Hypertensive retinal angiopathy: symptoms and treatment regimen

Against the background of long-term blood pressure without proper therapy, there are various complications, including hypertensive angiopathy of the retina. To a category of more serious complications it is possible to rank a myocardial infarction, a hemorrhage in a brain, etc.

The main stages of hypertensive angiopathy of the retina

The disease develops with prolonged arterial hypertension.

Hypertensive angiopathy of the retinal vessels suggests the presence of several stages:

• Changes at the functional level. They are characterized by the widening of a number of veins and narrowing of the arteries, as a result of which microcirculation of blood is disturbed. At this stage, the pathological process is not pronounced and can be detected only when examining the fundus.
• Organic processes. When moving to this stage, the structure of the walls of the vessels changes. They become denser and are subsequently replaced with a connective tissue. Thickening of the walls provokes insufficient blood supply to the retina. At this stage, the manifestation of the disease becomes more noticeable. There is a small puffiness of the retina, hemorrhages are often visible. When examining a specialist, narrowed arteries and enlarged veins become noticeable, which become branched. There is a gloss of blood vessels, which is explained by the sealing of the walls.
• Angioretinopathy. Violation of the blood circulation reaches a critical index, which provokes the emergence of a soft or hard consistency on the bottom of the fundus of the exudate. It is a liquid containing proteins, erythrocytes, leukocytes, minerals and microbes that provoke inflammation. At this stage, there is a significant deterioration in vision, there is a possibility of complete blindness.

Symptoms of the disease

As a rule, hypertonic angiopathy of the retina affects both eyes simultaneously. The disease can occur in people of any age, but is often observed in patients after 30 years.

Hypertensive angiopathy of both eyes is characterized by a number of symptoms:

• Periodic violation of the clarity of vision (triggered by pressure jumps);
• Slight deterioration in the ability to see (with organic changes);
• Significant visual impairment or blindness in angioretinopathy;
• Yellow spots on the eyes (fat deposits);
• Pain in the eyes;
• Presence of blood in the urine;
• Articular pain when walking;
• Nosebleeds.

Diagnostics

Angiopathy of the retina according to the hypertonic type is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. They resort to the use of X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound.

As a rule, the examination of the condition of the fundus is made with an obligatory enlargement of the pupils. For additional clarification of the diagnosis, it is possible to use a contrast study of blood vessels by means of fluorescent angiography, which fairly clearly reflects all pathological processes.

Also, according to the doctor's prescription, apply:

• Ultrasound dopplerography of the eye vessels ;
• Ophthalmodinamometry (measurement of blood pressure in the arteries and veins of the retina);
• Rheophthalmography (graphic recording of blood circulation in the eye).

These methods make it possible to identify abnormalities in the vessels, which may be needed when designing a plan for further therapy.

Treatment

Hypertensive angiopathy belongs to the category of systemic diseases, therefore it requires an integrated approach to treatment.

In the vast majority of cases with hypertensive angiopathy the eyes can not do without the use of drugs. As a rule, drugs that optimize blood circulation, normalize the supply of nutrients to the retina, reduce prothrombin. It can be various medicines in the form of tablets, drops and vitamins.

What drugs are prescribed?

Angiopathy according to the hypertonic type is treated by an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and neuropathologist. Since the basis of the disease is arterial hypertension, then the treatment is concluded in the reduction of pressure. In the event of a violation of blood circulation, funds may be prescribed for the expansion of blood vessels. For example, an ophthalmologist can prescribe medications such as Mildronate, Trental, Solcoseral. Eye drops "Taufin", "Emoxifin" and vitamins "Lutein Complex", "Anthociae Forte" and others can also be used.

If hypertensive angiopathy of the eye caused increased fragility of the vessels, the doctors prescribe calcium dobesilate, which optimizes microcirculation of blood in the vessels, normalizes their permeability and reduces prothrombin.

In severe course, the patient is shown hemodialysis, whose goal is to cleanse the blood.

A great benefit in the treatment have moderate physical exertion, funds that help improve the state of the cardiovascular system.

In addition to medical treatment, laser therapy, magnetotherapy, and acupuncture are indicated.

Also there is a special device - "Sidorenko glasses", which are used to optimize the vision at home. They provide a whole set of procedures: phonophoresis, pneumomassage, color therapy.

Compliance with diet

How is hypertensive angiopathy stopped? Treatment involves mandatory compliance with a diet that contributes to reducing the cholesterol in the patient's blood.

The fluid intake should be limited. Foods including salt and cholesterol should be excluded from the diet. Recommended use of vegetables, fruits, fish, dietary meats, vegetable oils and dairy products.

Application of folk remedies

In the treatment of such a disease as hypertensive angiopathy of the retina of the eye, folk methods have a high degree of effectiveness. First of all, the vessels are cleared of cholesterol and salt. This effect can be achieved by applying a decoction of mountain ash, black currant, fennel seeds and parsley. Also very effective are various herbal preparations.

• Take 50 g of yarrow, melissa leaves and valerian roots (15 grams each). All thoroughly crushed and poured 1 tbsp. water. The mixture is infused for 3 hours in a cool place. Then, for 15 minutes, boiled in a water bath, cooled and filtered. For 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 grams each). The mixture is poured into two glasses of boiling water, it is infused for 20 minutes and filtered. Half of the broth is drunk in the evening (eating and drinking after this is forbidden), and the second half in the morning on an empty stomach. Repeat the procedure until the remedy is complete.
• Infusion based on white mistletoe. One tsp. Grinded grass is poured 1 st. Hot boiled water and infused in a thermos during the night. Drink infusion twice a day for 2 tablespoons. L. Within 3-4 months.

It should be noted that before using herbal fees should consult with a specialist.

Prevention of disease

How to prevent the development of a disease such as hypertensive angiopathy of the retina? Treatment is not required if you take some preventive measures.

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 in the length of an hour, perform special exercises. When working with a PC, special glasses are used. This will help reduce the burden on the eyesight and protect them from dryness and tension.

You should also monitor your blood pressure. In particular, one must be careful of people who have a genetic predisposition to this disease. 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, it is necessary to pay attention to the way of life. In the daily routine it is advised to include physical exercises (gymnastics in the mornings and periodic warm-up). Excellent results are given by cycling walking and easy running.

It is necessary to monitor the state of the nervous system, do not overload it, resist stress, do not overwork, monitor the duration of sleep, adjust work and rest.

Science has proven that people who lead a quiet 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.

Prognosis of the disease

The prognosis of angiopathy caused by hypertension largely depends on the time of treatment started and the stabilization of blood pressure.

Against the backdrop of long-term hypertension without proper treatment, serious complications can subsequently occur, 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 suspended and completely regenerated after the pressure stabilization.

Hypertensive angiopathy requires immediate treatment. Moreover, constant jumps of blood pressure are the reason for seeking help not only for the cardiologist, but also for the ophthalmologist, who will prescribe the necessary examinations and will assess the state of the vascular system.

Conclusion

Hypertensive angiopathy of the retina is a serious disease that can cause complications. With untimely treatment, a disease can lead to even a complete loss of vision.

The main cause of the disease is an increase in blood pressure. To achieve maximum effectiveness of therapy, you should contact a specialist in a timely manner. When the condition is neglected, the disease becomes chronic.

In the treatment of drugs used to improve blood microcirculation in the retina. Tablets, drops and ointments can be used.