18
This can be an indicator for arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a condi-
tion in which the heart rhythm is abnormal because of flaws in
the bioelectrical system that regulates the heartbeat. The sym-
ptoms (skipped or premature heart beats, pulse being slow or
too fast) can be caused by factors such as heart disease, age,
physical make-up, excess stimulants, stress or lack of sleep.
Arrhythmia can only be determined through an examination by
your doctor.
If the symbol
is shown on the display after the measure-
ment has been taken, repeat the measurement. Please ensure
that you rest for 5 minutes beforehand and do not speak or
move during the measurement. If the symbol
appears
frequently, please consult your doctor.
Self-diagnosis and treatment based on the measurements can
be dangerous. Always follow your GP’s instructions.
WHO classification:
In accordance with the guidelines/definitions of the World
Heath Organization and the latest findings, the measurements
can be classified and assessed according to the following
table.
However, these standard values serve only as a general
guideline, as the individual blood pressure varies in different
people and different age groups etc.
It is important to consult your doctor regularly for advice. Your
doctor will tell you your individual values for normal blood
pressure as well as the value above which your blood pressure
is classified as dangerous.
The bar chart on the display and the scale on the unit show
which category the recorded blood pressure values fall into.
If the systolic and diastolic values fall into two different WHO
categories (e.g. systolic in the ‘High normal’ category and
diastolic in the ‘Normal’ category), the graphical WHO classifi-
cation on the device always shows the higher category; for the
example given this would be ‘High normal’.
Blood pressure
value category
systolic
(in mmHg)
Diastolic
(in mmHg) Action
Grade 3:
severe hyperten-
sion
≥ 180
≥ 110
seek medical
attention
Grade 2:
moderate hyper-
tension
160 – 179
100 – 109
seek medical
attention
Grade 1:
mild hypertension
140 – 159
90 – 99
regular mo-
nitoring by
doctor
High normal
130 – 139
85 – 89
regular mo-
nitoring by
doctor
Normal
120 – 129
80 – 84
self-monito-
ring
Optimal
< 120
< 80
self-monito-
ring
Source: WHO, 1999
