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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a disease that's quiet but ends in catastrophic consequences. It's often called a "silent killer" because it can develop for years without obvious symptoms. Initially, there are no alarms or warning signs. But later, it can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. However, it is possible to prevent it if you know what to look for.What is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is considered high when its systolic (upper) value exceeds 140 mmHg and its diastolic (lower) value exceeds 90 mmHg. In this state, the body is under constant stress, threatening the health of the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.Why is Hypertension Dangerous? The danger isn't the pressure increase itself, but the consistently elevated state of the pressure, which causes a thickening of the blood vessels, heart enlargement, and impaired blood circulation. Hypertension can lead to: • Myocardial infarction • Stroke • Kidney failure • Sudden death • Worsening vision and blindness Types of Hypertension There are two main forms of hypertension: • Primary (Essential): Develops without a clear cause but is linked to genetics, stress, and lifestyle. • Secondary (Symptomatic): Is a consequence of other diseases, such as kidney, thyroid, heart, or hormonal disorders. Unlike primary hypertension, secondary hypertension often progresses more aggressively, requiring prompt identification and targeted treatment of the underlying cause. Stages and Grades of Hypertension Doctors evaluate the progression of the disease according to the following criteria: Stages: Stage 1: No organ damage. Stage 2: Minor damage to target organs: heart, brain, kidneys. Stage 3: Heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure are already present. Grades: Optimal Pressure: Around 120/80 mmHg. Grade 1 Hypertension: Systolic pressure is 140-159, and diastolic is 90-99. Grade 2 Hypertension: Systolic is 160-179, and diastolic is 100-109. At this stage, constant medication control is needed. Grade 3 Hypertension: Pressure exceeds 180/110. This is a high-risk condition for acute damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys. Hypertensive Crisis A hypertensive crisis is one of the most dangerous manifestations of hypertension. It's an acute condition where blood pressure rises sharply, accompanied by headaches, vision disturbances, heart palpitations, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. If not treated in time, a hypertensive crisis can lead to a cerebral hemorrhage or a heart attack. Who is at Risk? Factors contributing to the development of hypertension can be divided into two groups:Non-modifiable (genetic, biological):Age (especially after 40) Gender (men more often until 60, women in the postmenopausal period) Heredity Modifiable (lifestyle-related): Overweight Sedentary lifestyle Salty, fatty foods Stress Smoking, alcohol Sleep disorders Chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney problems Organs at Risk High blood pressure primarily targets organs that perform the most vital functions: • Heart: Left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, heart attack. • Brain: Stroke, memory loss, thrombosis. • Kidneys: Decreased filtration, kidney failure. • Eyes: Retinopathy, sharp vision deterioration. • Vessels: Aortic dilation, aneurysm. How to Know if Your Blood Pressure is High The biggest problem with hypertension is that it can be asymptomatic for a long time. However, people sometimes report: • Headaches, especially in the neck • Dizziness • Heart palpitations • Blurred vision • Sleep disturbances • Decreased work capacity • Spontaneous fatigue What to Do if You Already Have High Blood Pressure Hypertension is treatable, but not just with medication. The first step is to change your lifestyle. It is recommended to: • Measure your blood pressure regularly. If it's often high, consult a doctor. • Limit salt and animal fats. • Try to lose weight if you are overweight. • Avoid tobacco and alcohol. • Be physically active. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can make a significant difference. • Manage stress, as mental tension is a silent enemy of the heart. • Follow your doctor's instructions and do not stop taking medication on your own. High blood pressure isn't fatal if it's controlled. It becomes dangerous when it's ignored.

