Blood pressure

A single elevated reading does not necessarily mean hypertension is present. Diagnosis is based on repeated, accurate readings and is often confirmed with home readings or 24-hour recording.

In the office, repeated values ​​of 140/90 mmHg or higher need evaluation. At home the corresponding limits are lower.

We don't think of high blood pressure as "normal because we got older." The desired values ​​and the goal of treatment are determined depending on age, general condition and other health problems.

Sit quietly for about 5 minutes before the measurement, with your back supported, your feet flat on the floor and your hand at heart level.

Avoid coffee, smoking and exercise for about 30 minutes before. Take two measurements with a small difference between them and record the results.

For a more reliable picture, measurements over several days are usually needed, rather than continuous measurements within the same day.

The cardiologist can give you a specific program depending on why you are monitoring your blood pressure.

Some people show higher values due to medical exam stress. This is often called "white coat hypertension."

Home readings or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring can show us better what is happening in your daily life.

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates. It is affected by activity, stress, sleep, coffee, smoking, food and many more factors.

We are more interested in the big picture than a single value.

When there is doubt as to whether hypertension really exists, when the values at home and at the doctor's office differ significantly, or when we want to know how blood pressure behaves during the day and during sleep.

Yes. Hypertension very often causes no symptoms.

This is precisely why regular blood pressure measurement is an important part of prevention.

Not without consulting your doctor. Very often blood pressure is normal precisely because the treatment is working.

We don't just judge by the number. Very high blood pressure accompanied by severe symptoms, such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, neurological symptoms or significant worsening of the condition, needs immediate medical evaluation.