Useful Information Exclusively for Tele-General Practitioner Patients
Here you’ll find health information, related links, and practical guides tailored to your treatment at Medgate. This content is designed to help you better understand your condition, monitor your health metrics in your daily life, and take targeted preventive measures. If you have any questions, your Medgate tele-GP team is always available to assist you.
Health Information and Additional Resources
On this page, you’ll find a collection of relevant content on specific medical conditions, as well as links to important organizations that offer in-depth expertise. In addition, you’ll find practical information and instructions on various health topics here, such as how to lead a healthy lifestyle or how to properly measure your blood pressure. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a document library with useful guides and fact sheets.
Treatments
Lipid Metabolism Disorder
High Blood Pressure
How to Measure Blood Pressure Correctly
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and Chronic Coronary Syndrome
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a chronic condition affecting the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. It is caused by the narrowing or blockage of these vessels, usually as a result of atherosclerosis, in which deposits (plaques) form on the vessel walls. This reduces blood flow to the heart, leading to a lack of oxygen and causing symptoms such as chest pain (angina pectoris).
Over time, CHD can lead to serious complications such as a heart attack or heart failure. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
What Is Chronic Coronary Syndrome?
Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is a long-term form of coronary heart disease in which the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries leads to a stable reduction in the blood supply to the heart. In contrast to acute coronary syndrome, which is characterized by sudden and critical blockages of the coronary arteries (e.g., heart attack), chronic coronary syndrome often progresses more slowly and less dramatically, but is nonetheless progressive.
The following links provide further information on CHD and chronic coronary syndrome:
- Coronary Heart Disease – Swiss Heart Foundation
- Everything You Need to Know About Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) | Swiss Heart Foundation
Live a heart-healthy life and prevent a heart attack—you’ll find everything you need in the HerzFit app. Be sure to take the special risk assessment as well. The app was developed by the German Heart Foundation, the largest patient organization for people with cardiovascular diseases, in collaboration with Techniker Krankenkasse, the German Hypertension League, the German Heart Center Munich, the Technical University of Munich, and DigiMed Bayern.
iPhone: HerzFit in the App Store
Android: HerzFit – App in Google Play
Do you have any questions about this? Feel free to schedule an appointment with your Medgate tele-GP.
Heart Failure
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure, also known as cardiac insufficiency, is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood throughout the body to meet the needs of the organs and tissues. This reduced function is usually caused by damage to the heart muscle, which can result from conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, or heart valve disease. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes or chronic alcohol abuse can also contribute to heart failure.
What Are the Consequences of Heart Failure?
The consequences are varied: Due to the reduced pumping capacity, blood pools in various organs, particularly in the lungs and legs, leading to fluid retention (edema). Patients with heart failure therefore often suffer from symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swollen legs. If left untreated, the disease can progress and severely impair quality of life, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Symptom Test
Do you have symptoms of heart failure? Take the test here: Heart Failure Test – Swiss Heart Foundation.
If the test indicates that heart failure is a possibility in your case, please contact the Medgate-GP team as soon as possible.
People with heart failure should regularly weigh themselves and monitor their weight, as rapid weight gain can be a sign of decompensated (uncontrolled) heart failure.
If you gain more than 2 kg within 1–3 days or more than 2.5 kg per week, this may indicate decompensated heart failure; please contact your Medgate-GP team immediately.
Other Helpful Resources
In the heart failure diary, you can record and monitor your weight, blood pressure, and pulse to respond quickly and appropriately to changes and thus prevent an acute worsening of your condition. Are you unsure how to respond to changes in your readings? Feel free to schedule an appointment with your Medgate Tele-GP.
The “Living with Heart Failure” app supports you in managing heart failure
- Apple: Living with Heart Failure in the App Store
- Android: Living with Heart Failure – Apps in Google Play
You can find more information about heart failure here:
Lipid Metabolism Disorder
What Is a Lipid Metabolism Disorder?
Dyslipidemia generallyrefers to a disorder of lipid metabolism. It encompasses any form of abnormal blood lipid levels, including elevated LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), and elevated triglyceride levels. Dyslipidemia can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Hyperlipidemia is a specific form of dyslipidemia and literally means “elevated blood lipids.” It usually refers to high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, particularly “bad” LDL cholesterol, which can accumulate in the walls of blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
What Are the Consequences of a Lipid Metabolism Disorder?
The consequences of dyslipidemia and hyperlipidemia can be serious, as they significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries): High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides promote the deposition of LDL cholesterol, fats, and other substances in the arterial walls. These deposits, known as plaques, cause the blood vessels to harden and narrow, which reduces blood flow and lays the groundwork for many cardiovascular problems.
