High blood pressure is treacherous: it doesn't cause much pain, you don't actually notice it at all - except perhaps a slight dizziness or a headache. But the danger is immense, especially the consequences are life-threatening: heart attacks and strokes. And the creeping danger spreads even further: eyes, blood vessels and kidneys are affected by high blood pressure. Find out everything you need to know about the widespread disease high blood pressure at idee für mich!
High blood pressure: almost half of Germans suffer from it
Studies show: Almost half of all Germans suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. And not all of them are aware of their condition. Yet high blood pressure and its secondary diseases - measured in terms of deaths - are among the deadliest diseases of civilization: In this country alone, around 400,000 people die every year as a result.
What actually is blood pressure? The heart constantly pumps oxygen-rich blood from the lungs through the arteries into the entire body, whereby the blood has to travel a long distance. To do this, the heart builds up pressure to propel the blood. Blood pressure is expressed in two values: Systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure wave generated when the left ventricle contracts as blood is expelled from the heart. Under normal physiological conditions, i.e. without physical exertion, this value should be between 110 and 130 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The remaining pressure in the arteries when the heart refills with blood is called diastolic blood pressure. In a relaxed state, the value should be between 60 and 85 mmHg. If one or both values are above this when measured several times, this is called high blood pressure. Depending on its severity, it is divided into three grades: mild, moderate and severe.
Causes and treatment
High blood pressure has many causes: They range from stress and noise to smoking, alcohol and genetic disposition. But those who suffer from it don't just have to accept it: There are various ways of treating high blood pressure, some of which even work without the need for constant medication. For example, regular exercise is a good remedy for high blood pressure. What else you need to know about the disease - idee für mich will help you!
