Evaluation of a long-term blood pressure measurement
The evaluation is performed by the doctor in the following days after the long-term measurement. The device, which recorded every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night, displays the measured blood pressure values in a table. The doctor compares the values with the time and the activities specified in the protocol.
From this, conclusions can be drawn as to whether the blood pressure was too low, normal or too high for the respective situation. Occasionally, incorrect measurements are also made more frequently, especially at night, when the arm with the cuff was in a position that was difficult to measure. In order to make it easier for the doctor to evaluate the data, care should be taken to keep the arm as straight as possible, if possible also at night.
Standard values of blood pressure
The ideal blood pressure value is about 120/80 mmHg. Less than 100/60 mmHg is called hypotension, or too low blood pressure. 140/90 is the limit for high blood pressure, a so-called “arterial hypertension”.
This can be further graded into different degrees of severity. From about 180/110 mmHg on, one speaks of severe high blood pressure. This value is a resting value.
It should only be measured after about 10 minutes rest. The first number of the blood pressure value describes the “systolic” blood pressure, which is measured in the vessel immediately after the heart pumps. The lower, second value (“diastolic blood pressure“) is the lowest pressure of the blood flow, which always occurs shortly before a heartbeat. During sport, blood pressure rises sharply, but should not exceed a certain limit in healthy individuals.Ideally, the systolic value should remain below 200 mmHg, even under severe and prolonged stress. This value can be measured in practice, especially in a stress blood pressure measurement.
Showering during long-term blood pressure measurement
Showering during long-term blood pressure measurement should be avoided as far as possible, as there is a risk of damaging the measuring device by the water. If it is absolutely necessary to shower during the 24 hours, the device can be removed for this purpose. It only has to be considered that the measurement takes place every 15 minutes. Removing, showering and putting on the device should therefore be completed between two measurements.
