What causes vegetative vascular dystonia? Cardiac dysfunction syndrome. Doctor's advice: how to live with VSD and what you should limit yourself to

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD, Neurocirculatory dystonia)

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD, Neurocirculatory dystonia) Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD or neurocirculatory dystonia) is pathological condition, disruption of the compensatory activity of the autonomic nervous system. Perhaps this is the most common diagnosis made by doctors and causes dissatisfaction in the patient, misunderstanding and anxiety - perhaps the doctors did not find something serious after all, or missed something?

This situation is due to the fact that vegetative-vascular dystonia can be a symptom of many organic diseases: somatic and neurological, endocrinological, gynecological, oncological and so on, with endocrine and hormonal disorders. More often, VSD is functional in nature, that is, it is not associated with a serious disease. This is a psychogenic disorder between the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures of the “I want - I can’t” type. And symptoms of dystonia appear. Symptoms can vary. This is due to the variety of functions performed by the autonomic nervous system.

Causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia

The autonomic nervous system is located in the brain and spinal cord, has nerves and ganglia, neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, norepinephrine)...
The autonomic nervous system regulates the activities of all internal organs, glands of external and internal secretion, lymphatic and blood vessels, ensures constancy (homeostasis) internal environment and adaptation of the work of internal organs to changing conditions external environment.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems have opposite effects on organ function. And as soon as the balance between this influence is disturbed, an imbalance in work occurs - vegetative-vascular dystonia. But it is said very simply, but the mechanism of regulation and relationships between organs and systems is very complex.

The occurrence of vegetative-vascular dystonia is influenced by constitutional predisposition, the human environment - family, religion, climate, education, culture and frequent or prolonged stress in this environment. People of any age suffer from vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Based on the location of the main symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia, VSD is distinguished into respiratory, cerebral, cardiological, gastroenterological, vegetative-visceral types, with impaired thermoregulation.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia can manifest itself persistent symptoms - vascular, neuromuscular, neuroendocrine, cognitive (impaired intellectual functions), mental (neuroses, depression, panic attacks) and paroxysmal (paroxysmal)- according to hypotonic, hypertensive type, mixed types.

• VSD of the hypotonic type is characterized by a decrease in blood pressure.
• VSD of the hypertensive type is characterized by an increase in blood pressure.
• VSD of the mixed type is characterized by periodic fluctuations in blood pressure.

All types of vegetative-vascular dystonia are characterized by crises. With vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypertensive type, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, sudden agitation, symptoms of a panic attack, increased blood pressure, cold extremities, and chills are observed. With vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypotonic type - general weakness, shortness of breath, nausea, cardiac arrest, sweating, low arterial pressure. With vegetative-vascular dystonia of mixed type, all of the above symptoms appear to one degree or another.

Autonomic crises (sympathoadrenal) are caused by the predominant influence of the sympathetic nervous system - increased blood pressure, tachycardia, chill-like hyperkinesis (trembling), hyperthermia, pain in the heart, fear, anxiety, panic, cold sweat, numbness of the limbs.

Vagoinsular crises of VSD are caused by the predominant influence of the parasympathetic nervous system - weakness, decreased blood pressure, breathing problems, bradycardia (slowing of heart contractions and, accordingly, pulse), a feeling of “fading” of the heart, dizziness, dysfunction of the digestive system, hyperhidrosis (sweating), polyuria.

Mixed crises combine a variety of symptoms and their combinations.

The course of vegetative-vascular dystonia is long, possibly for years, with periods of remissions and exacerbations.

Cardiopsychoneurosis

When cardiovascular disorders predominate in the complex of existing autonomic disorders, the term “neurocirculatory dystonia” is sometimes used. However, it should be borne in mind that neurocirculatory dystonia is an integral part of the broader concept of vegetative-vascular dystonia. There are three types of neurocirculatory dystonia: cardiac, vascular and mixed.

The cardiac type of neurocirculatory dystonia (functional cardiopathy) is manifested by rhythm and conduction disturbances (sinus bradycardia, extrasystole, paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal tachycardia, atrioventricular block I-II degrees), disruption of ventricular repolarization processes (nonspecific changes in the ST segment), some forms of mitral valve prolapse.

Neurocirculatory dystonia of the vascular type is accompanied by arterial hypertension (neurocirculatory dystonia of the hypertonic type) or hypotension (neurocirculatory dystonia of the hypotonic type).

The mixed type of neurocirculatory dystonia has elements of both cardiac and vascular types with various combinations of their symptoms.

For recurring headaches, changes in blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, increased fatigue, memory difficulties, anxiety, emotional lability(mood swings), sleep disorders, fear for one’s health (hypochondria), pain in the heart, disorders heart rate, shortness of breath, feeling of a “lump” in the throat, abdominal pain, numbness of the limbs... with almost any health problem you need to consult a doctor.

