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Hypertension
What is the difference between hypertensive nephropathy and renal hypertension?
There are fundamental differences between hypertensive nephropathy and nephrogenic hypertension. Firstly, hypertensive nephropathy occurs due to long-term high blood pressure, leading to complications in the kidneys. Generally, the history of hypertension exceeds ten years, and routine urine tests reveal a relatively small amount of protein in the urine. The main damage lies in the renal tubules, whose reabsorption and concentration functions are impaired. The primary treatment is to control the blood pressure well, possibly in conjunction with medication to protect the kidneys. On the other hand, nephrogenic hypertension originates from nephritis causing high blood pressure and is a form of secondary hypertension. In this condition, controlling blood pressure is particularly challenging. Usually, a significant amount of antihypertensive medication is required. Dietary considerations include a low salt and low fat diet, with daily salt intake limited to about three grams, maintaining regular schedules, and avoiding catching colds.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is characterized by elevated arterial blood pressure in the systemic circulation, and may be accompanied by functional or organic damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Hypertension can be divided into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is due to certain identified causes or etiologies, leading to increased blood pressure, accounting for about 5% of all hypertension cases. Conditions like primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, renovascular hypertension, and renin-secreting tumors are examples, and cases where the cause of increased blood pressure cannot be found are also referred to as primary hypertension and hypertensive disease. Currently, the classification and standard for blood pressure in China mostly use a systolic pressure of greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure of greater than or equal to 90 mmHg.
Causes of high blood pressure
Hypertension is clinically divided into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is characterized by elevated blood pressure without other symptoms, and the current clinical diagnostic methods cannot determine the cause of the blood pressure rise, which is referred to as primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension occurs as a result of other diseases, with the most common being hyperthyroidism, glomerulonephritis, arteritis, atherosclerosis, and other diseases causing high blood pressure. After the onset of hypertension, effective antihypertensive drugs must be used for treatment. Hypertension is not to be feared, but the damage it causes to the body is. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician)
Difference between hypertensive crisis and hypertensive encephalopathy
Hypertensive crisis, now referred to as hypertensive emergency, includes hypertensive encephalopathy. It mainly refers to cases where, under certain triggers, the blood pressure of patients with primary or secondary hypertension suddenly or significantly rises, typically exceeding 180/120 mmHg, accompanied by progressive failure of critical target organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Hypertensive emergencies include hypertensive encephalopathy, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, acute heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, aortic dissection, etc. Hypertensive encephalopathy is characterized by symptoms caused by hypertension, such as headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and severe edema of the head.
What should be done at the start of hypertension?
What to do at the onset of hypertension, specifically refers to mild early-stage hypertension. Mild early-stage hypertension can be managed through reasonable dietary adjustments and increased physical activity to lower blood pressure to normal levels. Generally, it is not necessary to use antihypertensive medications. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, skipping rope, square dancing, playing table tennis, volleyball, tennis, can increase vascular elasticity and improve blood circulation, thereby achieving a blood pressure-lowering effect. In terms of diet, it is important to focus on low-fat, low-salt, and low-oil intake to reduce the occurrence of arteriosclerosis and decrease blood viscosity, as well as sodium and water retention which can cause elevated blood pressure. Pay attention to rest, avoid overworking, and do not get overly excited. These are effective treatment and prevention methods for initial mild hypertension.
What is the general blood pressure for hypertensive nephropathy?
Hypertension caused by kidney disease is called renal hypertension. The blood pressure of patients with renal hypertension is generally higher than that of those with primary hypertension. However, these patients can exhibit any range of blood pressure types. Their blood pressure might be in stage 1, meaning the systolic pressure is between 140 to 160 mmHg. It could also reach stage 3, where the systolic pressure exceeds 180 mmHg. In cases of heart failure, the patient's blood pressure might even reach 220 or 240 mmHg, though such extreme cases are relatively rare.
Emergency treatment for high blood pressure
Hypertension is currently a common and frequent disease, especially among middle-aged and elderly people. It requires the use of proper antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure back to a normal range to ensure the blood supply to the heart and brain. If medication is not taken on time, or due to emotional excitement or excessive fatigue, there can be a sudden increase in blood pressure. Immediate use of effective antihypertensive drugs is necessary to lower the blood pressure to a safe range to prevent accidents. In case of a hypertensive emergency, one should go to the hospital for active treatment to avoid life-threatening risks.
What is the blood pressure in a hypertensive crisis?
Hypertensive crisis is a relatively urgent medical condition in clinical settings. Its diagnostic criterion is a diastolic pressure greater than 130 mmHg. Naturally, the higher the blood pressure, the greater the threat. A hypertensive crisis can lead to many clinical symptoms, such as acute left heart failure, dizziness, headache, cerebral hemorrhage, and acute renal failure. The most common causes of hypertensive crisis are primary or secondary hypertension, which, under certain specific circumstances, lead to uncontrollably high blood pressure and related clinical symptoms. The focus of treatment is on controlling the blood pressure and choosing different treatment plans for complications. For instance, in the case of heart failure, vasodilators and diuretics may be used for symptomatic treatment.
Pregnancy hypertension symptoms
The symptoms of hypertension during pregnancy vary depending on the blood pressure level, individual tolerance, and other factors. Common symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and generalized edema. Edema can vary in severity; it can start with bilateral ankle swelling, progress to the calves, thighs, and then become generalized throughout the body. Increased blood pressure can also lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. In more severe cases, pain in the upper abdomen and convulsions may occur.
What is the blood pressure for gestational hypertension?
Pregnancy-induced hypertension refers to a series of pathophysiological changes caused by elevated blood pressure in women during pregnancy. It is a severe complication of pregnancy that can have serious effects on both the mother and the fetus. The diagnostic standard for hypertension during pregnancy is the same as in non-pregnant periods, that is, a blood pressure greater than 140/90mmHg can be diagnosed as pregnancy-induced hypertension. However, pregnancy-induced hypertension can be classified based on whether it is combined with other conditions, as well as the severity of the condition. Depending on the severity, pregnancy-induced hypertension can be divided into categories such as gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, chronic hypertension, and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia. These classifications are mainly based on the severity of the condition, and it is essential to treat pregnancy-induced hypertension with standardized care.