Vegetovascular dystonia

Vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD) is a functional disorder of the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, in which the mechanisms for maintaining stable vascular tone, heart function, breathing, digestion, and stress responses are impaired.

In most cases, this condition is associated with an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the nervous system, leading to increased sensitivity of the body to stress, hormonal fluctuations, and external factors.

Causes of VVD

The causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia can be diverse and include:

• stressful situations and chronic emotional strain;
• genetic predisposition;
• hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause);
• chronic somatic diseases, especially of the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems;
• unhealthy lifestyle: lack of sleep, low physical activity, irregular eating;
• consequences of past infections or prolonged inflammatory processes;
• autonomic dysfunction after prolonged overwork or exhaustion of the nervous system.

An additional factor is the disorder of neurotransmitter balance – reduced resilience of the stress response system, disruption of cortisol regulation, catecholamines, and vagal tone. Therefore, VVD often coexists with anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and fluctuations in blood pressure.

Symptoms of VVD

The symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia can be very diverse and depend on the type of dystonia. The main symptoms include:

1. headaches, dizziness, tinnitus;
2. rapid or slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeats;
3. sensation of shortness of breath, episodes of shallow breathing;
4. sleep disturbances: difficulties falling asleep, shallow sleep, night awakenings;
5. feelings of anxiety, internal tension, panic states;
6. instability of blood pressure, cold extremities;
7. changes in appetite, digestive disturbances, tendency to cramps or discomfort in the abdomen.

Symptoms may worsen after emotional stress, lack of sleep, sudden weather changes, overwork, or consumption of stimulating drinks.

Types of vegetative-vascular dystonia

There are several types of VVD, which differ in predominant symptoms:

• mixed type – a combination of episodes of hypotension and hypertension, mood swings, unstable pulse;
• hypotonic type – low blood pressure, weakness, fatigue, tendency to fainting;
• hypertensive type – high blood pressure, palpitations, sensation of internal heat.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia should be comprehensive and include:

• medication therapy aimed at stabilizing the nervous system and vascular tone;
• physiotherapy procedures that improve circulation and the functioning of the autonomic system;
• psychotherapy and stress management techniques, normalization of vagal tone;
• lifestyle correction: regular physical activity, normalization of sleep, balanced diet;
• work with breathing techniques, relaxation, and restoration of nervous regulation;
• limiting stimulants: caffeine, strong tea, sugar, especially in hypertensive or anxious types.

It is important to consider that VVD often arises as a consequence of chronic stress and exhaustion, so restoring the nervous system is a key stage of therapy. Support with trace elements (magnesium, potassium), normalization of B vitamin levels, and improving adrenal function can also reduce symptom severity.

Prevention of VVD is based on reducing stress, regular physical activity, normalizing circadian rhythms, and timely correction of endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is a common functional disorder that requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.