Hypertension can rarely be felt. This is fatal because it is a risk to your heart and brain. What readings constitute hypertension and what can be done to prevent it? How do you measure it properly?
High blood pressure, which is medically known as arterial hypertension, is an insidious illness. About one in four adults in Switzerland have high blood pressure – and usually don’t feel it or are casual about it. The consequences thereof are only identified when it is too late: high blood pressure damages the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. Hypertension is the greatest risk factor for many types of cardiovascular disease like stroke, heart attacks and cardiac insufficiency. In order to prevent sequelae, the Swiss Heart Foundation recommends that everyone aged 18 or over have their blood pressure tested at least once a year.
The blood supplies organs and tissues with nutrients and oxygen. A certain amount of pressure is required for it to be able to flow properly. It is regulated by the interplay of heartbeat, blood volume and blood vessels. Two values are measured each time and displayed as “millimetres of mercury” (mmHg): the upper or systolic reading describes the pressure at the moment when the heart muscle contracts, thus pumping blood into the vessels. The lower, diastolic reading is the lowest point in the relaxation phase when the heart relaxes and refills with blood.
The ideal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg (= millimetres of mercury). Blood pressure of 140/90 or more is considered too high. The normal readings change over the course of our lives: they are lower in infants than in senior citizens. Short-term fluctuations are also normal: physical exertion, stress, anxiety and pain increase the pressure, whereas the latter drops after meals and while we are asleep.
Classification of normal blood pressure readings according to the World Health Organization (WHO):
|
|
|
---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upper/systolic reading(mmHg)
Lower/diastolic reading (mmHg)
Ideal blood pressure
Below 120
Below 80
Normal blood pressure
120–129
80–84
High normal blood pressure
130–139
85–89
Slight hypertension (level 1)
140–159
90–99
Medium hypertension (level 2)
160–179
100–109
Severe hypertension (level 3)
180 or over
110 or over
When is blood pressure too high? Readings of 140 or over (upper blood pressure) and 90 (lower blood pressure) are considered to be high blood pressure.
Are your readings too high? After being diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important that patients are well looked after. The aim of treatment is to permanently lower their blood pressure readings to the normal range. In case of slight hypertension, it is generally sufficient to make appropriate lifestyle changes: enough exercise, normal weight, a balanced, low-salt diet, only a little alcohol, quit smoking and a healthy attitude to stress. If none of these measures help a particular patient, antihypertensive medication is administered. Your attending physician devises a suitable treatment plan with you and advises you on a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Dizziness and cold feet are typical signs of very low blood pressure – as long as no other complaints occur, there is no danger. Simple measures like sport, contrast showers or increased salt and liquid intake usually help to return the blood pressure to the normal range.
Dr Robert C. Keller is the Managing Director of the Berne-based Swiss Heart Foundation. He has long-standing experience in the field of cardiovascular diseases and heads up the areas of research and prevention at the foundation. Dr Keller provided the editorial team with advice.