11
MX2 Basic English
• Overweight
• High cholesterol level
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Stress and emotional upset
• Excessive consumption of salt
• Lack of physical exercise
• Genetic/hereditary predisposition
• Underlying illnesses, such as kidney
disorders or endocrine disturbance
Blood pressure measurement
Measuring your blood pressure daily
enables you to recognize high blood
pressure at an early stage and obtain
medical treatment.
The oscillometric method of measurement
determines your blood pressure by
measuring the pressure fluctuations
caused by the pulse waves.
Since your blood pressure fluctuates
within a day (see graphic next page), you
should always measure it at the same
time each day to ensure that the
measurements are genuinely comparable.
At the doctor’s surgery, nervousness and
tension may cause your blood pressure to
be higher than in familiar circumstances at
home. This is known as “White Coat
Hypertension”.
Treatment of high blood pressure
If your blood pressure reaches upper
values of 140 - 160 mmHg and lower
values of 90 - 95 mmHg in repeated
measurements over several days, you
should consult your doctor for detailed
medical examination. You can assist the
treatment prescribed by your doctor in the
following ways:
• Loose weight and lower your cholesterol
level by reducing the calories and fat in
your diet. Cut down on animal fats and
eat more fruit and vegetables.
• Reduce the consumption of alcohol.
• Reduce the intake of salt: the German
League for Combating High Blood
Pressure recommends six grams of salt
per day (i.e. one teaspoon) on average.
• Stop smoking.
• Take regular exercise.
• Monitor your blood pressure.
Example: fluctuation within a day (male, 35 years old)
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
