B.P. readings- what do you say?
The blood pressure (blood pressure value) is measured in the unit of measurement mmHg (millimetres of mercury). The upper of the two values corresponds to systolic pressure, the pressure that builds up when the heart pumps its blood into the body. The lower value, the diastolic value, occurs during the flaccid/filling phase of the heart.
The optimal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as values of 140/90 mmHg and above. High blood pressure can be divided into three stages: To diagnose actual high blood pressure, blood pressure measurements must be taken several times at different times of the day and on different days.
Depending on the severity of the hypertension, the blood pressure must be treated with different medication. A too low blood pressure (hypotension) is present at values below 100/60 mmHg. Values above 230/130 mmHg are referred to as either a hypertensive crisis or a hypertensive emergency.
In contrast to a hypertensive emergency, there is no organ damage in a hypertensive crisis. In both cases, immediate action must be taken and the blood pressure must be lowered. Older patients often suffer from so-called isolated systolic hypertension.
This means that only the systolic value is elevated, while the diastolic value is at normal levels. Isolated systolic hypertension is, for example, blood pressure of 190/80 mmHg. Often the blood pressure is falsely elevated by excitement during doctor’s measurements, this is called white coat hypertension. – In stage I, the blood pressure is between 140/90 and 160/100,
- In stage II between 160/90 and 180/100 and
- In stage III over 180/110.
I measure different values on the poor, what does that mean?
Differently measured values on both arms are initially no cause for concern, as there are many factors that influence the measurement. Therefore, one will probably never measure the exact same value on both arms. It is said that a difference of up to 20 mmHg is normal.
Most of the time this is caused by different muscle tension, because even if we think we are completely relaxed, this is usually not true. In addition, the circumference of our arms is never exactly the same either, although this also has an influence on the measurement. However, if the values differ by more than 20 mmHg, diseases such as peripheral arterial occlusive disease, also called pAVK, or the so-called subclavian steel syndrome can be the cause. In such cases you should therefore consult your family doctor.
What is a long-term blood pressure measurement?
In a long-term blood pressure measurement, the blood pressure is measured regularly and automatically over a period of usually 24 hours. It is usually an upper arm measuring device, i.e. the cuff is placed around the upper arm and the actual measuring device is carried in a small bag. During the day, the blood pressure is then measured approximately every 15 to 30 minutes; at night, the interval between individual measurements is usually longer.
In addition, the wearer of the device is required to write a protocol of the 24 hours in which he/she records all his/her activities and also psychological experiences. This enables the doctor to better assess which factors had an influence on the patient’s blood pressure when evaluating the long-term measurement. He can also observe the fluctuations in blood pressure over the day and assess whether these correspond to the natural fluctuations caused by hormones.
For example, the blood pressure should drop significantly at night, rise towards morning and be in a mid-range range during the day. The device is put on the patient in the morning by a doctor’s assistant, test measurements are taken and then the wearer can go about his normal daily routine. The next morning, the device is taken off again in the same practice and evaluated by the doctor. The results are usually discussed afterwards.
