If you’re among the one in four adults in the U.S. with high blood pressure, you likely have one goal in mind: lowering it. While lowering blood pressure often requires help from a prescription medication, there are ways you can lower it naturally through specific diet and lifestyle habits. (Being in nature is a great one.)If you’re monitoring your blood pressure throughout the day as a way to track your progress, you’ll notice that it changes even as you go about your daily routine. Especially when these changes aren’t for the better and your blood pressure goes up, this can be alarming. But according to cardiologists, blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day. Here, they explain exactly what impacts it and when the changes are something you should see your cardiologist about.?SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week?
Let’s start with what you can expect from blood pressure levels in the morning. Dr. Aubrey Grant, MD, FACC, a cardiologist with MedStar Health, says that morning spikes in blood pressure are common because of the body’s natural circadian rhythm. “Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline rise in the early hours, increasing heart rate and vascular tone,” he says, adding that this surge can be more pronounced in people with hypertension.If you have untreated sleep apnea, have high alcohol or salt intake, didn’t sleep well the night before or you haven’t taken your morning medications yet, Dr. Grant says that these are all factors that can cause an increase in blood pressure in the early hours.Related: Here's Exactly What Happens to Your Blood Pressure if You Skip Breakfast
Dr. Marc A. Singer, MD, a cardiologist with Northwell Health, says that some people taking blood pressure medication think that taking their medication at night can help prevent this morning spike. But this is something he warns against. This is because blood pressure is already naturally lower at night, so taking medication at night can cause it to dip even lower. In general, Dr. Singer says that taking blood pressure medications in the morning is best, although you should talk to your cardiologist about what is best for you. “Timing should always be individualized under a clinician’s guidance,” Dr. Grant adds.Both cardiologists say that there are certain habits someone may engage in over the day that can impact blood pressure. If you eat something salty for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Dr. Grant says there will be an increase. He says that skipping breakfast can also increase blood pressure. If you sit down at your computer and read a stressful email, Dr. Grant says that’s another time when blood pressure can increase. So can drinking excessive amounts of coffee.Related: The One Supplement You Should Never, Ever Take If You Have High Blood Pressure
What about the actions that can cause blood pressure to decrease? Dr. Grant says that a short session of light exercise (such as a brisk walk or yoga), drinking water, practicing deep breathing or meditation and eating nutrient-rich meals that are low in sodium can all cause blood pressure to decrease.If you have an intense workout, Dr. Singer says that this can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, but he emphasizes that this isn’t something to worry about. This fluctuation is normal and your blood pressure will go back down as you recover.
When To Worry About Changes in Your Blood Pressure, Cardiologists Warn
If you have high blood pressure, incorporating the blood pressure-lowering habits that Dr. Grant mentioned into your day can be beneficial. Watching sodium intake, staying hydrated and having proper stress management techniques in place are important for everyone, but they are especially important for people with hypertension.
Dr. Singer says that the primary time to worry about changes in blood pressure is when it falls outside the normal range, either too low or too high. According to the American Heart Association, the normal range for blood pressure is a systolic (upper number) of less than 120 and a diastolic (lower number) of less than 80. If your systolic (upper number) is higher than 180 and your diastolic (lower number) is higher than 120, consult your doctor ASAP.
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It’s also important to know if your blood pressure is too low. “Feeling dizzy, faint, light-headed or even passing out are all signs that blood pressure is too low,” Dr. Singer says. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.
It bears repeating that it’s natural for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day. Do what you can to manage it through healthy diet and lifestyle habits (including getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and managing stress) and be consistent when it comes to taking your medication. If your blood pressure falls outside the normal range, seek medical care. With these guidelines in place, you’ll be taking a big step forward in caring for your heart.
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Dr. Aubrey Grant, MD, FACC, cardiologist with MedStar HealthDr. Marc A. Singer, MD, cardiologist with Northwell HealthHence then, the article about when to worry about changes in your blood pressure according to cardiologists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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