Symptoms Of Sudden High Blood Pressure
Unlike traditional high blood pressure, where there are no visual symptoms until major damage has occurred, sudden high blood pressure alerts you immediately.
- Weakness or numbness in arms, legs, face
- Mentality changes such as anxiety, fatigue, confusion, restlessness
In extreme cases of sudden high blood pressure, there may be bleeding from damaged blood vessels, blindness from ruptured retina nerves or vessels, and possibly seizures.
Blood Pressure Pills ‘work Better At Bedtime’
Health editor, BBC News online
To get the best out of your daily blood pressure medication, take it just before you go to bed, say researchers.
It’s a simple tip that could save lives, they say in the European Heart Journal.
The pills offer more protection against heart attacks and strokes when taken at bedtime rather than in the morning, a large new study suggests.
Experts believe our body’s biological ‘clock’ or natural 24-hour rhythm alters our response to the medication.
Difference In Blood Pressure Between Arms
Question: At a recent check of my blood pressure, my left arm was 135/88 and my right arm was 149/94. This has been going on for about a year. Should I have it checked out, and with what type of doctor?
Answer: Persistent differences in blood pressure between the arms can indicate disease of the arteries in the chest. An examination by a vascular specialist can help define the cause, and determine if it is an indication of a disease process and whether it needs treatment. The causes of a difference in blood pressure between arms include hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases of the arteries, and certain structural abnormalities.
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Home Blood Pressure Testing
Blood pressure tests can also be carried out at home using your own blood pressure monitor.
Like 24-hour or ambulatory monitoring, this can give a better reflection of your blood pressure.
It can also allow you to monitor your condition more easily in the long term.
You can buy a variety of low-cost monitors so you can test your blood pressure at home or while you’re out and about.
Measure your blood pressure twice a day, ideally in the morning and the evening, while you’re sitting down.
Each time take 2 readings, 1 minute apart. Continue to measure your blood pressure twice a day for 7 days.
Your doctor or nurse will use this information to work out your average blood pressure.
It’s important to make sure you use equipment that’s been properly tested.
The British Hypertension Society has information about validated blood pressure monitors that are available to buy.
Abnormal Blood Pressure Levels While Sleeping Increase Risk Of Heart Disease Stroke
Research Highlights:
- Nighttime blood pressure levels that are higher than daytime levels, as well as a pattern of blood pressure rising at night , were associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
- Even when blood pressure is well controlled during the day, patients who experienced extreme dips in their blood pressure while asleep had a significantly greater risk of stroke compared to those who had normal blood pressure while sleeping.
- Management of blood pressure while sleeping should be a key consideration for health care professionals to help optimize patient outcomes.
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Monday, Nov. 2, 2020
DALLAS, Nov. 2, 2020 People who experience high blood pressure while sleeping are more likely to experience future cardiovascular disease especially heart failure, even when their daytime blood pressure is within normal ranges, according to new research published today in the American Heart Associations flagship journal Circulation.
Health care professionals typically use in-office and daytime blood pressure measurements to determine a patients hypertension medication needs and dosages. However, many patients may have undetected nocturnal hypertension high blood pressure while sleeping.
The analysis indicates:
This study was financially supported in part by a grant from the Foundation for the Development of the Community .
Additional Resources:
About the American Heart Association
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Why You Should Check Your Blood Pressure In The Morning
08 November 2015
ORLANDO, Fla. People who have high blood pressure are often advised to monitor their blood pressure at home, and now, a new study suggests that blood pressure measured in the morning may be a better predictor of stroke risk than blood pressure measured in the evening.
In the study, researchers looked at data from people in Japan and found that, when measured in the morning, higher blood pressure was related to an increased risk of stroke. When measured in the evening, however, higher blood pressure was not as closely related to people’s stroke risk.
Blood pressure has a tendency to surge in the morning, and this surge is greater in Asian populations than in people in Western countries, said Dr. Satoshi Hoshide, an associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at Jichi Medical University in Japan and the lead author of the study.
