7
Which values are normal?
The following standards for as-
sessing high blood pressure
(without regard to age) have
been established by the U.S. Na-
tional Institutes of Health JNC7,
2003.
Further information
• If your values are mostly normal under resting conditions but exceptionally high
under conditions of physical or psychological stress, it is possible that you are suf-
fering from so-called “labile hypertension.” Consult your doctor.
• Correctly measured diastolic blood pressure values above 120mmHg
require immediate medical treatment.
2.3. What can be done if regular high or low values are obtained?
a) Consult your doctor.
b) Increased blood pressure values (various forms of hypertension) are associated
with considerable health risks over time. Arterial blood vessels in your body are
endangered due to constriction caused by deposits in the vessel walls (Arte-
riosclerosis). A deficient supply of blood to important organs (heart, brain, mus-
cles) can result from arteriosclerosis. Furthermore, the heart will become
structurally damaged with increased blood pressure values.
c) There are many different causes of high blood pressure. We differentiate between
the common primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension. The
latter group can be ascribed to specific organ malfunctions. Please consult your
doctor for information about the possible origins of your own increased blood
pressure values.
d) There are measures which you can take to reduce and even prevent high blood
pressure. These measures must be permanent lifestyle changes.
A) Eating habits
• Strive for a normal weight corresponding to your age. See your doctor for
your ideal weight.
• Avoid excessive consumption of common salt.
• Avoid fatty foods.
Category Systolic Diastolic
(mmHg) (mmHg)
Normal <120 <80
Pre-Hypertension 120-139 80-89
Hypertension
Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension >160 >100
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