How Do You Know You Have Morning High Blood Pressure
It is important to monitor your blood pressure every morning with a home blood pressure monitor. These devices are usually available for purchase at hospitals. You can also find them in your neighboring pharmacy. There are various types of blood pressure monitors which includes the automatic models and the manual models.
Before purchasing a blood pressure monitor to know why is blood pressure higher in the morning, you need to decide which you want to use , endeavor to select the proper cuff size that matches the distance around your arm because if you use an incorrect cuff size, you would get a wrong result of blood pressure that is not yours.
Causes Of Morning High Blood Pressure Peoplesuffering From Surges Of Blood Pressure In The Mornings Are Also At Risk Of Heart Attacks Also Occurringfrequently In The Morning
Causes of Morning High Blood Pressure
Morning time is probably the busiest time for many people. Time is usually short and things to do numerous. Under such conditions, any persons blood pressure can increase slightly. However, for those people who are already suffering from high blood pressure, mornings can be particularly stressful for their pressure. If hypertensive patients experience surges in their blood pressure, they should consult their doctor immediately.
Blood pressure has a diurnal pattern. This means that it will peak at some fixed time during the day. For most people, it is late afternoon while for others, their blood pressure peaks in the morning. Its causes vary from the ordinary such as working late night to as serious as adrenal gland tumours or kidney problems. Other reasons for these spikes in blood pressure are use of tobacco or caffeine, certain medications like corticosteroids, sleep apnea, stress and poorly controlled blood pressure.
If you are experiencing sudden rise in blood pressure in the mornings, then it is better to visit a doctor who will prescribe some medication that can be taken before going to bed. These medicines start working before you wake up the next morning and prevent blood pressure from increasing suddenly.
Why Does Blood Pressure Rise In The Morning
Exactly why blood pressure may peak in the morning isnt fully understood, but one theory is that work-related stress may stimulate your sympathetic nervous system to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Blood pressure tends to be higher on weekday mornings, which is why researchers think job stress may play a role. Stress can cause high blood pressure in the short and long term.
Another theory suggests that not taking the right blood pressure-lowering drugs at the right times may also lead to morning blood pressure surges.
The best way to know if your blood pressure is higher in the morning is to test it at home throughout the day with a home blood pressure monitor as well as when you go for your doctors visits, says Salim Virani, MD, professor, sections of cardiology and cardiovascular research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston.
Use the average of two or three readings taken within an hour of waking up to establish your morning blood pressure, the consensus paper suggests.
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Risks Of High Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:
- have a relative with high blood pressure
- are of black African or black Caribbean descent
- live in a deprived area
Making healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help reduce your chances of getting high blood pressure and help lower your blood pressure if it’s already high.
Why Is Blood Pressure Higher In The Morning: Clinically Explained
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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How K Health Can Help
Skip the long wait at the doctors officeyou can chat with a K Health primary care provider in minutes to discuss your blood pressure concerns.
to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.
What Questions Should I Ask My Provider
- Are there supplements or non-prescription medicines that I shouldnt take?
- Can I keep taking these medicines if I get pregnant?
- What kinds of exercise should I do?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you dont treat high blood pressure, it can put you at risk for developing serious illnesses later in life such as heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. But if you follow your providers instructions, you can control your blood pressure. Be sure to take any medicines your provider ordered as instructed. Keep taking them even if your blood pressure numbers begin to fall into the normal range. Living a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, watching your weight and getting regular exercise is also a great way to help control your blood pressure.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/21/2021.
References
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How Can Eating Affect Your Blood Pressure
When a person eats, their body redirects blood to the digestive tract to aid with digestion. This causes a temporary decrease in blood pressure elsewhere in the body.
To compensate, blood vessels outside of the digestive tract constrict, causing the heart to beat faster and more forcefully. This helps maintain healthy blood pressure throughout the body.
Some people experience a persistent drop in blood pressure after eating. This happens when the blood vessels outside of the digestive system do not constrict. Doctors refer to this condition as postprandial hypotension, or low blood pressure after eating.
A person with high blood pressure is more likely to experience postprandial hypotension.
Postprandial hypotension can cause complications such as:
- visual disturbances
- angina, or chest pain
Fasting for long periods can also cause a drop in blood pressure. Additionally, it may increase a persons risk of developing electrolyte imbalances and nutrient deficiencies.
Meanwhile, certain foods can increase a persons blood pressure after eating: Foods that contain a lot of salt may cause a temporary spike, while foods with saturated fats present a longer-term risk.
People with prehypertension or hypertension should limit their intake of foods that could further increase their blood pressure: foods that contain salt or saturated fat.
High Blood Pressure And Older Adults
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults. Your bodys network of blood vessels, known as the vascular system, changes with age. Arteries get stiffer, causing blood pressure to go up. This can be true even for people who have heart-healthy habits and feel just fine. High blood pressure, sometimes called “the silent killer,” often does not cause signs of illness that you can see or feel. Though it affects nearly half of all adults, many may not even be aware they have it.
If high blood pressure isn’t controlled with lifestyle changes and medication, it can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease such as heart disease and stroke, vascular dementia, eye problems, and kidney disease. The good news is that blood pressure can be controlled in most people.
