Against the background of long-existing blood pressure without proper therapy, various complications arise, including hypertensive retinal angiopathy. Myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, etc. can be classified as more serious complications.
The main stages of hypertensive angiopathy of the retina
The disease develops with a prolonged course of hypertension.
Hypertensive angiopathy of the retinal vessels suggests the presence of several stages:
- Functional level changes. They are characterized by the expansion of a number of veins and narrowing of the arteries, as a result of which the microcirculation of the blood is disturbed. At this stage, the pathological process is mild and can only be detected by examination of the fundus.
- Organic processes. Upon transition to this stage, the structure of the walls of the vessels changes. They become denser and are subsequently replaced by connective tissue. Thickening of the walls provokes insufficient blood supply to the retina. At this stage, the manifestation of the disease becomes more noticeable. A slight swelling of the retina is noted, hemorrhages are often visible. When examined by a specialist, narrowed arteries and dilated veins are visible, which become branched. Vascular gloss is noted, which is explained by the compaction of the walls.
- Angioretinopathy. Circulatory disturbance reaches a critical indicator, which provokes the appearance on the fundus of the fundus of exudate soft or hard consistency. It is a liquid containing proteins, red blood cells, white blood cells, minerals and microbes that provoke inflammation. At this stage, there is a significant visual impairment, there is a likelihood of complete blindness.
Symptoms of the disease
As a rule, hypertensive retinal angiopathy affects both eyes at the same time. The disease can occur in people of any age, but is often observed in patients after 30 years.
Hypertensive angiopathy in both eyes is characterized by a number of symptoms:
- periodic violation of clarity of vision (provoked by pressure spikes);
- slight deterioration in the ability to see (with organic changes);
- significant visual impairment or blindness with angioretinopathy;
- yellow spots on the eyes (body fat);
- pain in the eyes;
- the presence of blood in the urine;
- joint pain when walking;
- nosebleeds.
Diagnostics
Hypertensive retinal angiopathy is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. They resort to the use of x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound.
As a rule, an examination of the condition of the fundus with an indispensable expansion of the pupils is carried out. To further clarify the diagnosis, it is possible to use a contrast study of blood vessels using fluorescence angiography, which clearly displays all the pathological processes.
Also prescribed by a doctor:
- ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the eyes;
- ophthalmodynamometry (measurement of blood pressure in the arteries and veins of the retina);
- rheophthalmography (graphic registration of blood circulation in the eye).
These methods make it possible to identify violations in the vessels, which may be necessary when drawing up a plan for further therapy.
Treatment
Hypertensive angiopathy belongs to the category of systemic diseases, therefore, requires an integrated approach to treatment.
In the vast majority of cases with hypertensive angiopathy of the eyes can not do without the use of drugs. As a rule, drugs are prescribed that optimize blood circulation, normalize the flow of nutrients to the retina, and reduce prothrombin. It can be various medicines in the form of tablets, drops and vitamins.
What drugs are prescribed?
Hypertensive type angiopathy is treated by an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and neuropathologist. Since the basis of the onset of the disease is arterial hypertension, then the treatment is concluded in lowering the pressure. In case of circulatory disturbance, vasodilators may be prescribed. For example, an ophthalmologist may prescribe drugs such as Mildronate, Trental, Solcoseral. Eye drops “Taufin”, “Emoxifin” and vitamins “Lutein Complex”, “Antotsiae Forte” and others can also be used.
If hypertensive angiopathy of the eyes caused increased fragility of the vessels, then doctors prescribe calcium dobsilate, which optimizes blood microcirculation in the vessels, normalizes their permeability and reduces prothrombin.
In severe cases, the patient is shown hemodialysis, the purpose of which is to purify the blood.
Great benefit in the treatment of moderate physical exertion, a means of improving the state of the cardiovascular system.
In addition to drug treatment, laser therapy, magnetotherapy, and acupuncture are indicated.