Examination for vegetative-vascular dystonia

To make a diagnosis of VSD, consultations with various specialists and examinations will be required (individually, depending on the symptoms detected). Therapist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist (for women) - the shortest list of possible consultations.

To confirm the diagnosis of VSD, it is necessary to exclude a possible somatic organic disease, which can cause manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia syndrome in each individual patient individually. And according to the complaints described in detail and the symptoms discovered during the doctor’s examination, the necessary studies are prescribed.

The patient’s task is to describe his feelings in detail. For example, not just - I have a headache, but in detail - where it hurts (forehead, back of the head, temple, on one side or diffusely), how it hurts (pulsates, burns, shoots, bursts...) what you feel, what sensations are accompanied (may be pressure on the eyes and ears, maybe vomiting, dizziness, visual disturbances...), which precedes the appearance of a headache - changes in weather conditions, stress, overwork...

Among the possible examinations for suspected VSD, neurologists most often use an electrocardiogram, vascular Dopplerography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, examinations by an ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, and therapist. To exclude diseases thyroid gland(both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can manifest themselves as symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia) use lab tests- examine the hormonal activity of the thyroid gland and ultrasound.

When the diagnosis of VSD is established and all possible somatic diseases are excluded, individual treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Highly recommended for successful treatment vegetative-vascular dystonia, modify lifestyle: work and rest schedule, playing sports in a play mode, but not professionally, swimming, running, aerobics, fitness, contrast shower, staying on fresh air, healthy eating, sleep 8 hours a day, visit a psychotherapist, Spa treatment in neurological sanatoriums using all types of balneotherapy (hydrotherapy), reflexology, aromatherapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage. This IMPORTANT recommendation patients often do not take it seriously and thereby aggravate their condition.

It is very important to normalize blood circulation in the brain and prevent the development of stroke and other serious diseases of cardio-vascular system. For example, the combination drug Vasobral improves blood circulation and metabolism in the brain. The components of the drug prevent blood clots, reduce the permeability of vascular walls, increase the resistance of brain tissue to lack of oxygen, increase mental and physical performance. The effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia has been clinically proven.

Drugs for the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Antidepressants and tranquilizers are used.

Medication prescriptions are individual - symptomatic. How multifunctional is the autonomic nervous system, how diverse clinical picture dystonia, the prescribed treatment combination is so variable. The doctor prescribes all medications and indicates the dosage.

When blood pressure rises - antihypertensive drugs, for tachycardia - β blockers, for hypotension - caffeine, ginseng with B vitamins.

At venous insufficiency- vasoket, venoplant, detralex. These drugs are taken for heaviness in the head, throbbing, bursting headache, worsening after sleep and in the hot season (Doppler examination confirms venous insufficiency), taken for a long time from 1 to 2 months, usually 1 tablet in the evening.

For dizziness and high blood pressure, you can take Cavinton, Cavinton-retard, Oxybral, Vinpocetine, Sermion, Nicerium. For low blood pressure and dizziness - ginkgo-biloba preparations - memoplant, ginkofar.

For noise in the head, betaserc is added - for adults, 16 mg 3 times a day or 24 mg 2 times a day for a long time - from 1 to 2 months. In case of acute dizziness, you can put the tablet under the tongue for quick action.

Tranquilizers - afobazole, for example - have an anti-anxiety effect. You can take 1 tablet 3 times a day for a month.

Antidepressants are prescribed by a doctor - you should know that the minimum duration of taking such drugs is 6 months and the effect occurs on average within 10-14 days. The color orange has an antidepressant effect - use it. Orange, orange juice, bright umbrella...

Smiling, purposefully stretching your lips into a smile, helps activate areas of the brain associated with the formation of positive emotions. Smile more often - it increases your vitality.

For asthenic syndrome, cerebrosthenia, neuroprotectors, antioxidants, drugs that improve blood circulation and microcirculation are prescribed - nootropil, piracetam, phenotropil, mildronate, cavinton, sermion, glycine, trental. Nootropil (piracetam, lucetam) is taken 1200 twice a day - in the morning and at lunch, for at least a month. Phenotropil 1 tablet per day. Glycine should be dissolved 2 tablets three times a day for 1-2 months.

The choice of any medications should be treated with extreme caution so as not to cause addiction in the patient and the need for constant use in order to achieve relief from the condition. Attracts attention domestic drug Eltacin, which relieves excessive tension, helps stabilize blood pressure, improve sleep, increases the body's energy potential and tissue resistance to oxygen starvation, and thus affects the cause of vegetative-vascular dystonia, and not just its symptoms.

