Version Number: 1.0
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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 adjusts 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 circulatory 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 at the highest (systolic blood pressure value). At the end of the heart’s “rest period”
(Diastole) pressure is at the lowest (diastolic blood pressure value).
Blood pressure values must lie within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particular diseases.
2.2. Which values are normal?
Please refer to the diagram below(Picture-01)
Picture-01
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 endanger 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
values 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 independently alter the drug doses prescribed by your physician.
Further information
• If your values are mostly normal under resting conditions but exceptionally high under conditions of
physical or psychological stress, it is possible that you are suffering from so-called “labile hypertension.”
