High Blood Pressure Facts

What does high blood pressure mean? High blood pressure, also called arterial hypertension, is a disease of the cardiovascular system. The heart pumps blood into the blood vessels with every heartbeat, creating pressure. This blood pressure is needed to supply all of the body‘s organs with oxygen and nutrient s. If the vascular pressure is permanently elevated, this is known as high blood pressure or arterial hypertension.

When do we speak of high blood pressure? High blood pressure is define d as blood pressure readings of over 140/90 mmHg. The first number indicates the systolic pressure and the second number the diastolic pressure. While there are various guidelines, they all recommend having low blood pressure because this protect s the blood vessels. The guidelines recommend that every patient – regardless of age – should have blood pressure under 140 to 90 mmHg. Depending on the individual risk(s), readings of 120/70 mmHg should be achieve d and, in special cases even readings of up to 160/90 mmHg may also be acceptable.

The staging of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) defines different risk levels:

Stage I: uncomplicated disease with no noticeable organ damage (also applies up to grade 1 and 2 kidney disease)

Stage II: minor organ damage is recognizable, such as the onset of chronic kidney disease (grade 3) or the additional presence of Diabetes mellitus

Stage III: hypertension-related cardiovascular disease or advanced chronic kidney disease (grade 4 and 5) is present

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends a general target blood pressure of frail patients or seniors over 85 years of age from this.

The grading of the ESC:

Normal blood pressure: ≤ 120/70 mmHg

Increased blood pressure: 120–139/70–89 mmHg

High blood pressure: ≥ 140/90 mmHg

How often should blood pressure be checked? It is recommended that people under the age of 40 have their blood pressure checked every three years. From the age of 40, it should be checked annually. The blood pressure of people with a high vascular risk should be checked at least once a year.

In principle , however, everyone over the age of 18 should know their blood pressure and document the readings measured by their doctor. According to the recommendations, antihypertensive medication can be continued lifelong, even beyond the age of 85.

Which factors increase the risk of high blood pressure? heavily overweight (even at a young age)

lack of exercise

stress

smoking

diabetes mellitus

sleep disorders (incl. sleep apnea )

migraine

depression

chronic inflammatory diseases

chronic infections (incl. COVID-19)

non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

post-menopausal

a history of gestational hypertension and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia

How and where should blood pressure be measured? High blood pressure is confirmed when elevate d levels (systolic over 140 or diastolic over 90 mmHg) are regularly measured (at least two to three doctor’s visits, at intervals of one to four weeks). Two or three measurements should be performed on both arms using a procedure that is as standardized as possible. The higher readings of the arm are then relevant for the diagnosis. A single, significantly elevated measurement (≥ 180/110 mmHg) can also lead to a diagnosis. A 24-hour measurement may also be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. In this case, the average reading should be a maximum of 130/80 mmHg during the day and a maximum of 120/70 mmHg during the night.

How to measure blood pressure at home? Home measurements (if done correctly) are sometimes more reliable than at a doctor‘s office. That‘s because it is a lower-stress environment, and avoids the excitement often associated with a clinic visit. This explains why the limit should be set lower here (≤135/85 mmHg). The upper arm measurement is recommended. Two measurements should be taken at intervals of one to two minutes during each session. Measurements should be taken in the morning and evening at the same times each day, in a quiet environment, and for at least three days. If the blood pressure average is above 135/85 mmHg, then follow-up measurements should be taken for a further four days. The data from this “measurement week” can then be discussed with the physician .

How can I prevent high blood pressure? A healthy lifestyle with anti-stress training such as yoga, tai chi and autogenic training is recommended.

A low-salt diet (max. 5–6 grams of table salt per day) and a potassium-rich diet are recommended, since potassium has a blood pressure-lowering effect: For this, four to five portions of potassium-rich fruit and vegetables should be eaten per day.

Lifestyle changes such as reducing calories/losing weight and increasing physical activity are essential for a normalized blood pressure.

Exercise recommendations include:

Fast walking, jogging, cycling or swimming at medium intensity for at least 150 minutes per week, or at high intensity for 75 minutes/week.

Strength training with isometric exercises at low to medium intensity. This could be, for instance, three sets of one to two-minute muscle contractions, such as a wall sit or a plank . This should be done two to three times a week.

Alternatively: dynamic strength training with two sets of sit-ups or push-ups, for example (10–15 repetitions per set).

EXERCISE:

1. Measuring your blood pressure at home (if done correctly) is sometimes more reliable than taking it in a doctor‘s office. A) True B) False

2. The following factors increase the risk of high blood pressure: A) being heavily overweight (even at a young age) B) lack of exercise C) smoking D) migraine E) depression F) being post-menopausal

3. As an exercise recommendation, it is not necessary to increase your exercise in everyday life, for example by climbing stairs instead of taking the lift. A) True B) False

You’ll find the answer below.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 2. www.dhzc.charite.de 3. www.dict.cc 4. www.hochdruckliga.de 5. www.mayoclinic.org 6. www.webster-dictionary.org 7. www.who.int

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTL. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten.

Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de

www.lobitz-seminare.de

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Lösung für Exercise:

1. B

2. A bis F

3. B

High Blood Pressure Facts

What does high blood pressure mean?

When do we speak of high blood pressure?

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High Blood Pressure Facts

What does high blood pressure mean?

When do we speak of high blood pressure?

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