- Coronary heart disease (CHD): Narrowed coronary arteries restrict the oxygen supply to the heart. This can lead to chest pain (angina pectoris) and, ultimately, a heart attack.
- Stroke: Whenatherosclerosis affects the arteries of the brain, the risk of a stroke increases due to blocked or ruptured blood vessels.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Deposits in the arteries of the legs or arms can lead to circulatory disorders, which can cause pain and, in the worst case, tissue damage.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Atherosclerosis can weaken the walls of the aorta and lead to the formation of an aneurysm, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures.
Untreated dyslipidemia or hyperlipidemia therefore leads to a higher risk of serious cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, treatment and prevention are important—for example, through lifestyle changes, a tailored diet, and, if necessary, medication to control lipid levels.
Do several people in your family have high lipid levels, or do you have questions about this topic? Feel free to schedule an appointment with your Medgate Tele-GP.
Links
High Blood Pressure
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood in the blood vessels as it is pumped through the body. You can think of it like water flowing through a hose. When the heart beats, blood is pumped into the vessels, creating pressure.
Blood pressure is measured using two values:
- Systolic pressure: Thisis the higher number and indicates the pressure when the heart beats and blood is pumped into the blood vessels.
- Diastolic pressure: This is the lower value and indicates the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), for example, 120/80 mmHg. Normal blood pressure is generally around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause health problems, while low blood pressure (hypotension) can also be uncomfortable . Fluctuations in blood pressure are normal and important. The contraction and relaxation phases of the heart muscle, as well as the constriction and dilation of blood vessels, are controlled by various systems within the body. This regulation allows the heart and blood vessels to respond to internal and external influences so that blood can circulate efficiently. Blood pressure automatically rises during pain or exertion and drops during sleep. Brief episodes of high blood pressure are normal, but persistently high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels.
Definition of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels is persistently elevated at rest. The blood pressure thresholds were updated in 2024 by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) based on the latest medical findings regarding high blood pressure and its consequences. Normal blood pressure at rest is below 120/70 mmHg. High blood pressure is diagnosed when resting blood pressure readings are consistently above 140/90 mmHg. During times of stress, physical exertion, pain, or similar situations, it is normal and even important for blood pressure to temporarily rise above 120/70 mmHg.
Normal blood pressure:
- Systolic (mmHg): < 120
- Diastolic (mmHg): or/and <70
Elevated blood pressure (prehypertension)
- Systolic (mmHg): 120–139
- Diastolic (mmHg): or/and 70–89
High blood pressure
- Systolic (mmHg): > 140
- Diastolic (mmHg): or/and >90
Starting Treatment and Blood Pressure Goals for High Blood Pressure
Regardless of whether your blood pressure is normal, elevated, or already classified as high blood pressure, you should always take steps to optimize your lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress reduction, and quitting smoking. You can find more information on healthy lifestyles here.
Elevated Blood Pressure: In cases of elevated blood pressure, lifestyle changes alone are often sufficient to bring levels back to normal. However, if blood pressure has not dropped below 130 mmHg after three months, medication is also recommended.
Hypertension: If hypertension is already present, medication should be started immediately and supplemented with lifestyle changes.
Blood Pressure Targets: The target blood pressure range, assuming good tolerability, is 120–129/70–79 mmHg. If the systolic reading is below 129 mmHg, the diastolic reading may be as high as 90 mmHg, except in younger patients. Exceptions apply to individuals who are highly frail, over 85 years of age, or who experience recurrent episodes of syncope.
Causes
High blood pressure can be caused by various factors, including:
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of high blood pressure can increase the risk.
- Overweight: Being overweightputs a strain on the heart and can lead to high blood pressure.
- Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet high in salt, saturated fats, and sugar can contribute to high blood pressure, as can a high consumption of licorice.
- Alcohol and/or drug use: Excessive alcohol consumption, as well as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines, can raise blood pressure.
- Smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels and can raise blood pressure.
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to temporary or permanent increases in blood pressure.
- Age: The risk of high blood pressure increases with age.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, disorders of the adrenal glands, thyroid, parathyroid glands, or sleep apnea can also contribute to high blood pressure.
- Medications: Some medications, such as certain pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac), the birth control pill, appetite suppressants, or decongestants, can raise blood pressure.
However, in most people, no clearly identifiable cause can be found; this form of high blood pressure is then called essential or primary hypertension. Nearly one in three adults suffers from this form of the condition.
