Why measure blood pressure?

Today, high blood pressure, also known as the 'silent killer', is one of the most common causes of death. The number of deaths as a consequence of a heart attack increases in line with blood pressure values.

It is particularly important for people suffering from cardiac diseases or metabolic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, excess weight) to measure their blood pressure regularly. If diagnosed and treated at an early stage, blood pressure can easily be regulated.

What is blood pressure?

With every heartbeat, blood is pumped around the human body through a network of blood vessels. In doing this, it has to pump against the arterial blood pressure present in this system. When the heart is fully contracted, the blood pressure reaches its maximum value (systolic). When the heart then relaxes, the blood pressure drops to its lowest level (diastolic). A blood pressure measuring device displays these two values and the number of heartbeats per minute (pulse). Example: 125/75, 65 bpm = 125 systolic blood pressure, 75 diastolic blood pressure, pulse is 65 beats per minute.

The pressure in the circulatory system is too high

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means that the arterial pressure in the circulatory system is too high. This damages the heart and blood vessels and also the organs in the long term. It is extremely advisable to reduce the blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure is between 129 mmHg for systolic pressure and 84 mmHg for diastolic pressure, i.e. 129 to 84 mmHg. If values are higher than this, they are described as normal to high blood pressure. If blood pressure values exceed 140/90 mmHg, this is a symptom of high blood pressure. In this case, the person should measure his or her blood pressure regularly.
Blood pressure automatically increases slightly with age.

Low blood pressure is not a risk to the health. However, it often leads to a lack of concentration, lethargy, tiredness and even dizziness.

The causes and effects of hypertension

The causes of high blood pressure include, for example, diabetes, excess weight, stress, excess alcohol and salt consumption, genetic factors and smoking. The consequences of hypertension, the 'silent killer', may include arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), kidney failure, heart disease or dementia.

Reducing blood pressure

Regular exercise, relaxation techniques and, if necessary, weight loss can reduce blood pressure and prevent secondary illnesses. It is important to measure blood pressure regularly as part of treatment.
BodyTel offers PressureTel, an upper arm blood pressure measuring device which automatically records the measurement values in a personal diary and, on request, automatically informs trusted individuals (doctors, relatives, etc.) if threshold values are exceeded.