High blood pressure

High blood pressure: it is a significant risk factor for illness and death from cardiovascular disease.

Possible symptoms of high blood pressure: people with high blood pressure may suffer from headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs and symptoms are not specific and usually do not occur unless blood pressure is very high and has reached a severe or life-threatening stage.

Normal blood pressure values: normal blood pressure is defined as an average of home measurements below 120/80 mmHg up to 139/89 mmHg; above this value, high blood pressure is defined.

How is blood pressure measured?

• Use properly working, calibrated measuring devices.
• For at least half an hour before the measurement, do not exercise, smoke or consume caffeine (coffee, energy drinks or chocolate).
• It is recommended to measure after 5 minutes of sitting comfortably on a chair with your feet on the floor.
• The person being measured and the person measuring should avoid talking during the measurement.
• Match the size of the measuring cuff to the circumference of the arm.
• Take at least 2 consecutive measurements each time, 1–2 minutes apart.
• Measure in the morning before breakfast and in the evening an hour after dinner, and keep an organised record so that you can consult your family doctor.

Things that may reduce the risk of high blood pressure:

• Losing weight, if you are overweight.
• Healthy eating: reduce the amount of salt you eat, avoid processed and saturated food, and eat enough fruit and vegetables.
• Lifestyle changes can help; physical activity is also very important for maintaining blood pressure. It is recommended to exercise for 40 minutes 3–4 times a week.
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Stop smoking.
• Good-quality sleep reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
• Weekly blood pressure monitoring, including recording the values.

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