10
M1 Classic English
Blood circulation
The blood circulation is responsible for
supplying the body with oxygen. Blood
pressure is the pressure exerted on the
arteries.
The systolic blood pressure value (higher
pressure or top value) represents the
blood pressure produced by contraction of
the heart muscle.
The diastolic blood pressure value (lower
pressure or lower value) represents the
blood pressure produced by relaxation of
the heart muscle.
Classification of blood pressure
The World Health Organisation (WHO)
and the International Society of
Hypertension (ISH) developed the blood
pressure classification. This classification
is based on the blood pressure values
measured while sitting on a chair in the
outpatient department of a hospital.
According to the blood pressure classification by
the WHO/ISH.
Health and blood pressure
The incidence of hypertension increases
with age. In addition, a lack of exercise,
excess body fat and high levels of
cholesterol (LDL), which sticks to the
inside in blood vessels, reduces elasticity
of these vessels. Hypertension
accelerates arterial sclerosis which can
lead to very serious conditions such as
stroke and myocardial infarction. For
these reasons it is very important to know
whether the blood pressure is within a
healthy range. Blood pressure fluctuates
from minute to minute, throughout the
day. Therefore it is essential to take
regular measurements to help you identify
an average blood pressure.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
High blood pressure can go unnoticed for
a long time, since it does not cause
noticeable symptoms. The following are
all possible causes of abnormally high
blood pressure:
• Overweight
• High cholesterol level
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Stress and emotional upset
• Excessive consumption of salt
• Lack of physical exercise
• Genetic/hereditary predisposition
• Underlying illnesses, such as kidney
disorders or endocrine disturbance
Blood pressure measurement
Measuring your blood pressure daily
9 General information about blood pressure
Optimal blood
pressure
(target value)
Normal blood
pressure
Normal systolic value
Mild hypertension
Moderate hypertension
Severe hypertension
Systolic blood pressure
(mmHg)
Diastolic
blood
pressure
(mmHg)
80
180
160
140
130
120
85 90 100 110
28070122-03 Manual M1 GB 01-12 28-11-2008 09:19 Pagina 10
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