2.
Important information about 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 your brain
and adjusts to a variety of situations through feedback from the nervous system.
To adjust blood pressure, the strength and frequency of the heart (Pulse), as well as
the width of circulatory blood vessels is altered. Blood vessel width is affected 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 pressure value). Your blood pressure values should lie
within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particular diseases.
2.2 Which values are normal?
Blood pressure is dangerously 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
through continual damage to the blood vessels in you body. If your systolic blood
pressure values lie between 140 mmHg and 160mmHg and/or your diastolic blood
pressure values lie between 90 mmHg and 95mmHg consult your physician. Regular
self-checks will be 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.
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