In the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia, it is possible to use herbs for a sedative (calming), antidepressant effect on the nervous system (normalizing mood, relieving anxiety, mental stress):

• Melissa is a sedative with antispasmodic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects. Avicena called Melissa “the delight of the heart,” making the heart happy, strengthening the spirit and driving away dark thoughts. Used in the form of medicinal teas, decoctions, infusions
• St. John's wort has an antidepressant effect - reduces anxiety, restlessness, and normalizes sleep. Used in combination tablets- Novo-Passit, available in tablets - deprim.
• Hops - sedative effect, analgesic effect.
• Hawthorn - normalizes the heartbeat, lowers blood pressure, and has a calming effect.
• Mint - antispasmodic, hypnotic, sedative, choleretic agent, reduces nausea.
• Valerian has a sedative effect, normalizes sleep, relieves psycho-emotional stress.
• Combination drugs are used - dormiplant, novo-passit, sedasen, sedavit.

At VSD according to hypertensive In this type, you can use sedative herbs and hawthorn, marsh grass, raunatin, and rose hips. You can take hawthorn infusion ¼ cup 4 times a day before meals (1 tablespoon of hawthorn flowers per 1 glass of hot water, leave for 2 hours). It is necessary to reduce the amount of salt, caffeine, alcohol, and fats consumed. The diet needs to be diversified with vitamins - vegetables and fruits, pomegranate, apples, grapefruit, garlic, chocolate. Lungs are useful physical exercise and walks in the fresh air, sea treatments, reflexology.

At VSD of hypotonic type You can use ginseng, eleutherococcus, Chinese lemongrass, which increase performance and blood pressure - they have tonic and adaptogenic properties. At increased excitability, people with insomnia should not use them. Ginseng tincture is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, 1 teaspoon for a month. Oxygen, pearl, aromatic baths, circular, fan tonic showers are recommended, physiotherapy, sports activities, reflexology.

All medications and therapeutic measures are prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

Consultation with a doctor on vegetative-vascular dystonia

Question: How to get rid of vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD)? How to cure vegetative-vascular dystonia?

Answer: To treat vegetative-vascular dystonia, doctors prescribe special medications, including sedatives and antidepressants. However, it should be borne in mind that medications for vegetative-vascular dystonia should only be taken with the knowledge of a doctor, since they can be addictive!

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia can be quite effective folk remedies: in particular, infusions for cleansing blood vessels, cardiac infusions, but only in the absence of contraindications to them. Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia with herbs (hawthorn, motherwort, etc.) also refers to folk treatment; these remedies are only auxiliary in nature. Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia with folk remedies in practice does not provide recovery, but has a beneficial effect on the body and relieves some symptoms.

Physical therapy is most useful for vegetative-vascular dystonia, providing a general strengthening effect on the body. Physical therapy for VSD is an excellent means for training the body and increasing its performance. In case of vegetative-vascular dystonia, physical education, thought out taking into account the age and health status of the patient, is simply necessary. However, exercises for VSD should be gentle and completely exclude jumping. It should also be taken into account that an active lifestyle in general is a prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Rest - the best remedy from vegetative-vascular dystonia. Naturally, a person cannot quit his job. However, it is quite possible and necessary to allow yourself to travel outside the city. Much attention is paid to the treatment of symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia in sanatoriums - there are a lot of special procedures that will help a person feel much better. Based on the results, we can say that in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia spa treatments simply irreplaceable.

Question: I am diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The doctor prescribed medication to me, but there was no improvement in my condition after treatment. In this case, how can I cure VSD?

Answer: The causes of a disease such as VSD can often be psychological disorders (stress, depression, neuroses, overwork, chronic fatigue). Cannot be separated mental health from the physical, true health combines both aspects. Fear, phobias - this causes panic attacks, vegetative-vascular dystonia or syndrome chronic fatigue. All this is treated by psychotherapists without pills, using proven techniques. Treatment uses behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy.

Question: What is better - to take medications and antidepressants for years or to get rid of the symptoms of VSD and panic attacks when visiting a psychotherapist?

If the cause of the disease is physical factors, then it is possible and necessary to prescribe medications for the treatment of VSD. However, medications for vegetative-vascular dystonia, the cause of which are psychological disorders, are simply irrelevant. In this case, folk remedies will not help in the treatment of VSD. IN in this case For the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia, the help of a professional psychologist is necessary. Only in this case will the treatment of VSD be truly effective.

Question: How is vegetative-vascular dystonia related to panic attacks?

The description of panic attacks is very similar to the description of the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia during a crisis ( attacks of VSD). The nature of panic attacks and exacerbations of VSD is the same: in the body at these moments there is a high concentration of adrenaline, norepinephrine and acetylcholine. These are biologically active substances cause emotional overload and pain. That is why patients who need treatment for panic attacks are often diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia and prescribed medications for VSD, while people need psychological help. Vegetative-vascular dystonia and panic attacks are easy to confuse, especially since in Russia not even all doctors know about panic attacks. Pain associated with VSD (and especially the headache characteristic of VSD) often does not require treatment with medications, but they continue to be prescribed. However, even in order to lower blood pressure (it increases with VSD of the hypertensive type), you do not need pills, but quick, professional psychological help.
Treatment of panic attacks and symptoms of VSD, like treatment of phobias, often does not require drug intervention.

