Information about Blood Pressure: Basics
Blood pressure is a key mechanism in the human cardiovascular system. It ensures that blood is transported through the body in the blood vessels, allowing every cell to be supplied with oxygen and nutrients. The heart acts as a pump, moving the blood through the arteries at the correct pressure. If the pressure becomes too low for various reasons, the body can no longer be adequately supplied with oxygen and nutrients. If it becomes too high, the blood vessels may be damaged and diseases may develop. Blood pressure is an important parameter for assessing a person's health. From routine examinations to intensive care treatment, measuring blood pressure is essential in patient care.
High blood pressure is one of the most widespread health conditions in Germany. Medical professionals refer to the condition as arterial hypertension. A lifestyle characterised by a lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and stress, combined with individual genetic factors, contributes to a gradual increase in blood pressure that puts the health of those affected at risk.
Patients are often not even aware that they have a medical condition. High blood pressure frequently causes no symptoms or only non-specific symptoms. The disease can manifest itself in this way and progress unnoticed. The mere presence of risk factors, including obesity, lack of exercise, smoking or alcohol consumption, as well as a family history of high blood pressure, should be reason enough to have blood pressure checked regularly. This does not necessarily require a visit to the doctor. Blood pressure measurements are also offered at pharmacies, for example. If elevated readings are detected, a GP should be consulted as soon as possible. They can carry out the necessary diagnostic tests and initiate the appropriate treatment.
If high blood pressure is detected and treated in time, the consequences of the condition - such as, in the worst case, a heart attack or stroke - can be prevented. Hypertension can be treated effectively through various measures. If diagnosed early, lifestyle changes are often enough to bring blood pressure levels back to normal. Treatment with medication does not restrict the quality of life of those affected and is effective, helping to prevent the consequences of the condition.
Articles in this category:
- Do I have high blood pressure?
- Blood Pressure
- Blood Pressure Throughout the Day: Table & Highest Values
- High Blood Pressure Prevalence
- Harmonised normal blood pressure values: the Tensana table
- Blood Pressure Chart by Age: Normal Values & Classification
- Blood pressure reference values, target values and age-related classification
- High Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Warning Signs, and What to Do?
- Low Blood Pressure Symptoms
- Blood pressure medicines
- Adherence and Compliance - Therapy adherence
- High blood pressure in children and adolescents
This article is from Tensana – the leading app since 2011, helping hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 10/2024).