Polisegmental osteochondrosis is a disease of the musculoskeletal system in which several or even all parts of the spine are affected. Because the painful sensations manifest differently in various parts, the disease is often confused with other ailments, so a thorough diagnosis is essential. This disease progresses much more difficultly than the usual form of osteochondrosis, as it causes rather mixed symptoms. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, unprovoked nausea, and back pain that often radiates to the limbs. The causes of polisegmental osteochondrosis include: • Spinal trauma, which is usually associated with professional activity, an accident, or constant sports activities. Any damage to the musculoskeletal system does not pass without consequences, and the development of this disease is one of them. • Excessive body weight, as extra pounds create an increased load on the vertebrae, which leads to their rapid wear and provokes degenerative changes. • Incorrect posture. In young people, the disease is provoked by poor nutrition, being constantly in a bent position, scoliosis, or prolonged sitting at a computer desk. • Heredity. If a similar disorder was observed in close relatives, there is a high probability of it being passed down. • Lack of physical activity. The body must receive sufficient load every day for nutrients to enter the bones through diffusion from soft tissues. But if there is none, the metabolism is disturbed, which leads to the onset of degenerative processes in the bones. • Age-related changes. This is one of the most common causes, as the natural aging process of the body gradually leads to various negative changes, including degenerative processes in the cartilage. • Poor nutrition. The deficiency of minerals and vitamins in the body should also not be underestimated, as without them, all vital organs cannot develop normally. The symptoms of the disease depend on its location. Polisegmental osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the following signs: • Acute pains that last long enough and are poorly eliminated by pain medications. • Hearing loss and periodically appearing sharp pains. • Sudden increase or decrease in blood pressure. • Frequent dizziness. • Impaired vision, the appearance of floating spots before the eyes. • Difficulty swallowing or speech problems. • The appearance of nausea, not related to a violation of the gastrointestinal tract. Damage to the thoracic spine is less common, as this area is less mobile than others. The distinguishing features in this case are the absence of bright signs, especially at the beginning of the process. The only characteristic sign is intercostal neuralgia, which a doctor can detect during the initial examination. If left untreated, thoracic osteochondrosis will gradually make itself known with severe pain, cough with bronchospasms, and pressure in the heart area. These symptoms are often confused with pleurisy or pathologies of the heart muscle. The degenerative process in the lumbar spine develops quickly and makes itself known even in the early stages. This is explained by the maximum load on this area, which includes the entire body weight and the heavy objects a person lifts every day. Symptoms include: • Severe pain radiating to the lower limbs. • Increased discomfort when trying to sit down or bend over. • Lack of relief even in a relaxed position. • Frequent bowel disorders or failures in the work of the pelvic organs. • Increased weakness in the legs or loss of skin sensation. • Difficulty in urination or defecation. • Chronic aching pains or sharp pains in the lower back. Upon the appearance of the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to make an appointment with a neuropathologist. The following methods are used to diagnose the disease: ultrasound, echography, MRI, X-ray, and Doppler of blood vessels. Treatment usually includes several directions at once, such as taking medications, strictly following a diet, physical therapy or visiting a manual therapist, acupuncture, therapeutic gymnastics, and unconventional medicine. The latter includes acupressure, hirudotherapy, manual therapy, and pharmacopuncture. PRP therapy is also used, which is the newest way to stimulate restorative processes. If the disease is not treated, it can lead to muscle dystrophy, acute circulatory failure, nerve entrapment, protrusions, and intervertebral hernias. Therefore, it is extremely important to be attentive to your health and see a doctor on time when the first symptoms appear. Don’t postpone taking care of your spine health. At Dalimed Medical Center, you will receive professional diagnostics and effective treatment under the supervision of experienced specialists.