Based on an article by neurologist T.V. Novikova.

The human autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Their function is to regulate the functioning of internal organs, maintain important indicators:, pressure, pulse and others. The activity of this system determines how the body will react to the influence of external factors.

What is vegetative-vascular dystonia?

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is not considered an independent disease. In ICD-10 it is designated by code G90.8. Pathology implies a set of signs that arise against the background of the development of central or suprasegmental disorders autonomic function body, responsible for maintaining blood pressure, pulse, pupil width, and the functioning of internal organs.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is a fairly common phenomenon, occurring in the vast majority of the population. At the same time, less than half of people need serious medical care. Usually the disease manifests itself in children during puberty, women with.

Reasons for development

In a newborn child, autonomic dysfunction develops more often due to hereditary predisposition. VSD also occurs in those who physical development occurs faster than neurohormonal.

In adults, pathology appears for many reasons, the leading of which is stress. In addition to this, the culprits for the development of VSD may be:

• Acute or chronic diseases.
• Poisoning of the body.
• Cold.
• Sleep disorders.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Poor nutrition.
• Excessive physical exercise or vice versa, sedentary image life.
• Change of time zone or climate.
• Hormonal imbalance in the body.

These factors negatively affect the functioning of the peripheral nervous system and provoke disruption of metabolic processes in the tissues of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, the body reacts inadequately even to minor physical activity.

Types of VSD

There are several types of neurocirculatory dystonia. Each variety has its own characteristics. Doctors distinguish the following classification of pathology:

1. . It is characterized by increased tone of blood vessels and high blood pressure. Accompanied by pain in the head, rapid heartbeat, increased fatigue, and a feeling of heat. The skin located in the heart area becomes quite sensitive. If you do not engage in this type of VSD, you may develop hypertension.
2. Hypotonic. In this case, symptoms appear vascular insufficiency, because vascular tone is significantly reduced. Because of this, a person becomes weak, he is often bothered by attacks, he often loses consciousness, he is tormented by pressure changes, and astheno-neurotic syndrome occurs. Also characteristic sharp jumps blood pressure and body temperature.
3. Mixed. This type Dystonia occurs when vascular tone is unstable, when it either increases or decreases. The pathology is characterized by irregular blood pressure And various symptoms, which are inherent in both hypertension and dystonia.
4. Cardiac. With this type of vegetative-vascular dystonia, the patient complains of of different nature, him . But severe symptoms development serious pathologies no cardiovascular system is observed.

Symptoms

Somatoform vegetative dystonia has a rich set of symptoms, similar to the clinical picture of neurosis, which greatly complicates the identification of VSD. Typically, pronounced symptoms appear only during, then long period may not bother the patient.

VSD is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Cerebral manifestations in the form of dizziness, cephalgic syndrome.
• Feeling anxious.
• Asthenia.
• Panic attacks.
• Sleep disorders.
• Losing weight.
• Depression.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Regular feeling of fear.
• Memory impairment.
• Paresthesia.
• Congestion and...
• Heartbeat disturbance.
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, shortness of breath.
• Feeling weak.
• Meteor dependence.
• Sensory disorders.
• Profuse sweating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Polyneuropathy of the arms and legs.
• Syncope syndrome.
• Chills.

Mental disorders with autonomic dysfunction can cause a person to experience derealization or depersonalization. In the first case, the patient ceases to adequately perceive the world around him, and in the second - himself.

ATTENTION!!! Many people do not pay attention to these symptoms of VSD, attributing everything to ordinary fatigue, overexertion, stress and other problems. As a result, the pathology develops into more serious illnesses. Therefore, it is important to visit a doctor on time.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of vegetative-vascular dystonia is complex and consists of many techniques. In each specific case, the doctor prescribes a specific list of manipulations. These may include the following types of examination:

It is important for the attending physician to conduct a differential examination, distinguishing dystonia from other diseases with similar symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment of vegetative-vascular circulatory dystonia is carried out in an integrated way and is prescribed by a doctor for each patient individually.

Drug therapy

Drug therapy is used to eliminate the clinical manifestations of VSD. But they are not able to completely cure the disease. As a rule, doctors prescribe the following medications:

1. Herbal medicines made from herbs, for example, valerian.
2. Antidepressants.
3. Tranquilizers.
4. Nootropics.
5. Vascular agents.
6. Adaptogens.

Usually drug therapy starts with the lungs calming effect. If there is no positive dynamics from them, then mild tranquilizers and antidepressants are used. If the patient has heightened feeling anxiety, panic and other neurotic and mental disorders, stronger medications are prescribed.

