Is your blood pressure normal?

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):

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.

1. You should preferably measure your blood pressure in the morning on an empty stomach, right after getting up and before taking any medication.
   
2. Tighten the cuff of your blood pressure monitor as much as possible on your naked upper arm, about 1 to 2 cm above the bend of your elbow. Ensure that rolled up sleeves don’t press tightly against your arm. If you are using a wrist blood pressure monitor: raise the height of your forearm to heart level using a cushion.
   
3. Relax your arm and place it unstretched and with your palm facing upwards onto an armrest or table. It is important to ensure that the cuff is at heart level during the measurement.
   
4. Relax for one minute before the measurement: sit up straight in a comfortable position, breathe calmly and evenly, and think about something nice.
   
5. Start the measurement. Don’t move during this time, don’t speak and don’t touch the device.
   
6. Perform the first measurement on both arms; from then on, always measure the side with the higher readings.
   
7. Once the blood pressure measurement has finished, the readings of the upper, systolic and lower, diastolic blood pressure appear on the display (for example: 125/85 mmHg).
   
8. The best thing to do is enter the readings on a blood pressure pass or form. The Swiss Heart Foundation provides them.
9. You should also make a note of any unusual circumstances or complaints which could have an effect on the readings and take these details to your next medical check-up.
   

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.