Hypertension risk What is the actual blood pressure?

Hypertension: From which values ​​the blood pressure is too high

About 20 to 30 million Germans suffer from hypertension. Hypertension increases the risk of numerous other diseases. Often, the disease is treated with medication, but in many cases gentler methods are also available to lower blood pressure. But which values ​​are too high or which ones are worth striving for? German experts are in favor of moderate targets.

Every third adult German citizen has hypertension

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) almost every third adult in Germany suffers from hypertension. Many do not suspect their hypertension. This can have dangerous consequences, because untreated high blood pressure increases the risk for, inter alia, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, diseases of the coronary arteries, kidney failure and even dementia. So it's clear that you should better diagnose and treat hypertension early, but many of you are unaware of which values ​​you should aim for.

Hypertension can have different causes

Some think hypertension is an "old age disease". But this assumption is wrong. Although older people are the most affected, younger people are increasingly affected as well.

In addition to advanced age, overweight or obesity, too little exercise, an unhealthy, too salt and meat rich diet, tobacco and increased alcohol consumption and stress as risk factors.

And also by the use of analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen is fostered high blood pressure.

For the most part, there is agreement on the causes and dangers of hypertension, but when are the blood pressure values ​​actually dangerous, and how far should they be lowered? In recent years, a dispute has arisen among health experts.

New blood pressure target

In the diagnosis of blood pressure, attention is paid to two values ​​at the same time: on the systolic (upper value) and on the other hand the diastolic blood pressure (lower value).

For a long time in medicine, if the systolic value was not higher than 140, everything about it should be treated.

But after publication of the so-called Sprint study from the USA two years ago it was said that the new blood pressure target should be 120 instead of 140.

In Germany too, patients turned to doctors because they considered their values ​​too high.

Study results are only for specific patients

What many did not realize was that the results of the "Sprint" study apply only to certain patients. The German high pressure league therefore only a few weeks ago pointed out that it adheres to "moderate targets".

"Due to the extended data according to SPRINT as well as related publications and meta-analyzes, we still recommend a general target value of less than 140/90 mmHg," explained Professor Dr. med. Bernhard Krämer, Chairman of the High Pressure League, in a statement.

According to reports, the moderate target blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is currently achieved in less than 60 percent of patients. "The most important treatment goal for all doctors must therefore be that this blood pressure target is achieved," the expert said.

"A more intense blood pressure reduction goes hand in hand with more side effects," explained Professor Krämer. "It therefore requires regular laboratory tests on kidney function and electrolytes."

Too much reduction leads to impairments in the quality of life

Yvonne Dörffel, Head of the Medical Polyclinic of the Berlin Charité, also knows that blood pressure should not be too low.

"We have observed that over-subsidence can significantly affect quality of life in many patients, thereby negatively impacting drug adherence," the expert said in a news agency dpa news agency.

This means that patients do not regularly take the medication or discontinue it. "Some patients may even have elevated kidney levels," says Dörffel. For the desired blood pressure values, she considers a case-by-case assessment to be necessary:

"I recommend that goal values ​​are always set individually. In significantly less than 60-year-old patients who have a cardiovascular risk, I consider a reduction to 120 to 130 mmHg useful, but only if the baseline values ​​allow, "said the doctor in the agency message.

And: "Regardless of the extent of the cardiovascular risk, a reduction to below 140 mmHg is appropriate for over-60s."

Service in pharmacies

If you want to have your blood pressure checked, you can also contact pharmacies that offer this service.

Ulrike Lange also offers this service in her pharmacy in Berlin-Kreuzberg. "If we notice abnormalities, we recommend our customers immediately to the doctor," said the 39-year-old pharmacist according to dpa.

She explained that most of her clients have a specific reason to have their blood pressure measured: "Mostly it's a headache, dizziness, or a general malaise."

According to experts, it is not enough to measure blood pressure from time to time. "It is important that the blood pressure is measured regularly to detect a possible high pressure at all," said Hannelore Neuhauser from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in the dpa message.

"Besides, it's good to know if your blood pressure is in a range that is not considered medically effective but is no longer harmless."

Lower blood pressure naturally

In many cases hypertension can be reduced anyway without medication.

In addition to a weight reduction, regular exercise - ideally endurance sports - and smoking waiver, above all, a balanced, healthy diet can help to reduce blood pressure.

Very important here is: salt only in moderation. A high salt diet can increase blood pressure. Not more than four to six grams of salt should be consumed per day. It should be noted that also in most finished products often large amounts of salt are included.

The diet should generally contain a lot of fruits and vegetables. Especially recommended are garlic, beetroot juices and hawthorn.

According to scientific research, hot chillies and natural yoghurt can also reduce high blood pressure.

Also a magnesium supplement helps in many cases. Alcohol should be avoided as much as possible.

In addition, stress relief exercises such as yoga or autogenic training can be very effective and have a positive effect on high blood pressure levels.

Some home remedies for hypertension such as Kneipp's applications can provide good support. (Ad)