Daily patterns should be lowest at night, while you are sleeping.
It may come as a surprise but your blood pressure is not at a constant level. Like the ebb and flow of the tides, your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. If you are in good health, your blood pressure will start to rise a few hours before you are set to wake up. Blood pressure reaches its peak in midday, and gradually goes down. At night while you are sleeping, if you are in good health, is when your blood pressure will be at its lowest point.
But what if something different is happening in your body? Here’s a look.
Abnormal Blood Pressure Patterns
People who suffer from abnormal blood pressure patterns may have high blood pressure at night. For some, blood pressure doesn’t dip at all. Having an odd pattern of blood pressure can indicate you are sick with something else. According to the Mayo Clinic, this could be an indication that you have kidney or thyroid disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, or another nervous system disorder.
Who is At Risk?
Certain lifestyle factors can cause you to be at risk of developing abnormal blood pressure patterns. Normal patterns of blood pressure are based on the idea that you are getting up at an average time in the morning and going to sleep for a full night each night.
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If you work the graveyard shift, (night shift), or you are prone to stress and anxiety, this could cause your blood pressure pattern to shift. Being overweight, suffering from obesity, smoking, and not taking your medications as directed can also have this effect.
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure
Many people living with high blood pressure take medicine to treat it. These include medications like Norvasc (amlodipine besylate), Vasocor (bepridil), Cardizem CD (diltiazem hydrochloride) and Captopril. Amazingly, ACE inhibitors like captopril mimic the effect of snake venom, showing that nature often has the answer to our troubles hidden within.
There are other solutions to high blood pressure as well. Making lifestyle changes can do a world of difference in some cases. Avoiding caffeine, eating less salt, and limiting your alcohol intake can help lower your blood pressure. Drinking more water, losing weight, and exercising regularly can also do wonders. Finally, reducing the stress in your life and getting enough sleep regularly can contribute to better health.
How Often Should Your Blood Pressure Be Checked?
The first step to controlling high blood pressure is to be in regular communication with your doctor. Go to your regularly scheduled appointments. Have your blood pressure checked. Know your family history and talk about this with your doctor. How often you need to have your blood pressure checked depends on your health.
People who are at risk of having high blood pressure often invest in a blood pressure monitor to use at home. According to Harvard Health, this can be a great advantage. People in one study who monitored pressure at home had greater success in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about what type of monitor would be best for your use.
Staying healthy can be within your control!
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