Are your blood pressure readings all over the place? One minute they’re 120/80, the next they’re 140/90 or even 160/100. What’s going on?
Blood pressure readings can vary significantly. Wheareas blood pressure readings vary on a daily basis for most people, those with unusual changes in blood pressure readings should seek professional advice.
Blood Pressure Variability: Why It Matters
Blood pressure readings can vary for a number of reasons, including:
- Time of day: Blood pressure is typically lowest in the morning and highest in the evening.
- Activity level: Blood pressure increases with activity.
- Stress: Blood pressure can increase in response to stress.
- Medications: Some medications can affect blood pressure.
- Diet: Eating a high-sodium diet can increase blood pressure.
In most cases, blood pressure variability is not a cause for concern. However, if your blood pressure readings are consistently high or low, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Blood Pressure Readings: What’s Normal?
Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure readings between 120/80 and 129/80 mmHg are considered to be elevated. Blood pressure readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher are considered to be high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Medication: When to Start
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure. Medication may be necessary if your blood pressure readings are consistently high or if you have other risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
Blood Pressure Readings: How to Lower
There are a number of things you can do to lower your blood pressure, including:
- Losing weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can help lower blood pressure.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower blood pressure.
- Reducing sodium intake: Reducing the amount of sodium in your diet can help lower blood pressure.
- Getting regular exercise: Getting regular exercise can help lower blood pressure.
- Managing stress: Managing stress can help lower blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Readings: When to See a Doctor
If your blood pressure readings are consistently high or low, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Blood Pressure Readings: Conclusion
Blood pressure readings can vary significantly. In most cases, blood pressure variability is not a cause for concern. However, if your blood pressure readings are consistently high or low, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Blood Pressure Readings: Further Reading
Blood Pressure Variability: A Deeper Dive
Blood pressure variability (BPV) is a measure of how much blood pressure changes over time. BPV can be classified as short-term (within a day) or long-term (over a period of weeks or months).
There are a number of factors that can affect BPV, including:
- Age: BPV tends to increase with age.
- Race: African Americans tend to have higher BPV than whites.
- Obesity: Obese people tend to have higher BPV than normal-weight people.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes tend to have higher BPV than people without diabetes.
- Kidney disease: People with kidney disease tend to have higher BPV than people without kidney disease.
BPV can be a risk factor for cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that people with high BPV were more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people with low BPV.
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce BPV, including:
- Losing weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce BPV.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce BPV.
- Reducing sodium intake: Reducing the amount of sodium in your diet can help reduce BPV.
- Getting regular exercise: Getting regular exercise can help reduce BPV.
- Managing stress: Managing stress can help reduce BPV.
Blood Pressure Readings: Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks for taking accurate blood pressure readings:
- Use a properly sized cuff. The cuff should be snug but not too tight.
- Place the cuff on your upper arm, about 1 inch above the elbow crease.
- Keep your arm still and at heart level.
- Take multiple readings. Take at least two readings, one minute apart.
- Average your readings. The average of your two readings is your blood pressure reading.
Blood Pressure Readings: Step-by-Step Approach
Here is a step-by-step approach to taking your blood pressure:
- Find a quiet place to sit.
- Rest for 5 minutes before taking your reading.
- Use a properly sized cuff.
- Place the cuff on your upper arm, about 1 inch above the elbow crease.
- Keep your arm still and at heart level.
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
- Take multiple readings. Take at least two readings, one minute apart.
- Average your readings. The average of your two readings is your blood pressure reading.
Blood Pressure Readings: Conclusion
Blood pressure readings can vary significantly. In most cases, blood pressure variability is not a cause for concern. However, if your blood pressure readings are consistently high or low, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
