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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.
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.
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.
