Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypertensive type

Description

VSD of this type is not included in the ICD, because Most often, the diagnosis is made on the basis of symptoms that indicate other pathologies. Most patients who come to the doctor with such a problem undergo a full diagnosis, proving abnormalities in pressure. After this, they are diagnosed with code I10 or I15, which indicates the development of arterial hypertension.

The concept of VSD refers to a complex of symptoms, which is why most doctors tend to avoid classifying dystonia as a disease. However, disorders that cause such symptoms can be called a disease. With VSD, deviations occur in the functioning of the autonomic division (ANS), which is part of the autonomic nervous system. It ensures the functioning of important body systems, the tone of blood vessels, breathing and heartbeat. This makes disruptions in the ANS very dangerous.

Features of blood pressure

With such VSD, blood pressure can constantly change. Average indicators during illness: 140 to 100. Overwork or psycho-emotional stress can lead to an increase in pressure up to 180 to 140, but in some cases the indicators can be even higher.

A common problem with this type of VSD is nervous crises. They represent sudden surges in the activity of the nervous system, which causes the release of adrenaline into the blood, and the pressure rises sharply. Many doctors call this condition a panic attack, because... Most patients during a nervous crisis experience a feeling of anxiety.

Such outbreaks can appear from a couple of minutes to several hours. In this case, an exacerbation of all existing symptoms occurs. Gradually, from such frequent crises, the severity of dystonia itself will decrease, but in parallel with this, mental disorders will begin to develop.

Classification

Vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypertensive type is divided into several types, which correspond to the severity of symptoms and the frequency of exacerbations. The higher the degree, the more difficult it is to achieve positive results in treatment.

There are 3 degrees:

1. Easy. The symptoms are quite mild, appear rarely, and during exacerbations there are no problems with performance.
2. Average. The manifestations are more pronounced, exacerbations appear for a long time, panic attacks become regular.
3. Heavy. The symptoms are pronounced, the pressure is very high, nervous crises cause pain, performance is extremely low or absent.

Many patients with RVNS of the hypertensive type during nervous crises are sure that they have a serious illness that causes such sensations. They become much more afraid, and confidence in dangerous pathologies remains even after an attack.

Dystonia comes in several types: vascular, cerebral, hypertonic, hypotonic, vagotonic, cardiac, mixed. They all have different symptoms.

Pathology called VSD

To know what effect a disease has on the body, it is necessary to understand the work and functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). She is responsible for the following processes:

• heart rate;
• elasticity and tone in blood vessels;
• secretion of gastric juice;
• constriction or dilation of the pupil;
• secretion of tears;
• relaxation and contraction of the bladder;
• work of the pancreas and adrenal glands;
• narrowing and relaxation of the bronchi;
• erection in men and ejaculation in women;
• stopping the secretion of saliva.

When an ANS disorder occurs, 3 types of the disease can be distinguished:

1. hypertensive VSD is a sudden increase in blood pressure. On average, the indicator remains within the normal range. This type is more common than others, and you need to know what VSD is;
2. hypotonic - a sharp decrease in pressure. This type can be accompanied by various symptoms. For example, dizziness, general weakness, headache. The most dangerous sign of VSD of the hypotonic type is fainting;
3. mixed - the pressure decreases and increases in turn.

Depending on the severity, the disease can be divided into 3 types:

• mild – symptoms are mild and do not affect performance. Hypertensive crises and panic attacks do not occur at this stage. Exacerbation occurs in rare cases and is associated with events that traumatize the psyche;
• medium – symptoms are more pronounced. When the condition worsens, it is difficult to work and communicate with a person. Panic attacks and hypertensive crisis rarely occur. Exacerbation of the disease occurs periodically and lasts a long time;
• severe - when the disease worsens, the patient cannot perform his work. A person often experiences a hypertensive crisis and panic attacks.

Most often, vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypertensive type is found in women over 30 years of age and men over 40 years of age. But the presence of the disease at an early age is possible, because the pathology has no restrictions. But, according to statistics, children and adolescents suffer from VSD less often, in only 25% of 100% of cases.

