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vessels is altered. Blood vessel width is affected by way of fine muscles in the
blood vessel walls. Your level of arterial blood pressure changes periodically
during heart activity. During the "blood ejection" (Systole), the value is highest
(systolic blood pressure value). At the end of the heart’s "rest period" (Diastole)
pressure is lowest (diastolic blood pressure value). Your blood pressure values
must lie within certain normal ranges in order to prevent particular diseases.
2.2 Which values are normal?
Blood pressure is too high if your diastolic pressure is above 100 mmHg
and/or your systolic blood pressure is over 160 mmHg, while at rest. In this
case, please consult your physician immediately. Long-term values at this level
endanger your health through continual damage to the blood vessels in you
body. Should your systolic blood pressure values lie between 140 mmHg and
159mmHg and/or your diastolic blood pressure values lie between 90 mmHg
and 99mmHg. Consult your physician. Regular self-checks will be necessary. If
you have blood pressure values that are too low, (i.e., systolic values under
105mmHg and/or diastolic values under 60 mmHg), consult your physician.
Even with normal blood pressure values, a regular self-check with your blood
pressure monitor is recommended. You can detect possible changes in your
values early and react appropriately. If you are undergoing medical treatment
to control your blood pressure, keep a record of values along with time of day
and date. Show these values to your physician. Never use the results of
your measurements to independently alter the drug doses prescribed
by your physician. Which values are normal?
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without reagard to
age) have been established by the U.S. National Institutes of Health JNC7, 2003.
Category Systolic Diastolic
(mmHg) (mmHg)
Normal <120 and <80
Self-Check
Pre-Hypertension 120 - 139 or 80 - 89
Stage 1 140 - 159 or 90 - 99
Hypertension
Stage 2
≥160 or ≥100
Hypertension
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