Because of this, the morning blood pressure measurement is important, especially in Asian populations, Hoshide told Live Science today , here at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions meeting.
The study included more than 4,300 Japanese people who had at least one risk factor for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. For two weeks, the people in the study took their blood pressure at home, measuring it once in the morning and once in the evening. The participants were then tracked for a four-year follow-up period. During the follow-up, there were 75 strokes among the group.
How High Is Too High For Blood Pressure
Although the term labile hypertension means blood pressure that fluctuates more than usual, the term actually has no official definition. Theres no line that must be crossed no minimum blood pressure reading or number of spikes necessary to make the diagnosis.
The term simply indicates a situation where blood pressure is rising beyond whats considered normal and acceptable for an individual.
Most times, these people have reasonable blood pressure control, says Dr. Lioudis. Yet they have periods when they may experience facial flushing, tension headaches, sweating or feelings of unease. When they check their blood pressure, its high.
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Having A Blood Pressure Test
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.
Blood Pressure Is Linked To Other Medical Issues
High blood pressure can be the first indication of a serious underlying condition. When a patient comes in with high blood pressure, doctors will check their urine and kidney function do an electrocardiogram to check the size of the heart and look for lung changes.
Stress on the blood vessels makes people with hypertension more prone to heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and aneurysms. Correspondingly, chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea and high cholesterol increase the risk for developing high blood pressure.
In some women, pregnancy can contribute to high blood pressure, leading to preeclampsia. Postpartum blood pressure typically goes back to normal levels within six weeks. However, some women who have high blood pressure during more than one pregnancy may be more likely to develop high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases as they age.
Some of these medical issues can also cause spikes in high blood pressure .
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How To Prevent Sudden High Blood Pressure Problem
In 2013, more than 360,000 deaths in the United States had high blood pressure as primary or contributing cause. Each year, the government spends an estimated $46 billion for workers missed days, health care services, and high blood pressure medications. Talk to your doctor about treatment for high blood pressure medications. In the meantime, there are precautions you can take right now.
1. Avoid Stress
Become involved in hobbies such as painting, exercise, and other physical activities to have a stress outlet and keep fit.
2. Limit Caffeine Intake
Talk with your doctor about your caffeine habits and stick to a plan to limit your daily intake.
3. Quit Smoking
As one of the biggest health risks, smoking can lead to serious heart and lung conditions and death.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
Avoid saturated fats and junk food to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
5. Reduce Sodium in Diet
Added salt and salt found in food products can lead to high blood pressure as it increases the solute content in our blood.
6. Exercise Regularly
A healthy heart, and body, requires regular exercise daily for 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Monitor Vitals
It is important to keep an eye on your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels, especially if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Should You Take Your Blood Pressure Medication At Bedtime
While it is generally believed that nighttime blood pressure medications are helpful for those with non-dipping blood pressure, this new study seems to indicate that it might be helpful in more effectively lowering blood pressure for a broader range of people.
Dr. Kim Williams, the head of the division of cardiology at Rush University Medical Center and past president of the American College of Cardiology, says he feels itâs too soon to begin recommending that all patients take their medications at bedtime.
âWe need more data from other centers as much of the data favoring this come from a small set of investigators. Other trials and experience are not as strikingly positive,â he noted.
Williams added, âSpeculation would hold that this is a good idea when the patient is known to have nocturnal hypertension but these authors suggest that it works for all comers. We clearly need more data.â
Dr. Satjit Bhusri, assistant professor of cardiology at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, also felt that it should not be a blanket recommendation for all patients.
There are many factors to consider, he says, such as:
- Do you have large swings in your blood pressure?
- Are you consistent and regular in taking your medication?
- What other medications are you taking?
Your medication regimen should be personalized for you based upon a discussion with your physician, says Bhusri.
