is a professor, doctor of medical sciences, full member of the Russian Academy of Natural and Medical-Technical Sciences, Honored Inventor of Russia, State Prize Laureate and Founder of Space Medicine, developer of the drug Phenibut. However, much of the above is questionable:
- Space medicine was born in 1935. Its founder was Vladimir Vladimirovich Streltsov. These data are easy to verify.
- Professor is the scientific title of the highest teaching staff. IP Neumyvakin has never been involved in teaching.
- IP Neumyvakin is not included in the lists of the USSR and RSFSR State Prize winners.
- Phenibut was synthesized by Professor V. V. Perekalin at the Herzen Leningrad Pedagogical Institute. The study of the clinical and pharmacological properties of the drug was carried out under the guidance of senior researcher Khaunina R. A. at the Leningrad Scientific Research Institute named after Bekhterev. This data is also easy to find in open sources.
- The Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RANS) is a public organization, of which anyone who wishes can become a member who has made an entrance fee.
It is also interesting that the Wikipedia page dedicated to Ivan Pavlovich Neumyvakin is prepared for removal due to the content of unconfirmed information.
All things considered, the treatment of hypertension with hydrogen peroxide should be considered medical quackery.
Kinesiotherapy
Kinesiotherapy is a method of treating diseases using movement. It has long been known that moderate physical activity has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels and is indicated for hypertension.
With this in mind, Dr. Bubnovsky has developed a special set of exercises that can be performed by people of any age. The indication is hypertension, varicose veins and diseases of the articular apparatus. Contraindications to classes are:
- frequently occurring hypertensive crises;
- unstable angina;
- hypertension stage III.
It is advisable to engage in kinesiotherapy under the guidance of an experienced specialist who will teach you the correct execution of each movement. In the absence of such an opportunity, you can watch the video "Two simple exercises of Dr. Bubnovsky for hypertension" and follow the instructions from it.
Kinesiotherapy using Bubnovsky and Shishonik methods has a positive effect on blood vessels
One of the common causes of increased blood pressure is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, leading to stenosis of the spinal arteries. Doctor-kinesiotherapist Shishonin developed a set of gymnastic exercises that improve the mobility of the cervical spine:
- "Metronome". Perform head tilts alternately to the right and left shoulder, lingering at the extreme points for 30 seconds.
- "Spring". Tilt your chin down and press it against your sternum. Remain in this position for 5 seconds. Then pull your chin forward and up, hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat the exercise 5-7 times.
- "Goose". Keep your head straight and your chin parallel to the floor. Without lowering or raising your chin, push your head forward, then turn it to the right and begin to stretch your chin to your shoulder. Stay in this position for 5-10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat the exercise with a turn in the opposite direction. Do 5 repetitions.
- "Gaze at the Stars". Turn your head to the left. Lift your chin and look up. Stay in this position for 25-30 seconds. Then do the exercise on the other side. 5-6 turns should be made in each direction.
- "Frame". Starting position, sitting, palm of the left hand, rests on the right shoulder. Turn your head to the left, pressing lightly on your shoulder. Feel the muscle tension and hold this position for 20-30 seconds. Repeat 5 times on each side.
- "Fakir". Bend your arms slightly at the elbows and raise them above your head, palms together. Turn your head left and right.
You can find the video "Gymnastics for the Shishonin's neck" without music and with musical accompaniment, in which the specialist shows and tells in detail how to perform the exercises correctly.
Therapeutic breath in the treatment of hypertension
Respiratory gymnastics Evdokimenko is another effective method of non-drug treatment of hypertension. As the observation results show, therapeutic breathing has a beneficial effect on the functions of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and helps to normalize sleep.
However, it should be understood that breathing exercises do not replace the therapy of hypertension, but is usually used as one of the components of complex treatment.
