M-BP 3BU1-3_E&TR.qxd 09.11.2004 10:47 Page 4
If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure, please keep a record of the 2.3. What can be done, if regular increased/low values are obtained?
level of your blood pressure by carrying out regular self-measurements at specific times of the day. a) Please consult your doctor.
Show these values to your doctor. Never use the results of your measurements to alter
independently the drug doses prescribed by your doctor. b) Increased blood-pressure values (various forms of hypertension) are associated long- and
medium term with considerable risks to health. This concerns the arterial blood vessels of
Table for classifying blood-pressure values (units mmHG) according to World Health Organization: your body, which are endangered due to constriction caused by deposits in the vessel walls
(Arteriosclerosis). A deficient supply of blood to important organs (heart, brain, muscles) can
Range Systolic Diastolic Measures be the result. Furthermore, with long-term continuously increased blood-pressure values, the
Blood-pressure Blood-pressure heart will become structurally damaged.
Hypotension lower than 100 lower than 60 Check with your doctor
Normal range between 100 and 140 between 60 and 90 Self-check c) There are many different causes of the appearance of high blood pressure. We differentiate
Mild hypertension between 140 and 160 between 90 and 100 Consult your doctor between the common primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension. The
Moderately serious between 160 and 180 between 100 and 110 Consult your doctor latter group can be ascribed to specific organic malfunctions. Please consult your doctor for
hypertension information about the possible origins of your own increased blood pressure values.
Serious hypertension higher than 180 higher than 110 Consult your doctor
immediately d) There are measures which you can take, not only for reducing a medically established high
blood pressure, but also for prevention. These measures are part of your general way of life:
~ Further information
• If your values are mostly standard under resting conditions but exceptionally high under A) Eating habits
conditions of physical or psychological stress, it is possible that you are suffering from so- • Strive for a normal weight corresponding to your age. Reduce overweight!
called «labile hypertension». Please consult your doctor if you suspect that this might be the • Avoid excessive consumption of common salt.
case. • Avoid fatty foods.
• Correctly measured diastolic blood-pressure values above 120mmHg require immediate
medical treatment. B) Previous illnesses
• Follow consistently any medical instructions for treating previous illness such as:
• Diabetes (Diabetes mellitus)
• Fat metabolism disorder
• Gout
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