Blood Pressure Information: Basics

Blood pressure is a central mechanism in the human cardiovascular system. It ensures that blood is transported through the vessels throughout the body, supplying every cell with oxygen and nutrients. The heart acts as a pump, delivering blood with the right pressure through the arteries. If the pressure is too low due to various causes, optimal supply of the body with oxygen and nutrients can no longer be guaranteed. If it is too high, the vessels can be damaged and diseases can be caused. Blood pressure is an important parameter for assessing a person's health status. From routine examinations to intensive medical treatment, measuring blood pressure is essential in patient care.

Elevated blood pressure is considered a common disease in Germany. In medical circles, the condition is referred to as arterial hypertension. A lifestyle characterized by lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, and stress, combined with individual genetic factors, contributes to a gradual increase in blood pressure, putting the health of those affected at risk.

Patients are often not even aware that they have a condition. Elevated blood pressure often causes no or nonspecific symptoms. The disease can manifest and progress unnoticed. The presence of risk factors such as overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, or alcohol consumption, as well as a family history of high blood pressure, should prompt regular monitoring of blood pressure. A doctor's visit is not necessarily required for this. Blood pressure measurements are also offered in pharmacies, for example. If elevated values are detected, the family doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. They can perform the necessary diagnostics and initiate the appropriate therapy.

If elevated blood pressure is recognized and treated in time, the consequences of the disease - such as the occurrence of a heart attack or stroke in the worst case - can be avoided. Hypertension can be effectively treated through various measures. With an early diagnosis, often a change in lifestyle is sufficient to normalize blood pressure values. Treatment with medication does not restrict the quality of life of those affected and is effective, allowing for the avoidance of disease consequences.

Articles in this category:

• Do I have high blood pressure?
• Blood Pressure
• Blood Pressure Throughout the Day
• Hypertension Frequency
• Blood Pressure Normal Values (Table)
• Blood pressure normal values, blood pressure target values, and classification of blood pressure by age
• High Blood Pressure Symptoms
• Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
• Antihypertensive Medications
• Adherence and Compliance - Therapy Loyalty
• High Blood Pressure in Children

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