However, a value measured once does not say anything about the actual blood pressure. Only a 24-hour measurement or regular blood pressure measurement at home gives a reliable statement. There are now many different blood pressure monitors on the market. But be careful when buying. Not every device provides unique values. The cuff size also varies from device to device. The cuff should fit loosely around the upper arm and not be too tight. The German High Pressure League regularly tests devices that are new to the market and awards a seal of approval.
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Nearly 10,000 patients over the age of 50 participated in a large American study. Not only did they have high blood pressure, they also had an increased risk of heart or vascular disease. The scientists excluded diabetics and stroke patients from the outset. Two groups were formed from the study participants. In one group, the doctors tried to lower the blood pressure to 120 mmHg with a combination of antihypertensive drugs, which was also surprisingly successful. The average for the other group was 136.2 mmHg.
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The doctors had to stop the study after only three years because the differences in both groups were so clear: there were many more deaths in the second group than in the first group. This showed the benefit of lowering blood pressure to 120 mmHg. However, lowering blood pressure also came at a price, as dizziness and even acute kidney failure occurred in some patients. This is why doctors urge patients to carefully evaluate the results of the study. “Every blood pressure therapy is individual,” says Dr. Holger Palisch, hypertensiologist and regional representative of the German Hypertension League for Saxony. “For some patients we can try to carefully lower the value to 120 mmHg. However, we have to consider which other medications the patient is taking. And if there are dizziness, should the doctor respond immediately. ” The previous recommendations continue to apply to stroke patients and diabetics.
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