Instruction Manual

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7. How is blood pressure measured?
7.1. What is blood pressure, and why does it fluctuate?
Your level of blood pressure is determined in the circulatory center of the
brain and adjusts to a variety of situations through feedback from the
nervous system. To adjust blood pressure, the strength and frequency of
the heart (pulse), as well as the width of circulatory blood vessels is altered.
Blood vessel width is affected by fine muscles in the blood vessel walls.
Your level of arterial blood pressure changes periodically during heart
activity. During the "blood ejection" (Systole), the value is highest (systolic
blood pressure value). At the end of the heart’s "rest period" (Diastole),
pressure is lowest (diastolic blood pressure value).
Blood pressure values must lie within certain normal ranges in order to
prevent particular diseases.
Blood pressure is too high if your systolic blood pressure is over 160
mmHg and/or your diastolic pressure is above 100 mmHg, while at rest.
In this case, please consult your physician immediately. Long-term values
at this level endanger your health due to continual damage to the blood
vessels in your body.
If your systolic blood pressure values are between 140 mmHg and 159
mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure values are between 90 mmHg
and 99 mmHg, consult your physician. Regular self-checks are necessary.
If you have blood pressure values that are too low (i.e., systolic values
under 105 mmHg and/or diastolic values under 60 mmHg), consult your
physician.
Even with normal blood pressure values, a regular self-check with your
blood pressure monitor is recommended. You can detect possible changes
in your values early and react appropriately.
If you are undergoing medical treatment to control your blood pressure,
keep a record of values along with time of day and date. Show these
values to your physician. Never use the results of your measurements
to independently alter the medication prescribed by your
physician.