You can do the exercises at any time of the day, but not earlier than two hours after eating. The complex includes the following exercises:
- Deep abdominal breathing. Starting position standing. The back is straight, the chin is slightly raised, and the palms of the hands rest on the anterior abdominal wall. Take a deep and slow breath through your nose, protruding your belly, and then slightly push your ribcage up and forward, bringing your shoulder blades together. Remaining in this position, you should hold your breath for 5-8 seconds. Exhale through your nose and very slowly. First, "deflate your belly." Then lower your head down and push your shoulders forward so that the exhalation is as complete as possible. Having made the maximum exhalation, the breath should be held for 5-10 seconds. You must do the exercise three times. The interval between approaches is one minute. Breathe freely while resting. In the first days after doing this exercise, there may be slight dizziness.
- Slowing down the exhalation. This exercise can be started no earlier than 10-15 days from the beginning of classes. In its technique, it is very similar to the first, but has some differences. First of all, there is no pause between inhalation and exhalation. The exhalation should be done very slowly. It is desirable that the exhalation be twice as long as the inhalation. And the last difference is that there are no pauses between sets. The exercise should be repeated three times.
- Holding the breath while exhaling. This exercise begins on day 21 from the beginning of classes. It is performed in the same way as the first exercise. The difference is that after the completion of a full exhalation, the breath is held not for 5–7 seconds, but for 20–40 seconds. After a minute of rest and restoration of the normal breathing rhythm, the exercise is repeated one more time.
10-15 minutes after performing breathing exercises, blood pressure must be measured. In about 90% of people, therapeutic breathing according to the Evdokimenko method leads to a decrease in high blood pressure by 10-20 mm Hg. Art. However, in 10% of people with hypertension, performing breathing exercises, on the contrary, leads to an increase in the initial level of blood pressure. If you fall into this number, then breathing exercises are contraindicated for you.
Breathing exercises can be effective for hypertension, but not for everyone
It must be emphasized once again that the treatment of hypertension should be carried out only as directed by a doctor. This is due to the fact that each method has its own indications and contraindications. In addition, not every method has proven clinical efficacy and safety. It is necessary to understand that self-medication leads to the progression of hypertension, increases the risk of developing its formidable complications (hypertensive crisis, myocardial infarction, stroke, retinal detachment).
Causes of arterial hypertension
In 90-95% of cases, it is not possible to establish the cause that led to a persistent increase in pressure, and the patients are diagnosed with essential hypertension, or hypertension. In 5% of cases, arterial hypertension is secondary and develops against the background of certain diseases:
- kidney disease (chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, renin-secreting kidney tumors);
- endocrine system pathology (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypercalcemia, acromegaly, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma);
- diseases of the vascular system (stenosis of the renal arteries, coartaction of the aorta and its branches);
- complications of pregnancy (OPG-gestosis);
- heart disease (aortic valve insufficiency, III degree AV block, aortic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, arteriovenous fistulas);
- diseases of the nervous system (brain tumors, intracranial hypertension, encephalitis).
Stages of hypertension
To properly treat hypertension, it is necessary to take into account not only the cause of the disease, but also its stage.
In clinical practice, the following classification of blood pressure measured by the Korotkov method is used:
- optimal - less than 120/80 mm Hg. Art.;
- normal - 120–129 / 80–84 mm Hg. Art.;
- highly normal (prehypertension) - 130-139 / 85-89 mm Hg. Art.;
- arterial hypertension of 1 degree - 140-159 / 90-99 mm Hg. Art.;
- arterial hypertension of the 2nd degree - 160-179 / 100-109 mm Hg. Art.;
- arterial hypertension of 3 degrees - over 180/110 mm Hg. Art.
The domestic classification of hypertension has not lost its relevance, in accordance with which the following stages of the disease are distinguished:
- Stage I - there are no changes in target organs (heart, blood vessels);
- Stage II - during the examination, changes in the target organs are detected;
- Stage III - the patient develops clinical conditions associated with arterial hypertension.
Hypertension for a long time is characterized by labile hypertension and recurrent hypertensive crises - episodes of suddenly rising to high values of blood pressure.
Video
We offer for viewing a video on the topic of the article.
Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
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