Do not rule blood pressure by rule of thumb

Rule of thumb for the calculation of hypertension unsuitable

08/22/2014

High blood pressure is one of the most common complaints in Germany, but many sufferers are not aware of their hypertension. Especially in the elderly, the normal blood pressure is often with the help of the rule of thumb „Age plus 100“ calculated, which, however, provides misleading results, reports the German high pressure league in Heidelberg.

„Every second German is overweight, one in four smokes - that raises blood pressure in the air“, so the announcement of the German high pressure league in Heidelberg. However, suspect „only every second person affected by his high blood pressure.“ In addition, many older people would perceive elevated scores as harmless, as they still follow the rule of thumb „Age plus 100“ judge.

Misleading rule of thumb
As a guideline for the evaluation of a normal blood pressure the mentioned rule of thumb is by no means suitable according to statement of the German high pressure league. For example, according to the rule, a blood pressure of up to 160 mmHg would still be acceptable for a 60-year-old, but in fact it should be considered as harmful to health. „This rule is misleading“, because „Long-term studies clearly show that a value above 140 mmHg for a long time at any age is hazardous to health and significantly increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke“, emphasized the chairman of the board of the German high pressure league, Professor Martin Hausberg.

Lifestyle changes
In general, the experts of the German Hypertension League advise against hypertension initially with changes in diet and sufficient exercise to tackle. „With low-fat diet, daily walks and at most a glass of beer a day many people get their values ​​under control“, so the message of the high pressure league. Especially with moderate hypertension of up to 159 to 99 mmHg, a change of habits is always recommended, explained Professor Hausberg. Balanced, low-salt diet, sports, the avoidance of obesity as well as the avoidance of smoking and alcohol are possible measures here. But „Lifestyle changes alone do not always replace the use of antihypertensive drugs“, so the message of the high pressure league. „If, despite intensive patient efforts, the levels do not decrease even after several months, treatment with blood pressure medication is necessary“, emphasized Professor Hausberg. (Fp)