ATTENTION! In most European countries, VSD is not considered a disease. If insured abroad, the patient may be denied payment for treatment.

Causes

Dystonia can occur in people of any age. There are not many reasons why symptomatic signs of VSD appear, which makes it possible to quickly determine the genesis of the disease during diagnosis. However, in some cases this is not possible.

The main reasons for the appearance of this type of VSD are:

• Regular stress;
• Increased physical activity for a long time;
• Lack of sleep, insomnia;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Bad habits;
• Poor nutrition;
• Lack of vitamins or minerals;
• Decreased immunity;
• Infectious diseases;
• Rachiocampsis;
• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Pregnancy, menopause, puberty.

Most often, VSD is found not in adults, but in adolescents. This is due to the accelerated growth of internal organs and the rapid development of the nervous system. In such situations, the child’s body does not have time to cope with the changes, which is why various malfunctions occur. For the same reason, dystonia occurs in pregnant women, because rapid hormonal changes cause disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.

Causes of the condition

The vegetative-vascular nervous system controls many processes occurring in the body. Due to the influence of various external and internal factors, VSD develops. Signs that can cause the disease are listed in the table.

Symptoms, complications

With VSD, people experience a large number of symptoms that cause discomfort. If left untreated, the disease can lead to serious complications that will take a long time to resolve.

Symptoms

Symptoms play a major role in identifying VSD. Exactly how it manifests itself allows you to narrow down the search for the disease during diagnosis. Therefore, it is very important to monitor yourself in advance and write down all the symptoms you have. People with dystonia may feel completely different, which is why some symptoms may not appear at all.

Symptoms of VSD of the hypertensive type:

• Constantly elevated blood pressure;
• Hypertensive crisis (sudden surges in pressure);
• Accelerated heart rate;
• Damage to arterial and venous vessels;
• Panic attacks, fear of death;
• Suspiciousness, anxiety;
• Increased irritability, short temper;
• Decreased memory quality;
• Feeling of lack of oxygen;
• High sensitivity to room temperature;
• Problems sleeping, insomnia;
• Nausea, lack of appetite;
• Cephalgia, dizziness;
• Noise in ears;
• Floaters before the eyes;
• Easy fatigue, decreased performance;
• Weakness, feeling tired;
• Coldness and trembling of the extremities;
• Impaired coordination of movements;
• Increased sweating.

If you experience at least a few symptoms, you should consult a doctor to get diagnosed and receive timely treatment. In some cases, some of them may be missing, which is the norm for VSD. Also, sometimes symptoms can be supplemented by other sensations associated with exacerbation of other diseases or the root cause of disorders in the nervous system.

Complications

The lack of proper treatment always leads to unpleasant complications, which will be very difficult to cope with. VSD is no exception. If it is not treated, then after a while a person will experience more frequent nervous crises, and then mental disorders and dangerous pathologies will begin to develop.

What can the patient expect:

1. Diseases of the cardiovascular system. Most suffer from hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack or stroke. Any of the diseases can occur already in the first months of VSD manifestation.
2. Gastrointestinal diseases. Most often, VSD causes atony, gastritis or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Nervous system disorders. Almost all patients with VSD experience asthenia or seizures after some time.
4. Pathologies of the genitourinary system. Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, early menopause are quite common consequences of untreated dystonia.

There are cases when no complications arise at all in patients who refuse treatment. However, the likelihood of their occurrence is still very high.

Some people only go to the doctor when complications arise. Then the VSD itself is detected.

Diagnostics

Dystonia of the hypertensive type is very difficult to diagnose. This is due to the fact that it is very often confused with ordinary hypertension or other heart pathologies. Accurate identification of the problem requires the most serious approach. Therefore, it is important to consult an experienced doctor who can correctly make a final diagnosis.

The main part of diagnosis is interviewing the patient. The doctor must carefully study the patient’s complaints and conduct an examination, on the basis of which he can prescribe the necessary examinations.

