Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a measurable quantity that describes the pressure with which blood flows through the body's blood vessels. It is therefore commonly referred to as vascular pressure. More precisely, blood pressure is the force the blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels (the force acting on an area). This force is needed to ensure blood flow even into the most distant vessels and thus to guarantee oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body. The pressure depends mainly on two factors. First, on the strength with which the heart pumps blood into the circulatory system, and second, on the properties of the blood vessels, namely their elasticity and diameter. Blood pressure stays within a certain range when no diseases are present. For this reason, measuring blood pressure is one of the basic and very informative examinations at the doctor's office.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Blutdruck-Rechner:
Eine solche automatische Bewertung kann niemals einen Arztbesuch ersetzen, da für die individuelle Blutdruckeinstellung auch weitere Erkrankungen und Risikofaktoren mit in das Behandlungskonzept eingebunden werden. Besprechen Sie fraglich erhöhte Blutdruckwerte also immer mit Ihrem Arzt.
Bitte beachten Sie auch, dass laut einigen Leitlinien bei häuslichen Messungen ein Blutdruck von >=135 und/oder >=85 mmHg als Bluthochdruck gilt.
Systolisch:
mmHg
Diastolisch: mmHg
Der Rechner gibt eine Einschätzung des Blutdruckwerte nach der von uns entwickelten Tabelle für global harmonisierte Blutdruck-Normwerte. Der Blutdruck wird bestimmt nach optimal, normal, hochnormal oder Bluthochdruck (Hypertonie). Diastolisch: mmHg
Eine solche automatische Bewertung kann niemals einen Arztbesuch ersetzen, da für die individuelle Blutdruckeinstellung auch weitere Erkrankungen und Risikofaktoren mit in das Behandlungskonzept eingebunden werden. Besprechen Sie fraglich erhöhte Blutdruckwerte also immer mit Ihrem Arzt.
Bitte beachten Sie auch, dass laut einigen Leitlinien bei häuslichen Messungen ein Blutdruck von >=135 und/oder >=85 mmHg als Bluthochdruck gilt.
Image: Anatomical illustration of the heart.
Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure of the blood against the vessel walls. During a heart contraction the pressure is higher than during the relaxation phase. Therefore, two values are always recorded when measuring blood pressure: the systolic (contraction – higher value) and the diastolic (relaxation – lower value).
Definitions and classification of blood pressure values according to the German Hypertension League:
| Systolic (mmHg) |
Diastolic (mmHg) |
|
| Optimal |
< 120 |
< 80 |
| Normal |
120-129 |
80-84 |
| High normal |
130-139 |
85-89 |
| Stage 1 hypertension |
140-159 |
90-99 |
| Stage 2 hypertension |
160-179 |
100-109 |
| Stage 3 hypertension |
>= 180 |
>= 110 |
| Isolated systolic hypertension |
>= 140 |
< 90 |
When it comes to blood pressure, it's important to note that pressure conditions vary throughout the circulatory system. In medicine, blood pressure always refers to the pressure in the arteries. Arteries are the vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart out to the body. The ideal place to measure blood pressure is the brachial artery on the upper arm, which is roughly at heart level. Measuring at the wrist is also possible if the arm is positioned correctly. This arterial blood pressure is distinct from central venous pressure.
Blood pressure depends on many factors. The main factor for a normal blood pressure is the strength of the heart. Blood pressure shows how forcefully the heart pushes blood through the vessels. The cross-section and elasticity of the blood vessels also determine blood pressure. They determine the resistance encountered as blood flows through them.
Blood pressure in the vessels of the systemic circulation is higher than in the pulmonary circulation, which is also known as the lung circulation. Also, blood pressure in the arteries is always higher than in the veins or small capillaries.
Blood pressure always consists of two values that depend on various influences. These factors include physical and mental stress, age, and general physical condition. The difference between the two blood pressure values is called the pulse pressure.
Blood pressure tends to rise as people age. One reason is that the elasticity of the blood vessel walls decreases. This is particularly due to atherosclerosis. Various illnesses can also cause blood pressure to deviate from normal values. If blood pressure is predominantly above the normal range, this is also referred to as hypertension. Some people, however, live with lower blood pressure (below the normal range). They are known as hypotensive people. A drop in blood pressure is referred to as hypotension or hypotonia. It occurs less often than hypertension. There is a special form of excessively low blood pressure, known as orthostatic hypertension, which can also occur in people with high blood pressure.
Sources:
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).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