Stress is a natural response to challenges but chronic stress can seriously harm your health. It increases the risk of mental disorders like anxiety and depression, cardiovascular diseases, sleep problems, digestive issues, memory difficulties, and more. When stressed, your brain releases adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare your body for fight-or-flight by opening airways, increasing blood flow to muscles and brain, raising heart rate, tensing muscles, and activating the immune system. While useful short-term, prolonged exposure raises blood sugar and risks such as diabetes and hypertension.Types of Stress Acute stress is short-lived and can help performance or survival. Chronic stress persists over time from ongoing problems like financial worries, relationship issues, or health conditions. Chronic stress needs managing to avoid serious health effects. Health Effects of Chronic Stress Chronic stress is linked to: • High blood pressure • Heart attacks and strokes • Diabetes • Irritable bowel syndrome • Skin conditions like eczema • Anxiety and depression • Infertility Controlling stress can help prevent or reduce symptoms of these conditions. Signs of Excessive StressSymptoms include: • Headaches, muscle pain, jaw stiffness • Fatigue and low energy • Skin rashes or acne • Digestive problems (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) • Blurry vision • Weakened immunity and frequent illness • Changes in sexual drive and menstrual cycle • Weight gain or loss • Sleep problems and dizziness • Anxiety, nervousness, restlessness • Difficulty concentrating or remembering • Increased use of alcohol or drugs If stress interferes with daily life or causes panic attacks, consult a healthcare provider. How to Manage Stress Engage in regular physical activity, which releases mood-boosting endorphins, improves sleep, immune function, heart health, and energy. Exercise is especially beneficial for retired first responders to manage stress. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage. Maintain social connections and spend time with family and friends. Set time for hobbies and enjoyable activities. Write in a journal to express feelings. Ensure enough sleep and eat a balanced, nutritious diet rich in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, which support brain function and mood regulation. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Stretch muscles regularly to relieve tension and reduce stress hormone levels.Deep Breathing Deep breathing calms the nervous system by activating relaxation responses, lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety, and improving lung function. Diaphragmatic breathing is a simple method: breathe deeply so your belly rises, then exhale slowly, making exhales twice as long as inhales, repeating for 10 minutes. Avoid Unhealthy Coping Passive activities like watching TV, internet browsing, or gaming may feel relaxing but can increase stress over time. Many turn to unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking or smoking to cope, which worsen health. Recognize and replace these with healthier behaviors. Professional help can aid breaking bad habits and managing stress. When to Seek Help If you are unsure whether stress is causing your symptoms, or if self-help is not enough, see a healthcare provider. Therapy can identify stress sources and teach coping strategies. Seek emergency help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or other heart attack signs.Though stress is inevitable, adopting healthy habits, seeking support, and making lifestyle changes can greatly reduce its impact. Regular exercise, relaxation practices, good nutrition, social support, and professional care form a comprehensive approach to stress management.

Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid synthesized in the fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex. Cortisol levels reflect acute, chronic, and diurnal changes in the body across various physiological and psychological states. Typically, the highest secretion of cortisol occurs in the second half of the night, reaching its maximum level in the early morning, after which cortisol levels decrease throughout the day, recording the lowest levels in the first half of the night. Cortisol plays an important role in regulating many crucial physiological processes, including energy metabolism, electrolyte balance, maintenance of blood pressure, immunomodulation, stress response, cell proliferation, as well as cognitive functions. The main part of cortisol circulates in the plasma bound to proteins: corticosteroid-binding globulin and albumin. The biologically active free fraction accounts for only 2-5% of total cortisol. High levels of cortisol can be detected during stress reactions, psychiatric disorders, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, and pregnancy, which can cause diagnostic problems in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Low levels of cortisol are observed in patients with rare adrenal enzyme disorders and after prolonged stress. When blood cortisol levels are low, the hypothalamus in the brain releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which in turn causes the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates cortisol secretion, leading to an increase in blood cortisol levels. When cortisol levels rise, they begin to inhibit the release of CRH from the hypothalamus and ACTH from the pituitary gland. The causes of high cortisol (hypercortisolism) are: 1.Overproduction of ACTH due to a CRH-producing tumor, an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor (Cushing's disease), or other tumors. 2.Autonomous overproduction of glucocorticoids by the adrenal fascicular zone, for example, in the case of a tumor (Cushing's syndrome). Manifestations of hypercortisolism include: • increased arterial pressure. • weight gain with fat accumulation in the face, neck, and torso, while the limbs are relatively thin. • hyperglycemia. • suppression of the immune system (lymphopenia, eosinopenia). • decreased muscle mass. • osteoporosis. • thinning of the skin. • appearance of striae. • slow wound healing. The causes of low cortisol (hypocortisolism) are: • Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency). • Secondary adrenal insufficiency. • Pituitary insufficiency. • Hypothalamic insufficiency. • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (defects in enzymes involved in cortisol synthesis). If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or want to assess your hormonal balance, we recommend checking your cortisol levels at Dalimed Medical Center. Our modern laboratory and experienced professionals ensure accurate results and personalized care.