Daily Blood Pressure Fluctuation

Blood pressure is a medical sign that often is checked in hospitals and clinics. This is because blood pressure is connected to the health of the heart and can indicate potential diseases and medical problems. Blood pressure can be high, normal or low overall, depending on the individual, but blood pressure also fluctuates daily. In most cases, this daily fluctuation in blood pressure is completely normal, but there are instances in which it is not, and there are ways to minimize fluctuations when they are reason for concern.

General Fluctuation

• Blood pressure tends to lower when the body is more at rest. This means that blood pressure is related to an individual's circadian rhythm (the natural sleep/rest pattern of the body). Blood pressure tends to be low in the morning and rise until about mid-afternoon for most individuals.

Causes

• There is more than one cause for daily blood pressure fluctuation. For instance, hypertension can cause fluctuations in blood pressure because hypertension allows blood vessels to constrict more easily than in non-hypertensive individuals. Stress and certain foods also can elevate blood pressure. When the stress or food is removed or processed from the body, blood pressure goes back to normal.

Monitorization

• Although fluctuations in blood pressure occur on a daily basis and normally are not reason to worry, it is a good idea to monitor the severity of fluctuations because they can reveal potential health problems. Extreme blood pressure fluctuations may be signs of blood pressure that is not controlled well, for example, or it can be a sign of a disease such as diabetes.

Minimization

• Blood fluctuations can be minimized. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on what is causing the fluctuations in the first place. Because certain foods can elevate blood pressure, getting a proper, balanced diet is one way to get fluctuations under control. Exercise is another natural way to minimize fluctuations. If diet and exercise do not help, medications can be used that can keep blood pressure at a healthy level.

Dangers

• Blood pressure fluctuations can be hazardous when severe. If blood pressure rapidly shifts from low to high, or from high to low, an individual can experience dizziness and fainting. This can be dangerous if an individual happens to be behind the wheel of a vehicle, or if he is in an environment where a fall could result in an injury. To reduce the risks associated with blood pressure fluctuations, individuals can use blood pressure monitors to see what their blood pressure is at any given time. A normal blood pressure is considered to be around a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80.