Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day due to factors such as exercise, diet, and environmental factors. However, if blood pressure remains abnormally high or low for extended periods, it may indicate an underlying health condition. Chronic hypertension can be caused by hereditary and environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, high salt intake, being overweight, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle. Understanding the causes of fluctuating and abnormal blood pressure levels can be difficult, but monitoring blood pressure levels regularly can help identify potential issues. Symptoms of high blood pressure include headaches, confusion, and vision problems, while symptoms of low blood pressure include weakness, dizziness, and feeling faint.
Normal blood pressure fluctuations occur throughout the day. For example, exercise causes a healthy increase in blood pressure, while relaxation will cause it to drop. Additionally, diet and other environmental factors such as temperature can cause blood pressure to fluctuate. These slight fluctuations are of no concern. If blood pressure remains abnormally high or low for long periods of time, however, the underlying cause and possible treatment should be sought.
A normal blood pressure level is between 90 and 60 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and 119 over 79 mmHg. Some people tend to have blood pressure that is lowest in the morning and peaks in the afternoon. Others are the opposite and will have higher blood pressure in the morning, which is known as morning hypertension and can fluctuate throughout the day.
Chronic hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is thought to be caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. Those with family members who suffer from the condition may be at greater risk. Factors such as smoking, drinking, high salt intake, being overweight, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle can trigger and exacerbate the condition. Hypertension can in turn increase the risk of other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Understanding the causes of fluctuating and abnormal blood pressure levels can be difficult as it can be influenced by various interacting systems in the body. However, the following examples may help explain some of the possible causes and interactions. Consuming a high-sodium diet, for example, can lead to sustained elevated blood pressure because sodium requires extra fluid. Excess fluids increase blood volume, resulting in increased blood pressure.
Underlying health conditions can also cause abnormal blood pressure. Individuals who have kidney problems will most likely experience blood pressure fluctuations. If the kidneys are functioning suboptimally, for example, the increased volume of fluids will cause blood pressure to rise. Other medical conditions that cause excessive bleeding, heart disease, and infections can also cause blood pressure levels to fluctuate. Endocrine disorders that alter hormone levels can be another cause.
Symptoms of blood pressure fluctuation should not be ignored because unstable blood pressure can cause serious harm to the body and mind. Symptoms of high blood pressure include headaches, confusion, and vision problems. The symptoms of low blood pressure are weakness, dizziness and feeling faint. Blood pressure levels can be monitored at the doctor’s office, most pharmacies, and even at home. Due to fluctuations in blood pressure levels throughout the day, tests should be done at the same time each day for best results.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
