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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 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. The latter is effected by way of
fine muscles in the blood vessel walls. The 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). 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 your diastolic pressure is above 90 mmHg and/or the 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 you body.
Should the systolic blood pressure values lie between 140 mmHg and 160mmHg and/or the 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.
Which values are normal?
Systolic Diastolic
Range
Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
Measures
Hypotension (low)
Lower than 100
Lower than 60
Consult your doctor
Normal Range
Between 100 and 140
Between 60 and 90
Monitor regularly
Mild Hypertension (high)
Between 140 and 160
Between 90 and 100
Consult your physician
Moderately Serious
Between 160 and 180
Between 100 and 110
Consult your physician URGENTLY
Hypertension (higher)
Serious Hypertension
Higher than 180
Higher than 110
Consult your physician URGENTLY
(very high)
Specific Systolic
Higher than 140
Lower than 90
Consult your physician
Hypertension
(World Health Organization)
