Why Does Blood Pressure Change?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood circulating in blood vessel walls. Normal range for blood pressure is 120/80, pre-hypertension is considered 120 to 139/80 to 89 and high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you have low blood pressure, it is lower than 120/80. Too high or too low of blood pressure can result in serious health conditions, such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure and many other problems. There are a number of reasons why blood pressure changes and there are also some natural fluctuations in blood pressure throughout the day. What should be considered is a person's resting blood pressure over a period of time, as this will be an indicator as to whether a person is at risk for hypertension, hypotension or other possible heart problems.

Statistics

• According to the American Heart Association, in 2005, about 73.6 million people ages 20 and older have high blood pressure and one in three adults has high blood pressure. Approximately 78.7 percent are aware that they have high blood pressure and not everyone has their blood pressure under control. High blood pressure can be easily detected and controlled if the proper steps are taken.

Alcohol and Smoking

• Those who drink alcohol regularly increase their blood pressure and often makes it more difficult for them to lose weight. The calories that are added are empty calories and do not have nutrients necessary for proper nutrition. Smoking puts the heart under added pressure and makes it work harder. The added strain put on the body from alcohol and tobacco use makes the body more prone to disease, including hypertension.

Age

• Aging often increases the chance of having changes in blood pressure because of the hardening of the arteries. However, an increase in age does not necessarily mean that someone will have problems with blood pressure if they eat well, avoid alcohol, and exercise regularly. The American Heart Association states that blood pressure begins to increase in those older than 35 years for men and 45 years of age for women. After age 55, men are at lower risk than women for developing high blood pressure.

Eating and Nutrition

• After a meal, blood pressure often rises for approximately 45 minutes. There is a strong correlation between salt and high blood pressure. Those who add salt to their food tend to be at higher risk for hypertension than those who do not add salt to their food. Some people are not able to metabolize salt effectively or are sensitive to sodium levels. Reducing sodium intake often reduces blood pressure. Dehydration can be a trigger for a change in blood pressure. If someone has not been drinking enough water or is suffering from nausea and/or vomiting, the blood pressure can change because of the stress on the body's organs. If there is a sudden change in blood pressure, increasing fluid intake may help to regulate the problem.

Exercise and Weight

• Exercise reduces the level of oxygen in the body, making the heart pump faster during and after exercise. Exercise is important to reducing the risk of high blood pressure. Lack of physical activity contributes to changes in weight and increases blood pressure. Because of the strain on the heart, those who are overweight are more prone to having changes in their blood pressure. Choosing foods that have low fat content and fewer calories will help to maintain a healthy weight, help a person lose weight, and reduce risk of hypertension.

Genetics

• Blood pressure is often correlated to family history. A person who has high or low blood pressure may have relatives with some of the same issues. A physician will often ask for a full family health history to help determine the cause of changes in blood pressure. If thyroid problems run in your family, a physician will probably order thyroid tests to determine if it is the cause of the change in blood pressure.

Medication

• Oral contraceptives for women, amphetamines, diet pills and some other medications raise a person's blood pressure. Change in blood pressure should be a listed side effect and is something to be aware of if you have recently switched medication. It is important to take the right medications in the correct dosages. If a physician has recently put you on medication for an infection or you are being treated for inflamed organs, your body's resistance and repair process might be putting your heart under increased strain. It is important that medications and health conditions be closely monitored.