Diagnostic methods:

1. Measurement of blood pressure, ABPM. The doctor will measure the pressure while the patient is at the appointment, and will also prescribe daily monitoring using a special device. This will allow you to track all changes in blood pressure.
2. ECG, ultrasound of the heart, blood and urine tests, fundus examination are the simplest studies that allow you to obtain a lot of important information.
3. Rheovasography. The procedure allows you to track pulse fluctuations as blood vessels fill with blood.

After completing all the examinations, the doctor will give a referral to other specialists if it is necessary to determine the cause of VSD. The patient will also need to see a psychotherapist, because... it is he who will help in the fight against the disease.

Treatment of VSD: what to do with this disease

For vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypertensive type, treatment is carried out, which is characterized by a variety of methods used. You should immediately prepare yourself for a long fight, because this condition cannot be treated with any special miracle drug. In addition to drug therapy, adjustments to lifestyle, nutrition and rest have proven effective.

What will help with VSD:

• Moderate physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle most often leads to the development of the disease, so swimming, outdoor activities, walking and simple exercises at home or in the gym will help improve the condition.
• Adherence to a regime in which sleep should be at least 8-9 hours a day.
• Massage courses. It has been noticed that the procedure of massage of the collar area and cervical spine helps relieve vasospasm, accelerates blood circulation and blood supply to the brain.
• Avoiding stressful situations. You shouldn’t take everything to heart; it’s better to learn to fully relax and not perceive negative aspects.
• Physiological procedures aimed at relaxation and anxiety relief. These include electrophoresis of the collar zone, balneotherapy, darsonvalization, acupuncture, phototherapy, and reflexology.
• Rejection of bad habits.

Traditional methods have worked well. In particular, taking soothing decoctions of medicinal herbs helps normalize sleep, cope with stress, and also reduce blood pressure levels. It should be noted that such recipes cannot be used uncontrolled, so consultation with a specialist is required. If traditional recipes do not help or show insufficient effectiveness, drug therapy is used.

What drugs are used to treat VSD:

1. A group of sedatives, among which traditional medicine recipes are often used. These are decoctions of motherwort, valerian root, and hop cones. Pharmacy preparations are often produced based on these ingredients: “Persen”, “Novopasit” and others.
2. In severe cases of autonomic disorders, special tranquilizers are used. The most popular are “Diazepam”, “Gidazepam”, “Seduxen”. They should not be taken independently, without consulting a doctor. Long-term use or incorrectly selected dosage can lead to the development of severe complications and worsen the condition.
3. Tonic and restorative compositions are used to strengthen the body and restore vitality.
4. Vitamins of groups B and C and those pharmacological agents that contain selenium and zinc.
5. Antidepressants are used in cases of nervous imbalance, tendency to depression, and suicidal intentions.
6. Drugs that improve cerebral circulation. These include “Vincamin”, “Oxibral”, “Pianoil”, “Cavinton”.

Additionally, medications with an antihypertensive effect are prescribed. Depending on the degree and manifestations of blood pressure surges, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, sartans, and diuretics are used.

Treatment

Getting rid of VSD with high blood pressure is quite difficult. Treatment includes medications and physical therapy. An integrated approach will allow you to achieve a positive result in a short period of time.

Drug treatment

Anti-VSD medications are aimed at eliminating symptoms and normalizing the state of the patient’s nervous system. In most cases, the main drug becomes one of the group of sedatives in order to quickly normalize the patient’s mental health.

The doctor prescribes the following groups of drugs:

• Sedatives (relieving anxiety, fear, nervousness) – “Novopassit”, “Persen”;
• Herbal sedatives (mild analogue of sedatives) - “Valerian”, “Peony”;
• Tranquilizers (decreased activity of the nervous system) - “Diazepam”, “Gidazepam”;
• Antidepressants (elevating mood) – “Amitriptyline”, “Paroxin”;
• Nootropics (improving brain function) – “Piracetam”, “Glycine”;
• Hypotensive (pressure reduction) - “Atenolol”, “Equator”.

Doctors also prescribe additional vitamin complexes that help strengthen the nervous system and immunity. In some cases, it may be necessary to take other medications to get rid of the symptoms of VSD, as well as improve the patient’s condition.

