High blood pressure is the most common chronic disease that can lead to complications such as stroke, dementia, heart attack, heart failure, and impaired kidney function.
New recommendations for the treatment of high blood pressure have been in effect since 2018.
In summary, the target blood pressure for many patient groups is recommended to be 130/ 80 mmHg is recommended as the target blood pressure value for many patient groups, and depending on age (younger than 65) and other diseases (younger or older than 65), a further reduction towards 120 mmHg or, for those over 65, to values between 130 and 140 mmHg may be aimed for.
How should I measure my blood pressure?
Self-monitoring of blood pressure is an important measure for patients with high blood pressure in treating their condition.
Here are a few important points for measuring blood pressure correctly:
Here are a few important points for measuring blood pressure correctly:
- Measurement at rest after sitting quietly for 5 minutes in a comfortable sitting position
- The measuring point on the arm should always be at heart level.
- The measurement should be taken on the arm with the higher blood pressure. Consult your doctor for advice on this.
- Blood pressure should be measured twice in succession with a break of 1-2 minutes between measurements.
- The measurements should be taken 3-4 times a day at the same time when first documenting.
- Once blood pressure is stabilized, significantly fewer measurements are necessary.
Common mistakes:
- The cuff is not the correct size (standard cuffs are approved for circumferences up to 33 cm).
- The cuff is too loose
- The cuff is placed over the clothing.
- The cuff is not positioned correctly (see above).
A few more TIPS:
- Wrist-worn measuring devices are subject to more frequent sources of error, as arm position can vary more significantly.
- Make sure that the measuring devices have a test seal and are correctly calibrated.
- Seek advice when purchasing and have comparative measurements taken with the stethoscope: both measurement methods should not differ by more than 10 mmHg in terms of both values.
- In the case of atrial fibrillation (a very common cardiac arrhythmia), take three measurements and calculate the average value.
