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1210 Vienna

Herz & Kreislauf

Understanding High Blood Pressure – Values and Correct Management

Understanding High Blood Pressure – Values and Correct Management

High blood pressure often remains unnoticed. Correctly measured average values indicate when a medical evaluation by a General Practitioner is advisable.

4 min.

Consequences of high blood pressure for the heart, brain, and kidneys, as well as options for early monitoring, preventive care, and 24-hour blood pressure measurement.

✨ Key Information at a Glance

  • A single high reading is not a diagnosis on its own.

  • In the practice from 140/90 mmHg or at home on average from 135/85 mmHg: require medical evaluation.

  • Exercise, less salt and suitable medications reduce the risk.

Measuring blood pressure correctly: five minutes of rest, arm at heart level, feet on the floor, and measure twice.
Blood pressure in older age: stand up slowly, drink sufficient fluids, review medications, and in case of dizziness, measure blood pressure both while sitting and standing.

Blood pressure values briefly explained

Medical Practice – under 140/90 mmHg
below the diagnostic threshold

Medical Practice – from 140/90 mmHg
high blood pressure, if confirmed

At home on average – from 135/85 mmHg
conspicuous – to be discussed with a doctor

These values serve as a guide. The diagnostic threshold and your personal treatment goal are not the same.

Measuring correctly

Measure for several days in the morning and evening and note down the values.

What can I do myself?

  • exercise regularly

  • less salt, more vegetables

  • do not smoke and limit alcohol

  • take medication as prescribed

More on this: Healthy weight loss · Belly fat & metabolism · Understanding prediabetes

When to dial 144 immediately?

High blood pressure accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, paralysis, speech impairment, confusion, or impaired consciousness: dial 144 immediately.

Frequently asked

Can you feel high blood pressure?
Often not. Only a correct measurement shows whether blood pressure is elevated.

May I stop taking medication if my values are normal?
No. Normal values can indicate that the treatment is working.

🧭 What are the next steps?

1

Understand medical report

2

assess personal risk

3

establish individual goals

4

Monitor progress

5

if necessary, plan therapy together

⚠️ When should I consult a General Practitioner?

  • repeatedly from 140/90 mmHg in the practice

  • at home on average from 135/85 mmHg

  • dizziness, severe fluctuations or permanently high values despite treatment

💡 Take-home Message

High blood pressure often remains unnoticed, but is highly treatable. Regular monitoring protects the heart, brain, and kidneys.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. med. Shahzada Amir, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Sources

European Society of Cardiology
2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension

European Society of Hypertension
2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension

Austrian Hypertension Society (Österreichische Hochdruckliga)
How to measure blood pressure correctly

Austrian Public Health Portal (Öffentliches Gesundheitsportal Österreich)
Measuring and monitoring blood pressure

Taleb A, Willeit P, Shahzada Amir, et al.
Journal of Lipid Research. 2023;64(6):100391

Medical Advice

The information on this website is intended for general guidance only and does not replace an individual medical consultation, examination, or diagnosis. In the event of symptoms or health-related questions, please consult your physician.