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2.2. What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure created in the blood vessels by each heart beat. When
the heart contracts (= systole) and pumps blood into the arteries, it brings about a rise
in pressure. The highest value is known as the systolic pressure and is the first value
to be measured. When the cardiac muscle relaxes to take in fresh blood, the pressure
in the arteries also falls. Once the arteries are relaxed, a second reading is taken – the
diastolic pressure.
2.3. How is blood pressure measured?
The
3NF1-2B
is a blood pressure unit which is used to measure blood pressure at the
upper arm. The measurement is carried out by a microprocessor, which, via a pressure
sensor, measures the vibrations resulting from the inflation and deflation of the cuff
over the artery.
2.4. Why should you take your blood pressure at home?
Microlife has had many years of experience in the field of blood pressure measure-
ment. The high precision of Microlife devices has been confirmed by extensive clinical
tests, carried out according to strict international standards. One strong argument in
favour of taking blood pressure at home is the fact that the readings are taken in
familiar surroundings under relaxed conditions. The most important reading is the
socalled „baseline value“, the one taken before breakfast, directly after getting up in
the morning. As far as it is possible, you should always try to take your blood pressure
at the same time and under the same conditions each day.
This ensures comparable results and helps in detecting the first signs of high blood
pressure. If high blood pressure remains undetected, it increases the risk of further
cardiovascular diseases.
THEREFORE WE RECOMMEND:
Take a blood pressure reading daily and on a regular basis, even if you are experienc-
ing no apparent complaints.
2.5. Blood pressure classification
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (in adults) have been
established by the National Institutes of Health JNC7, 2003.
Category
Systolic
Diastolic
(mmHg)
(mmHg)
Normal
<120
and <80
Pre-Hypertension
120-139
or 80-89
Hypertension
Stage 1 Hypertension
140-159
or 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
≥
160
or
≥
100
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