Hypertension in the Kenntnisprüfung
Permanently raised blood pressure – usually without symptoms, but with serious consequences. In the exam, what counts is correct measurement, advice and recognising a hypertensive crisis.
Content created with AI assistance from public clinical sources (RKI, AWMF) – may contain mistakes; if in doubt, your textbook is right
Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.
Sample questions from exam preparation
From which office readings is it called hypertension?
- from 120/80 mmHg in a single measurement
- from 160/100 mmHg in repeated measurements
- from 140/90 mmHg in repeated measurements
- only from 180/110 mmHg, below that it is normal
Explanation: The classic office threshold is 140/90 mmHg — what matters is repeated, correctly performed measurements, not a single value.
How do you measure blood pressure correctly?
- After 5 minutes’ rest sitting down, suitable cuff size, arm at heart level
- After 5 minutes’ rest sitting down, standard cuff for everyone, arm hanging down
- Standing, directly after activity, to capture everyday blood pressure realistically
- Lying down with the arm raised above heart level, cuff over the sleeve
Explanation: Rest period, correct cuff width, arm at heart level, not over clothing — otherwise measurement errors of 10–20 mmHg are normal. Take the first measurement on both arms.
Key German terms for Hypertension
- die Herzinsuffizienz – heart failure
- dekompensiert – decompensated
- das Ödem / die Beinödeme – edema / leg swelling
- die Dyspnoe / die Atemnot – dyspnea / shortness of breath
- die Orthopnoe – orthopnea (breathlessness lying flat)
20 exam questions on Hypertension, plus case simulations with an AI examiner and graded feedback – practise until you feel confident.
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