Homeopathic remedies

The effectiveness of homeopathy has not been proven by medicine. However, some doctors believe that such drugs are a good complement to the treatment of VSD of the hypertensive type. The main purpose of taking them is to strengthen the patient’s nervous system.

The most popular means:

1. "Notta" - tablets to reduce the excitability of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, and relieve anxiety.
2. “Kralonin” - drops to reduce blood pressure, which have sedative properties, also relieve cardiac disorders - granules that normalize blood pressure and heart rate, relieve chest pain, and help the functioning of the heart.

Treating VSD with homeopathic remedies is a controversial choice. It is recommended to give preference only as an additional therapy or when prescribed by a doctor. In other cases, it is recommended to use other methods.

Physiotherapy

VSD can be treated very effectively with physiotherapy. Most of her methods are aimed at improving blood circulation in the brain, which is very important for such a diagnosis. It will be useful to almost all patients, but it should only be used as prescribed by a doctor, because... Sometimes physical therapy may be contraindicated.

Suitable physiotherapy methods:

• Physiotherapy;
• Electrophoresis using vasodilators;
• Massage of shoulders, neck, head;
• Magnetotherapy;
• Acupuncture.

The correct combination of physiotherapeutic procedures with drug therapy allows you to very quickly and effectively treat VSD of this type. The risk of complications or relapse will be extremely low.

Prescribing treatment on your own is strictly prohibited. This should only be done by the attending physician.

VSD of the hypertensive type - causes

The pathogenesis of the development of VSD of the hypertensive type is based on disruption of the autonomic nervous system and excessive activity of its sympathetic department.

Normally, the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system work harmoniously, balancing each other’s activity. However, with hyperactivity of one of the parts of the autonomic nervous system, symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia develop.

Disruption of the autonomic nervous system and the development of hypertensive type VSD can result from:

• disorders of intrauterine development (intrauterine malformations, intrauterine growth retardation, intrauterine fetal infections, intrauterine fetal hypoxia);
• fetal asphyxia during childbirth;
• birth injuries to the fetus;
• congenital anomalies of the cervical spine or congenital vascular anomalies;
• head and spine injuries;
• any organic pathologies of the central nervous system;
• infectious diseases;
• intoxication of various origins;
• vitamin deficiencies, protein deficiency, general exhaustion of the body.

Folk remedies

You can also achieve positive results using traditional methods. For mild VSD that does not require serious treatment, such remedies will be very effective. But before taking it, you should consider possible contraindications and side effects.

Various decoctions and tinctures of sedative herbs (motherwort, valerian, St. John's wort, lemon balm) show the greatest effectiveness. It is enough to pour boiling water over any of them and let it brew. It is recommended to determine the proportions yourself, based on the sensations and taste properties of the drink.

Also, the following recipes are suitable as home remedies against vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypertensive type:

1. Mix honey (2 tbsp) with propolis powder (25 g) and oil (1 tbsp) until a paste forms. Rub the mixture into the skin on your head and legs before going to bed. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
2. Take birch buds, chamomile, rose hips, elecampane root and St. John's wort (100 g each), chop, add water, bring to a boil. After cooling, the broth should be strained and diluted with water to form about 300 ml of the drink. Additionally, it is recommended to add honey (1 tbsp.). Take in the morning before meals and in the afternoon after dinner. The course of admission is 1 month.
3. Grind valerian root (10 g), pour boiling water (100 ml), cover with a lid, leave for one night. After straining, drink 30 ml before meals three times a day. Take one month.

The use of folk remedies requires special attention to your well-being. If unpleasant symptoms appear after them, the course of treatment should be stopped and you should visit a doctor for consultation.

How to treat VSD and is it even possible?

How to cure vascular dystonia?

Treatment of neurocirculatory dysfunction of the hypertensive type involves specific and symptomatic therapy.

Specific treatment includes prescribing medications to the patient, the action of which is aimed at normalizing the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. As a rule, these are sedatives, B vitamins, and magnesium preparations. Symptomatic treatment involves the use of medications that lower blood pressure.