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Looking For A List Of Symptoms
If you are looking for a list of symptoms and signs of high blood pressure , you wont find them here. This is because most of the time, there are none.
Myth: People with high blood pressure will experience symptoms, like nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping or facial flushing.
Truth: High blood pressure is a largely symptomless silent killer. If you ignore your blood pressure because you think a certain symptom or sign will alert you to the problem, you are taking a dangerous chance with your life.
Whos At Risk For Labile Hypertension
Labile hypertension tends to be situational. This means the spikes occur in response to stressful events a fender bender, intensive physical exertion or thinking about financial woes, for example. This helps distinguish labile hypertension from true hypertension, in which blood pressure is high all the time.
Although hypertension can develop at any time, it raises a red flag when it occurs in young people or after age 60.
People who develop hypertension in their 40s particularly if they have a family history of hypertension are more likely to have essential hypertension than labile hypertension. They tend to be overweight or have underlying dietary issues, such as excessive sodium intake or heavy alcohol consumption.
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What Are The Complications Of Uncontrolled Hypertension
- Chest pain, also called angina.
- Heart attack, which occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked and heart muscle cells die from lack of oxygen. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart.
- Heart failure, which occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to other vital body organs.
- Irregular heart beat which can lead to a sudden death.
Secondary High Blood Pressure
Some cases of high blood pressure are the result of underlying factors or cause and this is known as secondary high blood pressure.
Underlying factors include:
- kidney conditions, such as a kidney infection, or kidney disease
- narrowing of the arteries
- hormonal conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome
- conditions that affect the bodys tissue, such as lupus
- medication, such as the oral contraceptive pill, or the type of painkillers that are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen
- recreational drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystal meth
Occasionally, a rise in blood pressure can result from taking herbal remedies, such as herbal supplements.
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Quitting Smoking And Limiting Alcohol
If youre a smoker and have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will most likely advise you to quit. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the bodys tissues and harden blood vessel walls.
If you regularly consume too much alcohol or have an alcohol dependency, seek help to reduce the amount you drink or stop altogether. Drinking alcohol in excess can raise blood pressure.
If you have risk factors for hypertension, you can take steps now to lower your risk for the condition and its complications.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly
The best way to prevent complications and avoid problems is to recognize hypertension early.
Keep a log of your blood pressure readings and take it to your regular doctor appointments. This can help your doctor see any possible problems before the condition advances.
People with hypertension can deliver healthy babies despite having the condition. But it can be dangerous to both the birthing parent and baby if its not monitored closely and managed during the pregnancy.
People with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to develop complications . For example, pregnant women with hypertension may experience decreased kidney function. Babies born to birthing parents with hypertension may have a low birth weight or be born prematurely.
Some people may develop hypertension during their pregnancies. Several types of high blood pressure problems can develop. The condition often reverses itself once the baby is born. Developing hypertension during pregnancy may increase your risk for developing hypertension later in life.
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Causes Of High Blood Pressure In The Morning
Blood pressure levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the lowest readings usually occurring when a person is asleep. Once a person rises in the morning, blood pressure levels begin to increase. Several medical conditions and lifestyle factors can also cause increases in morning blood pressure readings. Controlling these factors can help reduce blood pressure levels in the early hours.
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What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Morning Hypertension
You may be at an increased risk of developing morning hypertension if:
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You have a family history of high blood pressure
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You are over the age of 60
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You are of Asian, African, or Caribbean descent.¹ It’s not clear why people of certain races experience higher rates of hypertension.¹¹
Some lifestyle choices and factors may also increase your risk of developing morning hypertension. These include:
Changes to your lifestyle may help bring your blood pressure levels down to normal. This can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and other serious medical conditions. A doctor or cardiologist can help you develop a preventative care plan.
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What Do These Numbers Mean
Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers:
- The systolic pressure is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body.
- The diastolic pressure is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.
Theyre both measured in millimeters of mercury .
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According to the NHS, high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher
Ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
As the NHS explains, blood pressure readings between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg could mean youre at risk of developing high blood pressure so a reading of 180/120mmHG is severe.
You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including:
at your GP surgery, at some pharmacies as part of your NHS Health Check, in in some workplaces.
Blood Pressure Checks During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you should have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis, even if it is not high.
Watching your blood pressure while you are pregnant reduces your risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension. This can lead to a serious condition called pre-eclampsia where there is a problem with the placenta .
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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.
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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.
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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How Can I Control My Blood Pressure
You can often lower your blood pressure by changing your day-to-day habits and by taking medication if needed. Treatment, especially if you have other medical conditions such as diabetes, requires ongoing evaluation and discussions with your doctor.
Lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent and lower high blood pressure:
In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure to a safe level. Isolated systolic hypertension, the most common form of high blood pressure in older adults, is treated in the same way as regular high blood pressure but may require more than one type of blood pressure medication. You may try several kinds or combinations of medications before finding a plan that works best for you. Medication can control your blood pressure, but it can’t cure it. If your doctor starts you on medication for high blood pressure, you may need to take it long-term.