ATTENTION!!! Medicines have their contraindications and side effects, so taking them without a doctor’s permission is not recommended.

Physiotherapy and psychotherapy

Effective methods of physiotherapy are:

• Electrophoresis, which allows drugs to be administered into the patient’s body through the skin using an electric current.
• Electrosleep, in which weak electrical impulses affect the brain.
• Acupuncture, during which needles are applied to certain points on the body that are responsible for certain body functions.
• Magnetic therapy performed using a magnetic field.
• Laser therapy, when the body is exposed to a laser beam.

Patients with VSD are recommended to work with a psychologist. Indeed, with dystonia, disturbances in the psychoemotional state often occur. For some, they simply manifest themselves in the form of irritability, tearfulness, and for others, depression develops. Psychotherapy will help avoid the occurrence of serious disorders and restore the emotional background.

Massage

Massage helps well with vegetative-vascular dystonia. If a person suffers from a hypertensive type of pathology, then it is recommended to massage collar area, legs and stomach. In this case, it is not allowed to use striking techniques or beating.

For hypotonic dystonia, spot and general massage using classical techniques: stroking, rubbing, kneading, vibration. With the help of massage sessions, the functioning of the nervous system is stabilized, anxiety is relieved, and sleep is normalized.

Physical training

With vegetative-vascular dystonia, patients are recommended to engage in physical therapy. Exercise therapy task is to strengthen the body, increase its resistance to the effects of the external environment. In the process of performing exercises, blood pressure normalizes, psychotherapy improves. emotional condition, blood circulation is restored.

Patients are advised to engage in swimming, water aerobics, cycling, skating or skiing, and running. You can also visit Gym. But you should not choose exercise machines whose exercises require you to be in a head-down position. It is best to exercise on a treadmill or exercise bike.

Doctors do not allow patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia following:

• Strength exercises.
• Body-building.
• Jumping from heights.
• Somersaults.
• Somersault.
• Eastern martial arts.

Therapeutic gymnastics should begin with simple exercises, gradually increasing the load.

Traditional methods

For vegetative-vascular dystonia, doctors recommend using drugs traditional medicine. Usually they use decoctions, infusions of medicinal herbs having a calming effect. A decoction of the following plants has a beneficial effect on the autonomic nervous system: hawthorn flowers, oregano, motherwort, lemon balm, hop cones, peppermint, thyme.

Pour half a liter of boiling water over a large spoon of this mixture, let it brew for 30 minutes, and filter. Take a glass of folk medicine 3 times a day. Treatment is carried out for 20 days, then interrupted for a week and therapy is continued.

For high blood pressure against the background of vegetative-vascular dystonia, the following recipe is used: 10 g of hawthorn berries are poured into a glass warm water, sent to water bath for 25 minutes, let cool. The berries are removed and a large spoonful of the decoction is taken three times a day for a month.

If, on the contrary, a person has low blood pressure, then you can use the following remedy: 100 g of Rhodiola rosea roots are poured with 500 ml of alcohol and left in a dark place for a week. Take the tincture three times a day, 10 drops diluted in a glass of water. Treatment with this medicine lasts for 2 weeks.

Diet for VSD

For angiodystonia, patients must follow the basic principles. The patient’s diet should contain only those foods that contain large amounts of vitamins and microelements.

• Fresh vegetables and fruits.
• Porridge.
• Dairy and fermented milk products.
• Fish and seafood.
• Lean meat.

You should avoid fatty, salty, spicy foods, fast food, sausages and processed foods, strong coffee and tea, and alcoholic beverages.

VSD and the army

Before entering the army, all conscripts are required to undergo a thorough examination. Psychovegetative syndrome in mild degree is not an obstacle to military service. But pathology in the moderate and severe stages can lead to serious problems with health.

They do not take into the army guys who have been diagnosed with VSD of the hypertensive type, with high blood pressure - 140–155/90–100. It is strictly forbidden to send conscripts into service who have severe manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia, for example, frequent loss of consciousness, problems with the heart, or neurological disorders.

Forecast

The prognosis for vegetative-vascular dystonia is favorable. But in most cases, the disease does not disappear and at times manifests itself with various symptoms. It is very rare, but still possible, that VSD will provoke the development of pathologies such as arterial hypertension, heart failure, vestibulopathy, and endocarditis.

You can completely get rid of dystonia in childhood. Self-healing often occurs after hormonal changes in adolescent children, women after childbirth or during PMS time, menopause.

Prevention

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is a disease accompanied by unpleasant symptoms that interfere normal image life. Therefore, it is better to prevent its development. There are no specific measures for prevention; you just need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

To support the coordinated functioning of the body, a person needs to exercise, eat right, follow a daily routine, spend more time in the fresh air, and avoid stressful situations. You are also required to refrain from smoking and drinking.

Thus, vegetative-vascular dystonia is a disorder autonomic system body, manifested by numerous symptoms.

