Researchers develop computer to determine blood pressure more accurately
Almost one in three adults in Germany has high blood pressure. The disease is often only diagnosed late. English researchers have now developed a new method to determine blood pressure more accurately.
Around 20 to 30 million people in Germany have high blood pressure. However, 30 percent of those affected are unaware of their condition, according to the German Hypertension League . This is not unusual: After all, high blood pressure (hypertension in medical terms) rarely makes itself noticeable and causes hardly any symptoms, especially in the beginning. Hence its nickname "silent killer."
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure during the heartbeat—that is, when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood into the blood vessels. Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure on the blood vessels when the heart muscle relaxes—it is lower than systolic blood pressure.
- Optimal blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg or below and values just above
- Mild hypertension : from 140/90 mmHg
- Moderate hypertension: from 160/100 mmHg
- Severe hypertension: 180/110 mmHg as severe hypertension
Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School (England) have now developed a calculator that determines blood pressure more accurately – based on ankle measurements. The study was published in the journal "BMJ Open."
For this study, scientists led by study leader Chris Clark analyzed data from over 33,710 people worldwide, each of whom had their systolic blood pressure measured at the arm and ankle. The ratio of the two values results in the so-called ankle-brachial index, which provides information about potential cardiovascular disease.
However, the researchers point out that blood pressure readings measured at the ankle are usually higher than those measured at the arm. Furthermore, standard guidelines for treating hypertension are based on arm measurements.
This can lead to complications in making accurate estimates based on ankle measurements and ultimately to misdiagnosis.
This is particularly problematic for people who cannot have their arm measured due to physical limitations – such as a disability or a stroke – or missing limbs.
As a result, Clark and his team developed a personalized online calculator that allows for a more precise assessment of arm blood pressure based on ankle blood pressure. In addition to age, gender, BMI, and cholesterol levels, it also asks about underlying conditions such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.
"With our new method, we can determine a more accurate blood pressure reading in about two percent of people," said study leader Clark in a press release . "That may not sound like a large number, but consider that approximately one-third of all adults suffer from hypertension, and by the time you're in your 60s, more than half of all adults are affected."
The online calculator could prevent tens of thousands of misdiagnoses worldwide. This could save lives in cases of doubt, as high blood pressure is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes and can cause damage to various organs.
Kevin Munro, Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research for Patient Benefit Program, also emphasizes this: "Monitoring blood pressure is an important tool for maintaining people's health, and this research will help to better detect and treat hypertension."
To lower blood pressure, lifestyle interventions are useful even before taking medication. Lars Hecht of the Association of Diabetes Counseling and Training Professions in Germany (VDBD) lists six measures :
- Reduce body weight: Every kilogram lowers blood pressure.
- Long-term change in diet : little animal fat, i.e. reduced fat and lots of fresh vegetables, salad and fish once a week, little salt.
- Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum: less than 30 grams of alcohol (for men) or 20 grams of alcohol (for women) per day. This corresponds to two small glasses of beer or wine (for men) or one small glass (for women).
- Exercise: The best option is regular endurance sports such as hiking, cycling, jogging, walking or swimming (3 times a week for about 45 minutes).
- Quit smoking: Nicotine directly contributes to an increase in blood pressure.
- Avoid stress: Long-term stress leads to increased blood pressure.
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