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Blood Pressure Is Higher In The Morning

What Causes High Blood Pressure In The Morning

Is High Blood Pressure on the Rise? | This Morning

Every person has a circadian rhythm, which is a 24-hour cycle that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Morning hours are usually when a person wakes. Upon waking, the body releases different chemicals, like adrenaline and cortisol, to give you energy and jumpstart your day. Though beneficial, these chemicals can cause a natural increase in blood pressure, which puts people that live with high blood pressure at an increased risk for complications.

There are two types of high blood pressure in the morning. The first one is nocturnal hypertension. Nocturnal hypertension is high blood pressure that extends from nighttime to morning time. The second is morning surge hypertension. Morning surge hypertension is blood pressure that increases in the morning.

High blood pressure in the morning has been linked to organ damage to the brain, heart, and kidneys. It has also been linked to causing silent strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.

What Is Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force or pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which are in charge of carrying blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Without blood pressure, oxygen and nutrients would not be able to circulate throughout your body.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when your blood pressure is higher than normal. If your blood pressure is consistently high, your doctor may diagnose you with hypertension.

Hypertension can have negative effects on the body. Over time, it can cause serious damage to your arteries, your heart, your brain, and your kidneys. It can also increase your risk of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

Because high blood pressure has no symptoms or warning signs, itâs important to have your blood pressure checked by your doctor regularly.

How Should You Measure Your Blood Pressure

When taking your blood pressure, its essential to refrain from any activities that could increase your blood pressure 30 minutes before you plan to take it. These activities may include smoking, exercise, or drinking caffeine. It would also be helpful to use the bathroom and sit still and be silent five minutes beforehand.

Make sure youre sitting down with your back straight. Ideally, it would be best to sit against a hard surface like a dining room chair to help maintain your posture. Do not cross your arms and legs they should be supported by a flat surface.

Place your upper arm at the same level as your heart with the end of the cuff above the bend of your elbow. Follow the instructions that came with your blood pressure machine. It may be best to take a reading more than once a minute apart to get an accurate number.

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Blood Pressure And Time Of Day

Blood pressure numbers tend to have a natural rhythm, rising and falling throughout the day, and some people with hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, may be prone to morning peaks.

So-called morning hypertension may be particularly dangerous because strokes and heart attacks, which can be consequences of raised blood pressure, are also more likely to occur during the morning hours, according to a 2018 consensus statement on morning blood pressure in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension.

A major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is too high for too long.

Systolic blood pressure is the upper number in a blood pressure measurement. It refers to the amount of pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when your heart is besting. The lower number, diastolic pressure, refers to how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when your heart is at rest. A blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal.

High blood pressure is greater than 130/80 mm Hg, according to the American Heart Association . Morning hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 135/85 mm Hg or higher that occurs between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. regardless of your readings throughout the rest of the day.

Heres what you need to know about morning hypertension and how to keep healthy blood pressure all day long.

Having A Blood Pressure Test

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A stethoscope, arm cuff, pump and dial was normally used to measure your blood pressure, but automatic devices with sensors and digital displays are commonly used nowadays.

It’s best to sit down with your back supported and legs uncrossed for at least 5 minutes before the test.

You’ll usually need to roll up your sleeves or remove any long-sleeved clothing so the cuff can be placed around your upper arm.

Try to relax and avoid talking while the test is carried out.

During the test:

  • you hold out one of your arms so it’s at the same level as your heart, and the cuff is placed around it your arm should be supported in this position with a cushion or the arm of a chair, for example
  • the cuff is pumped up to restrict the blood flow in your arm this squeezing may feel a bit uncomfortable, but only lasts a few seconds
  • the pressure in the cuff is slowly released and detectors sense vibrations in your arteries a doctor will use a stethoscope to detect these if your blood pressure is measured manually
  • the pressure in the cuff is recorded at 2 points as the blood flow starts to return to your arm these measurements are used to give your blood pressure reading

You can usually find out your result straight away, either from the healthcare professional carrying out the test or on the digital display.

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What Is The Cause

When we first wake up, blood pressure rises because of the normal circadian rhythm of the body. This is a twenty-four hour cycle which affects our patterns of sleeping and waking. The body releases hormones in the morning, such as noradrenaline and adrenaline. These are what gives you a boost of energy, and they can also raise your blood pressure. The increase of your blood pressure in the morning can usually be seen between six and noon. If it goes too high, this can create effects that are harmful.

The Timing Of Coronary Events

Coronary events often occur during the morning hours. This makes BP surges in the morning especially important. A study of 1,273 patients found more strokes occurred in patients were awake during the morning hours from 10:00 AM to noon. This was more than any other 2-hour period and incidence of strokes declined during the remainder of the day 24.

