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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?
Your blood pressure level is determined in the circulatory center of your brain. Your nervous system allows
your body to adapt or alter blood pressure in response to different situations. Your body alters your pulse
and the width of blood vessels through changes in muscles in the walls of blood vessels.
Your blood pressure reading is highest when the heart pumps or ejects blood – this is called your Systolic
Blood Pressure. Your blood pressure reading is lowest when the heart rests (in-between beats) – this is
called your Diastolic Blood Pressure.
Note: Maintain blood pressure values within a «normal» range(s) 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. If you obtain readings in this range, consult your doctor immediately. High
blood pressure values over time damage blood vessels, vital organs such as the kidney and even your heart.
When blood pressure values are too low, i.e. systolic values under 100 mmHg and/or diastolic values under
60 mmHg, 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 independently alter drug
doses prescribed by your doctor.
Table for classifying blood pressure values (units mmHg): according to World Health Organization:
☞ 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 suffering from so-called «labile
hypertension». In any case, please discuss the values with your doctor.
• Correctly measured diastolic blood pressure values above 120 mmHg require immediate medical
treatment.
Range Systolic
Blood Pressure
Diastolic
Blood Pressure
Measures
Hypotension lower than 100 lower than 60 Consult your doctor
Normal range between 100 and 140 between 60 and 90 Self-check
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