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Causes Of Sudden High Blood Pressure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of out every three American adults suffers from diagnosed high blood pressure with only one half keeping their pressure under control. Sudden high blood pressure usually occurs to a small percentage of people with high blood pressure. This can include young adults, including a high number of African-American men, and those experiencing:
- Collagen vascular disorders
- Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
Sudden high blood pressure can also be brought on by daily activities and practices.
- Medication use such as over-the-counter pain relievers, a combination of various medications, and abuse of cocaine and marijuana can spike blood pressure levels.
- Smoking can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure as the chemicals, including nicotine, damage the linings of our blood vessels.
- Diet habits are critical to maintaining normal blood pressure levels as the bad fat and sodium found in many foods increase the blood solute content. It also can build up and block the blood vessels, leading to major heart trouble such as a stroke.
- Stress is part of our everyday life and becoming anxious about your worries can increase risk for spikes in blood pressure twofold.
- Medical conditions like kidney disease, spinal injuries, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid issues, and scleroderma can raise blood pressure rapidly.
American Heart Association News Stories
American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association.
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HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.
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Tobacco And Caffeine Use
Tobacco and caffeine use play a role in increased blood pressure levels. Tobacco use is one of the major risk factors for high blood pressure, because the nicotine in tobacco products causes the blood vessels to constrict. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, increasing blood pressure. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends stopping tobacco use to greatly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. Caffeine can also cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, which means that a morning cup of coffee can cause an increase in morning blood pressure levels. The risk seems to be greater in people who already have hypertension and those who do not drink caffeine regularly. Reducing caffeine intake can prevent temporary increases in morning blood pressure readings.
Is Blood Pressure Higher In The Evening
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Why Is My Tension High In The Morning Sometimes
Blood pressure tends to be relatively low after waking up, but for some people, it can be abnormally high in the mornings. Doctors refer to this as morning hypertension.
People who have morning hypertension may be at risk of cardiovascular problems. A 2010 review notes that stroke and other serious cardiac events are most likely to happen in the first 46 hours after waking. However, this could also be caused by other factors such as medication and sleep apnea. You should always consult your physician if you are concerned about morning hypertension.
Why Does Blood Pressure Raise At Night
BySamuel Baron | Submitted On August 10, 2008
The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body and this blood is carried throughout the body via the arteries. The force with which the heart pumps the blood into the arteries is known as blood pressure. While there is no particular cause of blood pressure that has as yet been determined as a definite ground for the disease to develop, there are a number of factors which all add up to lead to the culmination of the condition.
When a specific cause is not known, the illness is referred to as primary high blood pressure. Many a time high blood pressure arises out of complications due to some other medical problem in such context it is called secondary high blood pressure.
Blood pressure alters throughout the day. Under normal circumstances, blood pressure is lowest while the person sleeps and higher during the daytime when a host of activities are being carried out.
When a person wakes up, the blood pressure is higher than normal. This is so because when the person gets up from a horizontal position, which is from lying down, a surge of adrenaline goes straight to the head and this increases the heart rate which in turn increases the blood pressure. While there can be minute to minute fluctuations in blood pressure, on an average most people are assumed to have low blood pressure at night.
Then why is it that sometimes your blood pressure is much higher at nigh than what it is during the day?
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Learning To Cope With Stress Can Help
Stress and hypertension have often been linked, but researchers are still looking into a direct relationship between the two. Still, the best advice to hypertensive patients: Try to relax.
When you are stressed, your body sends stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. These hormones create a temporary spike in blood pressure, causing your heart to beat faster and blood vessels to narrow. When the stressful situation is over, blood pressure goes back to its normal level.
Chronic stress, however, may cause your body to stay in this highly-charged state longer than natural.
While stress itself may or may not affect blood pressure, how you cope with stress does. For instance, overeating, smoking and drinking alcohol in response to stressful situations are direct causes of sustained high blood pressure. On the flip side, healthier coping mechanisms like exercising, practicing yoga and meditating can all help lower blood pressure.