According to statistics, about 80% of the entire world population suffers from manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia. What is VSD? It is important to note that this is not separate disease, but a complex of symptoms that are a consequence of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. The ANS consists of two sections that perform opposite functions: they are responsible for wakefulness and sleep, physical or mental stress and rest, etc. If the balance between them is disturbed, a person faces a pathology, which is called vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia can occur at any age, even in infants in the womb. Among the reasons that cause unpleasant condition, includes:

• genetic factors;
• hormonal disorders and changes in the body (for example, during pregnancy and in adolescents during puberty);
• unhealthy lifestyle (excess weight, alcohol abuse, smoking);
• lack of physical activity or, conversely, excessive exercise;
• pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, endocrine and nervous systems;
• regular emotional stress;
• features of human psycho-emotional development (hysteria, suspiciousness, anxiety);
• irregular sex life;
• sleep disorders;
• frequent viral and bacterial infections;
• negative impacts environment(intoxication, radiation exposure).

It is possible to completely get rid of VSD only after identifying and eliminating the factors that cause it. Otherwise, patients are shown symptomatic treatment, which alleviates their condition and improves their quality of life.

Symptoms of VSD

Symptoms of VSD are variable and may appear as a consequence of any irritating factors(stress, physical activity, worsening weather conditions), and at rest:

• blood pressure surges, vegetative crises;
• attacks of palpitations (the patient literally feels contractions of the heart muscle);
• headaches (especially - a feeling of compression in the back of the head, migraine pain);
• stuffy ears, dizziness;
• dependence on weather conditions;
• feeling of lack of air;
• compression of the thoracic region, pain in the heart area;
• impairment of performance, coordination;
• nervousness, anxiety, fear;
• nausea, loss of appetite;
• feeling of a lump in the throat;
• frequent mood changes, psychoemotional disorders(anxiety, nervousness, fear, apathy, manifestations of depression);
• trembling and sweating of the limbs;
• sleep disorders;
• pallor of the skin.

The manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia are also influenced by its type: VSD is distinguished by hypertonic, hypotonic and mixed type.

The presence of VSD is indicated in following cases: if the symptoms of the disorder occur over the course of two months, go away on their own (without taking medications), and during examination no other pathologies were identified in the body.

Typically, symptoms of VSD occur in paroxysms, so the disease is differentiated by severity (depending on the characteristics of the attack).

1. Mild degree. Signs of VSD are mild, appear rarely, with virtually no decrease in performance, and periods of remission last quite a long time.
2. Average degree. The symptoms of the disorder are quite vivid, periods of exacerbation are long and are accompanied by panic attacks.
3. Severe degree. Blood pressure drops or rises sharply, and other diseases (work disorders) may occur against the background of symptoms. of cardio-vascular system, neuroses), performance is completely lost.

Often the symptoms of the pathology are so pronounced that the patient begins to suspect that he has some serious illness. In this case, it is important to normalize the psycho-emotional state and undergo full examination from a neurologist.

The main thing in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia is complex and individual approach, and it should include both medicinal and non-medicinal means.

When dealing with unpleasant manifestations of pathology, we must not forget about the characteristics of a particular type of disease. VSD of the hypertensive type requires the following therapeutic measures:

• elimination of inflammation of vascular walls;
• prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases that often accompany VSD;
• increasing muscle tone and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
• cleansing the body;
• normalization of sleep.

Therapy for hypotonic VSD includes increasing and normalizing blood pressure, eliminating migraines, and combating concomitant diseases.

VSD of the mixed type is practically not amenable to drug treatment, since its symptoms are too diverse. For this reason, experts focus on general strengthening measures: hardening, physical therapy, being in the fresh air, and most importantly, normalization mental state patient and reducing stress.

Treatment of VSD with medications

The medications that are used to combat the manifestations of VSD include medications that improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and central nervous system, as well as sedatives.

Sedatives:

• natural sedatives (“ Persen», « Novopassit»);
• barbiturates and medications containing them (“ Bromcamphor», « Valocordin», « Corvalol»);
• extracts of valerian, hawthorn, peony, Chinese lemongrass, eleutherococcus.

Drugs that improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;

• blood pressure lowering agents, beta blockers;
• drugs to normalize heart rhythm (“ Asparkam», « Panangin»);
• drugs that improve cerebral circulation (« Cavinton», « Stugeron»).

To improve the psycho-emotional state of patients, reduce anxiety and combat insomnia, tranquilizers are used (“ Gidazepam», « Seduxen"), antipsychotics, sleeping pills and antidepressants. For drowsiness and decreased performance, caffeine-based psychostimulants are indicated.

To maintain basic body functions, patients diagnosed with VSD are recommended to take adaptogenic and diuretic drugs, vitamins and amino acids, calcium and other trace elements.