Another study of almost 3,000 people admitted with heart attacks, found the frequency of onset occurred from 6:00 AM to noon 25.

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Who Is At Risk For Morning Hypertension

Populations at higher risk of developing complications related to high blood pressure include the following: 7

  • South American.

Certain medical conditions placed people at risk for experiencing high blood pressure in the morning. These conditions included the following:

  • Glucose abnormality.
  • Metabolic syndrome .
  • Insomnia or poor sleep quality.
  • Nocturnal Hypoxia .

High blood pressure in the morning was also found to be more prevalent based on certain environmental factors.

  • High salt intake.
  • Winter time or cold outside temp.
  • High levels of physical activity upon waking.
  • High-stress levels.
  • Increased alcohol consumption.

Why Is Blood Pressure Higher In The Morning: Clinically Explained

Why is my BLOOD PRESSURE Higher in the Morning? seCrets of the hUMan bODy

It is unclear why the blood pressure rises in the morning. However, one hypothesis is that stress causes your sympathetic system to generate the stress chemicals cortisol and adrenaline, which raise both your blood pressure and heart rate.

Because blood pressure is particularly higher in the morning, experts believe work stress could be a factor. High blood pressure can be caused by stress in the long run too.

One other idea claims that not using the proper blood pressure medication at the right time can cause morning high blood pressure.

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Why You Should Take Your Own Blood Pressure At Home Or On The Go

Because of regular fluctuations in blood pressure, white-coat syndrome, and masked hypertension, doctors may recommend self-monitoring for people with HBP. There are many benefits to taking your own BP:

  • Knowing your actual, average blood pressure outside of regular fluctuations
  • Gaining more control over your blood pressure
  • Tracking your progress

What Happens If You Have Morning Hypertension

If you have hypertension, specifically morning hypertension, you have a stronger risk of stroke compared to others with hypertension but not in the morning.

is able to cause a stroke, or a sudden loss of brain function because of a lack of supply of blood to the brain. Morning hypertension can also raise your risk of other blood vessel and heart problems. Changes in your heartys size and rhythm have been associated with it, and this can lead to heart failure or a heart attack. Speak with your doctor right away if you go through any symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache or numbness in your arms or face.

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Slightly Higher Blood Pressure In The Morning Is Normal Because Your Blood Pressure Falls At Night And Needs To Work A Little Harder When You Wake Up A Very Large Increase Should Be Reported To Your Doctor

Let your doctor know if you have a morning blood pressure that is 10 points above your daytime blood pressure.

©AleksandarNakic | Getty Images

If you monitor your blood pressure at home, you may notice that your pressure is usually higher in the early morning. This is normal because your blood pressure has a normal variation that follows your bodys biological clock, also called your circadian rhythm. Blood pressure is higher a few hours before and after waking up. It peaks at about midday, drops in the evening, and is lowest during deep sleep, called your nocturnal blood pressure.

Some people have a higher increase in morning blood pressure, called a morning blood pressure surge . It is known that most strokes, heart attacks, and sudden deaths occur in the early morning, so for several years researchers have been trying to find out if MBPS is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease . The research has not been conclusive, but it seems to suggest that there is a slightly higher risk, especially for stroke, that increases as MBPS increases.

Is Blood Pressure Higher In The Morning

How many at

If you are measuring your blood pressure at home, you may be taking it several times a day.

Blood pressure has normal patterns that tend to be higher and lower at certain times of the day.

Understanding these patterns can help you identify if your BP is normal or falls outside of range.

Blood pressure is usually not highest in the morning.

In this article, Ill explain more about blood pressure patterns.

Ill talk about why your blood pressure might sometimes be higher in the morning, and whether its dangerous.

Ill also discuss some risk factors for morning hypertension, as well as its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ill also outline some prevention strategies, and tell you when to talk to your doctor.

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How Is Blood Pressure Measured

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

  • Systolic blood pressure measures how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when your heart beats.
  • Diastolic blood pressure measures how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when your heart rests between beats.

Systolic blood pressure tends to rise steadily with age, while diastolic blood pressure can sometimes remain in the healthy range. This condition is the most prevalent in people over 50, and it can occur as plaque builds up in your arteries over time.

Your systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels are used to diagnose high blood pressure, but the guidelines can vary depending on your health care professional. You may be diagnosed with hypertension stage 1 if your blood pressure levels are consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher.

Hypertension stage 2, which is more severe, can be diagnosed if your blood pressure levels are consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher. Both an elevated systolic or diastolic blood pressure reading may be used to diagnose high blood pressure.

