BP3GK1-4B
8
IB BP3GK1-4B EN
EN
2. How is blood pressure measured?
2.1. What is blood pressure, and why does it fluctuate?
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 frequency of the heart (pulse), as well as the width of circulatory blood
vessels is altered.
Blood vessel width is affected by way of 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 must lie within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particular diseases.
2.2. Measurement guidelines
Blood pressure is very high if your systolic blood pressure is over 160 mmHg and/or your
diastolic pressure is above 100 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 159 mmHg and/or the
diastolic blood pressure values are between 90 mmHg and 99 mmHg, consult your
physician. Regular self-checks are necessary.
If you have blood pressure values that are too low (i.e., systolic values under 105 mmHg
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 medication
prescribed by your physician.
Which values are normal?
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (in adults) have been established
by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) in
2017.