Important! Medications for high blood pressure should only be selected by a doctor, since incorrect calculation of the dose of the drug can lead to the development of acute vascular insufficiency and orthostatic collapse.

Lifestyle of a patient with VSD

Physical exercise

Perhaps the main criterion for successful treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia is lifestyle correction.

Below are instructions for simple actions that can, if not completely eliminate the signs of VSD, then significantly reduce their intensity:

• Night sleep should be at least 8-9 hours;
• give up coffee and various drinks that stimulate the nervous system;
• eat a balanced and nutritious diet - meals should be regular, at least 4 times a day, with the last meal no later than 3 hours before bedtime;
• walk in the fresh air every day and do simple physical exercises - during times of crisis, stress is excluded;
• stop watching TV and sitting at the computer for a while;
• bad habits are eliminated.

It is important to create a favorable psycho-emotional environment, since stress and anxiety aggravate the course of VSD.

Diet food

Diet

A diet for VSD involves excluding from the diet foods that excite the nervous system and can provoke surges in blood pressure.

These products include:

• coffee, alcohol;
• chocolate, cocoa;
• pork, offal;
• spices;
• seasonings, spices;
• mushrooms;
• sausages;
• smoked meats;
• canned food and pickles.

It is important not to overeat; after eating, the patient should remain a slight feeling of hunger. Preference is given to vegetables, fruits, dairy products, lean fish and white chicken meat.

Important! If, despite taking medications, the patient continues to eat everything, drink coffee and alcohol, smoke and sleep little, then drug therapy will not lead to any result. Drugs for VSD only complement complex treatment, the greatest effectiveness of which lies in the correction of lifestyle and nutrition.

Drug treatment

Valerian tincture

How to treat VSD with medication? First of all, medications are individually selected for the patient, which improve the functioning of the nervous system, relieve stress from it and reduce the tone of blood vessels.

Such drugs include:

Phenazepam tablets

• sedatives - as part of complex therapy courses, the patient is prescribed courses of herbal tinctures, Valerian motherwort tablets;
• antidepressants;
• antihypertensive drugs - their use is appropriate only in moments of crisis with a pronounced increase in blood pressure;
• nootropic drugs - they improve cerebral circulation and increase concentration;
• tranquilizers.

Persen tablets

Important! The listed groups of drugs have a large list of contraindications and possible side effects. Many of them are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. To avoid the serious consequences of self-medication, never prescribe treatment for yourself or on the recommendations of friends.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

When acute clinical manifestations of neurocirculatory dysfunction subside, the patient is recommended to undergo physiotherapeutic treatment.

The most effective methods for treating VSD and normalizing the functioning of the nervous system are:

• massage of the cervical-collar area, head, upper limbs4
• exercise therapy;
• manual therapy;
• aromatherapy.

Many patients suffering from VSD have noted significant improvements in their condition after practicing yoga.

Prevention

One of the most important components of the fight against VSD is prevention. It helps not only those who want to recover from the disease, but also everyone who wants to protect themselves from this disease. Preventative measures are very simple:

1. Get enough rest.
2. Eliminate all stress from life.
3. Lead an active lifestyle and play sports.
4. Spend more time outdoors.
5. Normalize sleep, increase its quality and duration.
6. Limit the time allocated to TV and computer.
7. Take a contrast shower every day.
8. Eat right, eliminate junk food from your diet.
9. To refuse from bad habits.
10. Work on yourself with the help of a psychologist.

Such basic rules have a significant impact on human health and help fight a large number of diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone always adhere to this list.

In severe forms of VSD, combined with a significant increase in blood pressure, young people may be exempt from military service.

Diagnosis of VSD

To make a correct diagnosis, you will need to undergo a comprehensive examination, which includes examination by various specialists: cardiologist, neurologist, endocrinologist. This is necessary to exclude other pathologies with similar symptoms.

The following diagnostic methods are used: electrocardiogram, echocardiography, study of brain activity using EEG. The study of the reactive properties of the autonomic nervous system is carried out using pharmacological or laboratory tests.