Here are the standards for blood pressure levels according to the American Heart Association:

Why Does Blood Pressure Fluctuate

Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day for several reasons, but its helpful to know what to expect and when your fluctuating blood pressure might be abnormal.

Circadian rhythms

Your blood pressure is strongly influenced by your bodys circadian rhythms, including your natural sleep cycle. Your circadian rhythm is connected to the master clock in your brain which regulates your body function throughout the day.

As the sun goes down and it gets dark, your master clock tells you its time to go to bed and get some rest. In contrast, when the sun is up, your master clock makes sure you have enough energy to stay alert and go about your day. Your heart rate and blood pressure will adjust according to this pattern,¹ so its normal for your blood pressure to dip while you sleep and rise throughout the day.

Physical activity

Being active and exercising regularly helps reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure in the long term. For people with diagnosed hypertension, exercise has been found to cause a blood pressure dip called postc-exercise hypotension .

You might notice your blood pressure reading change slightly during or after exercise. This is normal, but a significant change could suggest you have hypertensive response to exercise .² In HRE, blood pressure in normal, healthy people elevates significantly with exercise . HRE is thought to be an early warning sign for developing hypertension.

Nervousness and stress

White-coat syndrome

Eating and drinking

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The Normal Blood Pressure Pattern Is As Follows

The power with which the heart pumps blood around the circulatory system is known as blood pressure. A variety of factors can influence blood pressure, such as:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Physical exercise

When an individual takes their blood pressure, two figures will display on the screen. The top number shows systolic blood pressure, which would be the pressure that the heart experiences when it contracts. The bottom figure means diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure when the heart is relaxed.

A heart rate monitor measures the pressure inside the blood vessels in millimeters of mercury . Blood pressure must be lesser than 120/80 mm Hg.

A measurement of 120/80 mm Hg to 139/89 mm Hg indicates that a person is at risk of developing hypertension, whereas a reading of 140/90 mm Hg indicates hypertension.

During the day and night, your blood pressure goes up and down. Blood pressure drops by 10%â30% while sleeping. Then it rises around the time you are just awake. This surge may be considered in certain persons, leading to morning hypertension. Issues such as heart attack and stroke are possible.

Guide To Measure Blood Pressure

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People can more easily comprehend their blood pressure changes by using a home blood pressure monitor on a routine basis. It can also help people spot morning hypertension events.

Using a cuff-style blood pressure sensor is recommended by the American Heart Association . Monitors that connect to the finger or wrist are less dependable than monitors that connect to the head.

The American Heart Association also recommends the following methods for checking blood pressure at home:

Before taking your blood pressure, make sure:

  • Its time to empty your bladder.
  • Before taking your blood pressure, lie down comfortably and quietly for 5 minutes.
  • Within 30 minutes of taking your blood pressure, stop smoking, consuming alcohol, or exercising.

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High Blood Pressure: What Is Morning Hypertension And How To Curb It

High Blood Pressure aka high BP is one of the common ailments in the world. Did you know that one in three people suffer the same? Today we are talking about morning hypertension Read on to know more.

Pinkvilla Desk |

High Blood Pressure aka high BP is one of the common ailments in the world. Did you know that one in three people suffer the same? Today we are talking about morning hypertension. Blood pressure keeps fluctuating throughout the day and tends to increase during the morning. However, for many people, blood pressure can be abnormally high in the mornings and the same is known as morning hypertension.

The morning hypertension is of great concern as the same can lead to stroke and heart attack. As per a study, stroke and other serious cardiac-related conditions happen after the first 46 hours after waking. It is vital to know the causes of high BP and how one can curb it. Speaking of causes of high levels of hypertension during the morning, the same include stress or anxiety, lack of physical activity, poor diet and lifestyle, too much consumption of salt, smoking, too much alcohol intake and obesity among others. Other health complications that can put people at higher risk of morning hypertension are high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, diabetes, thyroid, lupus and kidney diseases among others.

How To Lower Blood Pressure In The Morning

Lifestyle can have a significant impact on hypertension overall. To lower your BP, you should practice healthy behaviors such as:

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Mitigating stress and anxiety
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

You should also take any BP medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you think your dosage might be the problem, speak to your doctor.

Another way to manage hypertension is with the Cardi.Health app. Cardi.Health targets heart health using a personalized nutrition and activity plan tailored to the users blood pressure and cholesterol measurements.

The app can help you resume control over your health with a positive routine, regular monitoring, and real-time insights into your hearts performance. It also promotes weight loss that can naturally bring your HBP and cholesterol back to healthy levels.

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