Blood pressure readings
To determine correct blood pressure, the following two
values have to be ascertained:
The Systolic or upper blood pressure. This is created
when the heart muscle contracts and blood is being for-
ced into the blood vessels.
The Diastolic or lower blood pressure. This is crea-
ted when the heart muscle extends and once again fills
with blood.
Measurement values are expressed in mmHg (mm mer-
cury column).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the follo-
wing guideline for the assessing of blood pressure va-
lues:
Systolic
Too high
over 140 mmHg
Normal–borderline
130 to 139 mmHg
Normal
120 to 129 mmHg
Optimum
up to 119 mmHg
Whether medical treatment is necessary depends not only
on the blood pressure but also on the risk profile of the in-
dividual patient. Please contact your GP if one of the va-
lues (SYS / DIA) constantly exceeds the limit (> 140 / >
90).
Diastolic
over 90 mmHg
85 to 89 mmHg
80 to 84 mmHg
up to 79 mmHg
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