There is also a special device - “Sidorenko glasses”, which are used to optimize vision at home. They provide a whole range of procedures: phonophoresis, pneumomassage, color therapy.
Dieting
How is hypertensive angiopathy stopped? Treatment involves complying with a diet that helps lower cholesterol in the patient’s blood.
Fluid intake should be limited. Products that include salt and cholesterol should be excluded from the diet. The use of vegetables, fruits, fish, dietary meat, vegetable oils and dairy products is recommended.
The use of folk remedies
In the treatment of a disease such as hypertensive angiopathy of the retina, folk methods have a high degree of effectiveness. First of all, the vessels are cleaned of cholesterol and salt. This effect can be achieved by applying a decoction of mountain ash, blackcurrant, dill seeds and parsley. Various herbs are also very effective.
- Take 50 g of yarrow, lemon balm leaves and valerian roots (15 g each). Everything is carefully crushed and poured 1 tbsp. water. The mixture is infused for 3 hours in a cold place. Then for 15 minutes it boils in a water bath, cools and strains. A day should use a glass of infusion. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.
- Used St. John's wort and chamomile in equal quantities (100 g each). The mixture is poured with two glasses of boiling water, infused for 20 minutes and filtered. Half of the broth is drunk in the evening (eating and drinking after this is prohibited), and the second half in the morning on an empty stomach. The procedure should be repeated until the remedy runs out.
- Infusion based on a white mistletoe. One tsp ground grass is poured 1 tbsp. hot boiled water and infused in a thermos overnight. Drink infusion twice a day for 2 tbsp. l within 3-4 months.
It should be noted that before using herbal preparations should consult with a specialist.
Disease prevention
How to prevent the development of a disease such as hypertensive retinal angiopathy? Treatment is not required if some preventative measures are taken.
The main condition is the correct distribution of the load on the eyes throughout the day. When working at a computer or watching TV, it is recommended to take breaks of an hour and perform special exercises. When working with a PC, special glasses are used. This will help reduce eye strain and protect them from dryness and tension.
You should also monitor your blood pressure. In particular, people who have a genetic predisposition to this disease should be careful. The correct daily routine and periodic consultations with a cardiologist will help prevent the development of hypertension.
Compliance with the daily routine
First of all, you need to pay attention to lifestyle. It is advised to include physical exercises (gymnastics in the mornings and periodic warm-ups) in the daily daily routine. Excellent results are obtained by cycling, walking and easy running.
You should monitor the state of the nervous system, do not overload it, withstand stress, do not overwork, monitor the duration of sleep, arrange work and rest.
Science has proved that people who lead a calm lifestyle and receive positive emotions are less likely to suffer from hypertension and angiopathy even in the presence of an unfavorable genetic factor. Therefore, the best prevention in addition to a healthy lifestyle is a favorable atmosphere in the family and at work.
Disease prognosis
The prognosis of angiopathy caused by hypertension is largely dependent on the time of treatment and stabilization of blood pressure.
Against the background of prolonged hypertension without proper treatment, serious complications can subsequently arise, leading not only to a deterioration in the ability to see, but also to blindness.
If therapy is started on time, vascular changes can be stopped and completely regenerated after pressure stabilization.
Hypertensive angiopathy requires immediate treatment. Moreover, constant jumps in blood pressure are an occasion for seeking help not only from a cardiologist, but also to an ophthalmologist who will prescribe the necessary examinations and give an assessment of the state of the vascular system.
Conclusion
Hypertensive retinal angiopathy is a serious disease that can cause complications. With untimely treatment, an ailment can even lead to complete loss of vision.
The main reason for the development of the disease is an increase in blood pressure. To achieve the maximum effectiveness of therapy, you should contact a specialist in a timely manner. With an advanced condition, the disease becomes chronic.
In the treatment, drugs are used that help improve the microcirculation of the blood in the retina. Tablets, drops, and ointments may be used.