Stroke blood pressure on both arms

For different values ​​immediately to the doctor

07/05/2013

Anyone who has an increased risk of stroke, should always measure his blood pressure on both arms and, if the values ​​differ, immediately seek medical attention, so the recommendation of Norbert Smetak from the Federal Association of established cardiologists (BNK) in Munich to the news agency "dpa ". According to a recent study by the University of Seoul, the risk of dying from heart disease increases as soon as there is a difference between the two (lower) values ​​of 10 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) - because according to Norbert Smetak this indicates that Body side with the lower value of an arterial injury vorliege.

Deviations of both blood pressure values ​​can lead to hardening of the arteries
When measuring blood pressure, two values ​​are normally given (e.g., 120: 80), which are also referred to as „systolic“ (upper) and „diastolic“ (lower) blood pressure. But what is meant by that? When the heart pumps blood through the body, it does not do so uniformly, but more like a wave, ie, as the left ventricle contracts, the blood is pumped intermittently into the aorta, causing the blood pressure in the vessels to increase for a short period of time - The maximum pressure achieved in this process is called „systolic“ or „upper“ Blood pressure called.

After contracting follows the relaxation of the heart muscle, because for the next pumping must first accumulate in the heart chamber blood again. Since no blood is pumped into the aorta during the relaxation state, the pressure in the vessels decreases again - the lowest value achieved thereby is considered as „diastolic“ (Diastole: Greek = the extent) resp. „lower“ Blood pressure called.

In general, according to Smetak, deviations in both values ​​may cause the arteries - the blood vessels that carry the blood away from the heart - to harden, preventing the blood from flowing freely and damaging vessels throughout the body. According to the expert, angina pectoris and heart attacks may be the result of an increased diastolic blood pressure. Suddenly increased systolic blood pressure can lead to kidney damage and strokes, among other things.

Recognize quick risks through bilateral blood pressure measurement
According to Smetak, the two-sided measurement has yet another advantage: as patients with an increased risk of stroke in many cases also have a stiffened carotid artery and a larger left ventricle than healthy persons, risks could be identified faster and treatment measures taken. (No)

Picture: Rainer Sturm