Symptoms
High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because many people do not notice any symptoms. By the time symptoms do appear, so-called end-organ damage to the kidneys, eyes, brain, or cardiovascular system has usually already occurred. Possible symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness, vision problems
- Shortness of breath, chest pain
- Nosebleeds
Risks
Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, such as:
- Heart disease (e.g., heart attack, heart failure)
- Eye damage
- Kidney damage
- Stroke
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually made by:
- Blood pressure measurement: Multiple measurements taken at different times.
- Additional tests: Blood tests, ECG, and echocardiogram to identify possible causes. However, in 9 out of 10 patients, no cause can be found, and the condition is classified as essential or primary hypertension.
Treatment
Treatment for high blood pressure includes:
- Lifestyle changes:
- A healthy diet (e.g., Mediterranean diet, low in salt)
- Regular exercise (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week)
- Weight management
- Stress management techniques (e.g., yoga, meditation)
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
If lifestyle changes do not sufficiently lower blood pressure within 3 months, or if there is an elevated cardiovascular risk from the outset, medication is also prescribed. However, this does not replace lifestyle changes, so these should always be continued and thus form the basis of treatment.
- Medication:
- Various medications may be prescribed, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
Self-Management
- Regular blood pressure monitoring: Monitor your blood pressure at home.
- Lifestyle changes: healthy diet, sufficient and regular exercise, stress management, weight control, and avoiding harmful substances
- Keep a blood pressure diary: Record your readings and lifestyle changes.
- Regular doctor visits: Schedule regular appointments to monitor your blood pressure and adjust your treatment.
- If necessary, take prescribed medications regularly and as directed
When Should You Contact Medgate or See a Doctor?
If you experience symptoms such as
- chest pain and tightness, heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Headaches and pressure in the head, especially in the morning
- Nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness
- Nosebleeds, ringing in the ears, vision problems
- Feeling of heat, sweating, flushed face
- Irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbances
- If your blood pressure does not go down despite treatment.
If you are currently experiencing or have experienced one or more of these symptoms in the past few days, please call us immediately at 080 789 789 or book an emergency consultation through the app.
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a treatable condition. Through early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, medication, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious complications. Talk to your doctor about the best strategies for managing your blood pressure.
Do you have questions about this topic? Feel free to schedule an appointment with your Medgate Tele-GP.
Links
How to Measure Blood Pressure Correctly
Choosing the Right Blood Pressure Cuff
- If your upper arm or forearm is too large or too small to fit the cuff properly, measure the circumference and get a properly sized cuff from a pharmacy. Cuffs that are too large or too small will lead to inaccurate results.
- For your first measurement, check your blood pressure on both arms; after that, always measure on the side where your blood pressure was higher.
How Often and When Should Blood Pressure Be Measured?
- Measure for at least 3 days (preferably 6–7 consecutive days before your appointment) or as agreed with your Medgate-GP
- Measure in the morning and evening (before taking medication)
- Record the time and readings (e.g., in a blood pressure log)
- Measurements should always be taken under the same conditions
- Do not speak while taking a reading
- Take 2–3 readings at a time, spaced 1–2 minutes apart
How to Take a Measurement
- Sit upright, leaning against a chair
- Wait about 5 minutes (while seated) before taking the measurement
- Just before the measurement, you should…
- Avoid physical exertion
- Avoid stress or excitement
- Do not drink coffee or strong tea
- Put on the blood pressure cuff (always on the same arm; if your blood pressure is higher on that arm during the first measurement):
- Wrist:
- Do not bend the wrist
- Bend your elbow slightly
- Hold the cuff at heart level
- Upper arm:
- No clothing beneath the cuff
- Do not roll up the sleeve so that it cuts into the skin; it is better to remove the garment from the arm in question
- The tube must point downward (toward the hand)
- The mark on the cuff should be positioned in the crook of the elbow, over the arteries
- Place the cuff at heart level
- There should be just enough room for two fingers under the cuff
- Rest your forearm comfortably on the table with the palm facing up
- Stay still and do not speak during the measurement
- Wrist:
Are you unsure whether you’re taking the measurement correctly, or are you concerned about the readings? Feel free to schedule an appointment with your Medgate Tele-GP
Links
Document Library
Asthma Diary
Abdominal Pain Diary
Activity Diary
Blood Pressure Diary
COPD Diary
Diabetes Exercise Diary
Type 2 Diabetes Diary
Food Diary
Heart Failure Diary
Cardiovascular Risk Profile
Headache Diary
Sleep Diary
Pain Diary
Mood Journal