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2. Important information on the subject of blood-pressure and its Measurement
2.1. 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 respective situation by way of feedback via the nervous system.
To adjust the blood-pressure, the strength and frequency of the heart (Pulse), as well as the width of
circulatory blood vessels is altered. The latter is effected by way of fine muscles in the 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.
2.2. 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 immediately. Long-term values at this
level endanger your health due to the associated advancing damage to the blood vessels in your body.
Should the systolic blood-pressure values lie between 140 mmHg and 160 mmHg and/or the diastolic
blood-pressure values lie between 90 mmHg and 95 mmHg, likewise, please consult your doctor.
Furthermore, regular self-checks will be necessary.
With blood-pressure values that are too low, i.e. systolic values under 105 mmHg and/or diastolic values
under 60 mmHg, likewise, please consult your doctor.
Even 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 World Health Organization:
Range Systolic
Blood Pressure
Diastolic
Blood Pressure
Measures
Hypotension lower than 100 lower than 60 Consult your doctor
Optimal range between 100 and 120 between 60 and 80 Self-check
Normal range between 120 and 130 between 80 and 85 Self-check
High-normal range between 130 and 140 between 85 and 90 Consult your doctor
Mild hypertension between 140 and 160 between 90 and 100 Consult your doctor
Moderate hypertension between 160 and 180 between 100 and 110 Consult your doctor
Severe hypertension higher than 180 higher than 110 Consult your doctor
immediately
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