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2. Important information on the subject of blood-pressure and its measurement
2.1. How does high/low blood-pressure arise?
The level of blood-pressure is determined in a part of the brain, the so-called circulatory centre, and adapted
to the respective situation by way of feedback via the nervous system. To adjust the blood-pressure, the
strength and frequency of the heart (Pulse), as well as the width of circulatory blood vessels is altered. The
latter is effected by way of fine muscles in the blood-vessel walls.
The level of arterial blood-pressure changes periodically during the heart activity: During the «blood ejection»
(Systole) the value is maximal (systolic blood-pressure value), at the end of the heart’s «rest period» (Diastole)
minimal (diastolic blood-pressure value).
The blood-pressure values must lie within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particular diseases.
2.2. Which values are normal?
Blood pressure is too high if at rest, the diastolic pressure is above 90 mmHg and/or the systolic
blood-pressure is over 160 mmHg. In this case, please consult your doctor immediately. Long-term values at
this level endanger your health due to the associated advancing damage to the blood vessels in your body.
Should the systolic blood-pressure values lie between 140 mmHg and 160 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood-pressure
values lie between 90 mmHg and 100 mmHg, likewise, please consult your doctor. Furthermore, regular self-checks
will be necessary.
With blood-pressure values that are too low, i.e. systolic values under 100 mmHg and/or diastolic values
under 60 mmHg, likewise, please consult your doctor.
Even with normal blood-pressure values, a regular self-check with your blood-pressure monitor is
recommended. In this way you can detect possible changes in your values early and react appropriately. If you
are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure, please keep a record of the level of your
blood pressure by carrying out regular self-measurements at specific times of the day. Show these values to
your doctor.
Never use the results of your measurements to alter independently the drug doses prescribed by your
doctor.