Folk remedies to combat VSD

Traditional medicine, which is used to treat pathology, often has no less effective effect than pharmaceutical drugs. However, do not forget that they have a number of contraindications and side effects, therefore, when taking it, you should be careful and closely monitor your health.

Pharmaceutical infusion

This is an effective, but at the same time strong remedy for the treatment of VSD. Before using it, you should definitely consult your doctor and make sure there are no contraindications. Mix pharmacy tinctures valerian root, hawthorn and motherwort with Corvalol in equal proportions, take 12 drops dissolved in half a glass of clean water, every morning before meals and in the evening before bed. The course is 12 days.

Pharmaceutical infusion No. 2

This recipe is a little similar to the previous one, so it also requires great care when using. For preparation you will need the following ingredients:

• tinctures of valerian, motherwort, hawthorn and peony (all 100 ml);
• 25 ml peppermint tincture;
• 50 ml eucalyptus tincture.

Mix the ingredients in a glass bowl, throw in 10 clove buds (spice), leave for two weeks in the dark, shake from time to time. After the specified time, take the infusion three times a day, 20-25 drops before meals, diluting the medicine in clean water or dripping it onto a piece of sugar. The therapeutic course is 30 days, then you should take a two-week break and repeat the treatment.

The drug improves blood circulation in the brain, has antispasmodic and anticonvulsant effects, stimulates hematopoiesis and prevents thrombus formation.

Tibetan decoction

This recipe is called Tibetan, since Tibetan monks have been using it for a long time not only to treat dystonia, but also to normalize metabolism, strengthen blood vessels and rejuvenate the body.

Take 100 g of birch buds, the same amount of St. John's wort leaves, immortelle and chamomile flowers. Mix the raw materials, chop them, pour a tablespoon of herbs into a thermos and steam with 500 ml of boiling water. Leave for 3.5 hours, drink instead of regular tea until the medicine runs out. Treatment is repeated only after five years.

Vessel cleaner

Poor vascular condition and various pathologies are one of the causes of VSD, so a little cleaning can significantly alleviate the patient’s condition. To do this, take dry dill seeds (200 g) and valerian root (2 tbsp), steam with a liter of boiling water, leave for 24 hours. Strain, add 2 tbsp. honey (preferably May), drink a tablespoon three times a day before meals until the infusion ends. Store the product in a cool place.

Video - Vegetative-vascular dystonia, causes, symptoms, treatment

Infusions for the treatment of VSD with high blood pressure

Mistletoe and magnolia are most effective for vegetative-vascular dystonia, which is accompanied by high blood pressure. Infusions of these plants can be purchased or prepared with your own hands.

Infusion of white mistletoe. Take 15 g of dry herb, steam 200 ml of boiling water, leave for an hour, then strain thoroughly. Take a third of a glass three times a day, carry out treatment in three-week courses, with breaks of 7 days between them. For maximum effectiveness, you should take at least three courses.

Magnolia tincture. Pour crushed leaves of the plant medical alcohol in equal proportions, seal tightly and leave in the dark for two weeks. Filter, store in a place protected from the sun, take 20 drops dissolved in 50 ml of clean water three times a day. You need to drink the infusion for 10 days in a row every month.

Infusions for the treatment of VSD with low blood pressure

You can get rid of hypotension during VSD using the root Rhodiola rosea, St. John's wort, as well as an herb called angelica.

Infusion of Rhodiola rosea root. Take 100 g of root, pour a bottle of vodka, leave in a dark place for a week, shaking from time to time. Drink 10 drops dissolved in clean water three times a day. The therapeutic course lasts two weeks, in the absence of the desired result, extend up to a month.

A decoction of St. John's wort and angelica. Mix fresh herbs St. John's wort (10 parts) and angelica (1 part), pour into a tightly sealed fireproof container and steam in the oven for three hours. After this, grind the mixture and brew it like regular tea. Take a glass twice a day until symptoms relieve.

To completely get rid of vegetative-vascular dystonia, the patient needs to completely change his lifestyle. It is necessary to give up bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse), balance your diet, spend time in the fresh air as often as possible and do physical exercise. Coffee and strong tea better to replace herbal infusions, and exclude fatty, smoked, salty foods from the menu. Patients with VSD are recommended to sleep at least 6-8 hours a day, take a contrast shower and attend massage sessions.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD)– the name of a set of symptoms characterizing autonomic dysfunction of the cardiovascular system. Vegetative-vascular dystonia is not, in fact, an independent disease. Diseases may be hidden under this diagnosis endocrine systems s, central nervous system (CNS), circulatory disorders, heart damage, stress and even mental disorders. More modern names vegetative-vascular dystonia: somatoform autonomic dysfunction (SVD) or neurocircular dystonia(NCD).

In conditions modern life With constant stress, overload at work, poor nutrition and not the best environment the diagnosis of “vegetative-vascular dystonia” can be made to 70% of the population. Moreover, not only adults suffer (up to 75% of neurologists’ patients), but also adolescents and children (up to 25%).

