Summary It is normal for blood pressure to vary slightly throughout the day.
(Online)- Blood pressure should be basically stable. If it regularly changes from very high to very low, a range of complications can result.
It is normal for blood pressure to vary slightly throughout the day, but blood pressure that fluctuates from one extreme to the other should be monitored and managed. Home remedies, lifestyle changes, and some medications can help to regulate blood pressure.
It is important to get it checked regularly because blood pressure can reveal a lot about a person’s health.
Causes of fluctuating blood pressure
Below are five factors that can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure.
1. White coat hypertension
Fluctuating blood pressure may be caused by temporary changes or by long-term conditions. This term describes blood pressure that is higher at the doctor’s office, often because the person is anxious about the appointment. A study published in 2013 concluded that people with white coat hypertension should be monitored for heart disease risk factors, especially abnormal blood sugar levels.
White coat hypertension is not necessarily as concerning as blood pressure that is consistently high. A 2016 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Hypertension found that people with white coat hypertension had a lower risk of heart disease and a better outlook than people with lasting hypertension.
2. Medications
Certain medications can temporarily reduce blood pressure. They include:
• diuretics
• beta-blockers and other heart medications
• tricyclic antidepressants
• medications for high blood pressure, especially if the dose is too high
• medications for Parkinson’s disease
• medications for erectile dysfunction, especially if taken with nitroglycerine
3. Emotional upset, anxiety, and stress
Strong emotions, particularly stress and anxiety, can cause blood pressure to spike. This is the body’s natural response to a stressful event, and the pressure will eventually return to normal as the person calms down. However, long-term stress and untreated anxiety can have lasting, harmful effects on blood pressure and overall health.
4. Temperature
Being in a warm room or taking a hot bath can temporarily lower blood pressure. This is usually not a cause for concern, as long as blood pressure does not dip too low. Symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure include dizziness, nausea, and fainting.
5. Street drugs
Cocaine and methamphetamine can cause extreme spikes in blood pressure.
Risk factors
Stress and anxiety may increase the risk of fluctuating blood pressure. The factors below may increase the risk of dangerous swings in blood pressure:
• an irregular work schedule, especially one involving night shifts
• smoking and tobacco use
• high levels of stress
• anxiety
• incorrect use of blood pressure medication
• incorrect prescription or dosage of blood pressure medication
• obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
• kidney disease
• diabetes and blood sugar problems
• thyroid problems
• heart disease
• conditions affecting the nervous system
