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2. Important Information on Blood Pressure and its Measurement
2.1. How does high or low blood pressure arise?
Your level of blood pressure is determined in the circulatory center of the brain and ad-
justs to a variety of situations through feedback from the nervous system. To adjust
blood pressure, the strength and speed of the heart (Pulse), as well as the width of cir-
culatory blood vessels is altered. Blood vessel width is controlled by fine muscles in
the blood vessel walls.
Your level of arterial blood pressure changes periodically during heart activity: During
the “blood ejection” (Systole) the value is highest (systolic blood pressure value). At
the end of the heart’s “rest period” (Diastole) pressure is lowest (diastolic blood pres-
sure value).
Blood pressure values must lie within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particu-
lar diseases.
2.2. Which values are normal?
Blood pressure is very high if your diastolic pressure is above 90 mmHg and/or
your systolic blood pressure is over 160 mmHg,
while at rest
. In this case,
please consult your physician immediately. Long-term values at this level endan-
ger your health due to continual damage to the blood vessels in your body.
If your systolic blood pressure values are between 140 mmHg and 159mmHg
and/or the diastolic blood pressure values between 90 mmHg and 99mmHg,
consult your physician. Regular self-checks are necessary.
If you have blood pressure values that are too low, (i.e., systolic values under
105mmHg and/or diastolic values under 60 mmHg), consult your physician.
Even with normal blood pressure values, a regular self-check with your blood
pressure monitor is recommended. You can detect possible changes in your val-
ues early and react appropriately.
If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure, keep a
record of values along with time of day and date. Show these values to your
physician.
Never use the results of your measurements to independ-
ently alter the drug doses prescribed by your physician.
