When does an increased systole have to be treated? | Systolic blood pressure value is too high

When does an increased systole have to be treated?

A blood pressure that is measured too high once does not require any therapy. Only when a doctor has clearly identified chronic high blood pressure and the corresponding cause should therapy be initiated. For most forms of high blood pressure – especially primary hypertension – an attempt should be made to reduce blood pressure at rest (if possible below the value exceeded) from values of 140/90 mmHg.

This target value is particularly important for young people, in whom the disease is expected to persist for many years and can therefore cause greater damage. For people who already have arteriosclerosis or other diseases that can damage blood vessels, the therapy should be followed very strictly. People with multiple pre-existing conditions such as already disturbed kidney function, diabetes or heart attack should, if prescribed by a doctor, even reach values below 135/85 or 130/80. In older patients, on the other hand, the target values can be set somewhat higher by the doctor, because blood pressure medication causes discomfort and low blood pressure more often in older people, and because of the frequent intake of several medications, they trigger other adverse effects more often than in younger people. and diet in hypertension

The second blood pressure value is also too high

Even a second blood pressure value that is too high can only be an indication of permanent high blood pressure. The above-mentioned examinations should be carried out in order to clarify the cause precisely, because only repeated measurements under resting or everyday conditions can prove that high blood pressure requires treatment. In particular, if elevated blood pressure values are detected during the first or second measurement at rest or without prior exertion, a doctor should be consulted – regardless of the age of the person affected – to find the cause.

Untreated high blood pressure can shorten life considerably and severely restrict the quality of life, especially in old age. An effective therapy started early on effectively prevents secondary diseases and is usually well tolerated. For this reason, elevated blood pressure values should be taken seriously and, in case of illness, the therapy should be strictly adhered to despite the absence of symptoms.