How does high/low blood pressure arise? The
level of blood pressure is determined in a part of the brain, the so
called circulatory centre, and adapted to the respecive situation by
way of feedback via the nervous system. To adjust the bood pressure,
the strength and frequency of the heart (pulse), as well as the width
of circulatory blood vessel walls. The level of arterial blood pressure
changes periodically during the heart activity: During the "blood
ejection" (systole) the value is maximal (systolic blood pressure
value), at the end of the heart's "rest period" (diastole) minimal
(diastolic blood pressure value). The blood pressure values must lie
within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particular diseases.
Which values are normal?
Blood pressure is too high if at rest, the diastolic pressure is above 90 mmHg and/or the systolic blood pressure is over 140 mmHg.
In this case, please consult your doctor. Log term values at this level
endanger your health due to the associated advancing damage to the
blood vessels in your body. With
blood pressure values that are too low, i.e. systolic values under 100
mmHg and/or diastolic values under 60 mmHg, likewise, please consult
your doctor. Eve. with normal blood pressure values, a regular self
check with your blood pressure monitor is recommended. In this way you
can detect possible changes in your values early and react
appropriately. If
you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure,
please keep a record of the level of your blood pressure by carrying
out regular self measurements at specific times of the day. Show these
values to your doctor. Never use the results of your measurements to
alter independently the drug doses prescribed by your doctor.
Table for classifying blood pressure values (units mmHg) according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)
Range
systolic blood pressure
diastolic blood pressure
Hypotension
lower than 100
lower than 60
Normal range
between 100 and 140
between 60 and 90
Mild hypertension
between 140 and 160
between 90 and 100
Moderate hypertension
between 160 and 180
between 100 and 110
Severe hypertension
higher than 180
higher than 110
What can be done, if regular increased / low values are obtained?
1. Primarily, please consult your doctor. 2. These are measres which you can take, not only for reducing a medically established high blood pressure, but also for preveintion. These measures are part of your general way of life:
A) Eating Habits • Strive for normal weight corresponding to your age. Reduce overweight! • Avoid excessive consumtion of common salt! • Avoid fatty foods!
B) Previous Illnesses • Follow consistently any medica instructinos for treating previous illness such as diabetes (diabetes mellitus), fat metabolism disorder, gout.
C) Habits • Give up smoking completely! • Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol! • Restrict your caffeine consumption (coffee)!
D) Physical Constitution • After preliminary medical examination, do regular sport. • Choose sports which require stamina and avoid those which require strengh. • Avoid reaching the limit of your performance. • With previous illnesses and/or an age of over 40 years, please consult your doctor before beginning your sporting activities. he will advise your regarding the type and extent of types of sport that are possible for you.