The debut (first manifestation) of disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) usually occurs at adolescence and is caused by hormonal changes in the body. Hormonal imbalances are one of the reasons for the development of VSD. Also, this symptom complex develops more often in women, since it carries a connotation of psychological disorders (anxiety, hysteria), which are more characteristic of women.

Why does vegetative-vascular dystonia occur?

Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia can only appear in stressful situations, or can be constant companions in human life. The last option usually happens when physical weakness cardiovascular system or under severe psycho-traumatic circumstances, when psychological disorders have already “sank” to physiological level. What can cause symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia?

• Diseases of the nervous system (especially the brain stem and hypothalamus), encephalopathy.
• Chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, tachycardia or bradycardia, arrhythmias).
• Diseases of the endocrine system (especially those associated with hormone TSH and diabetes mellitus).
• Periods of hormonal changes in the body (adolescence, pregnancy, menopause).
• Brain injuries.
• Cervical osteochondrosis and brain nutrition disorders.
• Hereditary weakness of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
• Chronic infections, especially in the oral cavity (tonsillitis, caries).
• Diseases gastrointestinal tract(pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, ulcerative conditions).
• Psychological overload and constant stress.
• Personality Features: increased anxiety, hypochondria (excessive concern about one’s own health), iatrogenics (suspicious and hyper-vulnerable reaction to the statements of medical staff, a tendency to see a fatal outcome in all diagnoses).
• Overwork, regular lack of sleep.
• Abuse of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol.
• Abrupt climate change.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia: symptoms

In total, more than 150 symptoms, the most common of which:

• headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances;
• cardialgia, interruptions in the functioning of the heart, pain mistakenly regarded as cardiac;
• myalgia, neuralgia, joint pain;
• asthenia (general weakness, increased fatigue, possible fainting), including apathy;
• neurotic disorders (obsessive thoughts and movements, increased anxiety and suspiciousness, hysteria, phobias);
• breathing problems (feeling of lack of air, it is impossible to take a deep breath);
• coldness of the extremities, trembling of the hands, rare convulsive movements;
• swelling of tissues;
• numbness of the limbs, feeling of “pins and needles” on the body;
• feeling of heat in the face, constantly elevated temperature(about 37˚);
• symptomatic-adrenal crises (usually during sleep): trembling of the whole body, possible cold sweating, anxiety, fear of death;
• urinary disorders and gastrointestinal disorders.

If you find the above symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, contact a neurologist to determine accurate diagnosis, hiding under the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia: treatment and prevention

VSD is a complex condition, almost always accompanied by psychological disorders, therefore, exclusively medicated will not have the full effect. When diagnosing VSD, you should definitely seek the services of a psychotherapist.

Diagnosis of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Suspicions of vegetative-vascular dystonia are an excellent reason to full inspection body. VSD has about 150 symptoms and can be a manifestation of about 30 diseases. Depending on which side the main complaints come from, it is necessary to diagnose:

• cardiovascular system: do an electrocardiogram, and also, if necessary, an ultrasound of the heart;
• central nervous system: conduct an MRI or CT scan, EEG or echogram of the brain;
• it is important to check the tone and blood filling of the cerebral vessels (vascular Doppler);
• diseases of the spine (especially cervical osteochondrosis, displacement of the first or fifth cervical vertebrae);
• study the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract for ulcers and other functional disorders (not of a nervous nature);

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia is always a complex of measures and includes three areas:

1. Treatment of the underlying somatic disease which causes dystonic symptoms. Getting rid of a permanent source of infection in the body.
2. A course of meetings with a psychotherapist who, in addition to individual psychological techniques, can prescribe medication treatment (usually mild sedatives designed to reduce anxiety, or antidepressants).
3. Relaxing and restorative techniques: vitamin therapy, massages, acupuncture, breathing exercises, yoga.

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia will not be quick; dystonia cannot be gotten rid of, like a cold, in a week. In addition to treating the underlying disease, which can be long-term (if the disease has not progressed to chronic form), it is necessary to change the usual way of life: get rid of bad habits, restore sleep and wakefulness, change the psycho-social situation in order to reduce the level of daily stress.

Prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia

The main wishes for the prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia will be standard recommendations:

• avoidance of prolonged stressful (psychotraumatic) situations;
• visit a family therapist;
• timely rest and proper sleep;
• giving up bad habits (especially smoking);
• healthy eating;
• regular moderate physical activity: running, morning exercises;
• relaxation practices: massages, breathing exercises, swimming, yoga;
• regular medical examination.

It is possible to relieve the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia, and this will significantly improve the quality of life. Agree, feeling cheerful, without constant drowsiness, weakness, pain in all parts of the body is worth undergoing examination by specialists, identifying the cause of your ailment and getting rid of it.