1.2B Care of the Device
For prolonged life of your blood pressure monitor, note the following instructions:
• Do not drop or bang the unit. Prevent sudden jerks, jars, or shocks to the device to prevent damage.
• Do not insert any foreign objects in any device openings or vents.
• Do not disassemble the unit.
• If the unit has been stored at very low or freezing temperatures, allow to reach room temperature before
using it.
• Do not store the unit in direct sunlight, high humidity, or in places with a lot of dust.
• Clean the device with a soft dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, thinner or similar solvents. Carefully remove
spots on the cuff with a damp cloth and soap. Do not wash the cuff.
1.3 About Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure level is determined in the circulatory center of your brain. Your nervous system allows your
body to adapt or alter blood pressure in response to different situations. Your body alters your pulse or heart
rate and the width of blood vessels through changes in muscles in the walls of blood vessels.
Your blood pressure reading is highest when your heart pumps or ejects blood. This stage is called your systolic
blood pressure.
Your blood pressure is lowest when the heart rests (in-between beats). This is called your diastolic blood
pressure.
It is critical to maintain blood pressure values within a “normal” range in order to prevent cardiovascular
diseases. Increased blood pressure values (various forms of hypertension) have associated long and medium
term health risks. These risks concern the arterial blood vessels of your body, which are endangered due to
constriction caused by deposits in the vessel walls (arteriosclerosis). A deficient supply of blood to important
organs (heart, brain, muscles) can be the result. Furthermore, with long-term increased blood pressure values,
the heart will become structurally damaged.
There are many different causes of the appearance of high blood pressure. We differentiate between common
primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension. The latter group can be ascribed to specific
organic malfunctions. Please consult your doctor for information about the possible origins of your own
increased blood pressure values.
1.4 Normal Blood Pressure Values
Blood pressure is too high when, at rest, the diastolic pressure is above 90 mmHg or the systolic blood pressure
is over 140 mmHg.
If you obtain readings in this range, consult your doctor immediately. High blood pressure values over time can
damage blood vessels, vital organs such as the kidney, and your heart.
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