Fluctuating blood pressure: Causes, treatment, and prevention – Medical News Today

Blood pressure should be basically stable. If it regularly changes from very high to very low, a person can experience a range of complications.
It is normal for blood pressure to vary slightly throughout the day, but blood pressure that fluctuates from one extreme to the other should be monitored and managed.
Home remedies, lifestyle changes, and some medications can help regulate blood pressure.
It is important that a person have a medical professional check their blood pressure regularly, because blood pressure can reveal a lot about a person’s health.
Below are five factors that can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure.
This term describes blood pressure that is higher at the doctor’s office, often because the person is anxious about the appointment.
A study published in 2013 concluded that people with white coat hypertension should be monitored for heart disease risk factors, especially abnormal blood sugar levels.
White coat hypertension is not necessarily as concerning as blood pressure that is consistently high.
A 2016 meta-analysis found that people with white coat hypertension had a lower risk of heart disease and a better outlook than people with lasting hypertension.
Certain medications can temporarily reduce blood pressure. They include:
Strong emotions, particularly stress and anxiety, can cause blood pressure to spike. This is the body’s natural response to a stressful event, and the pressure will eventually return to normal as the person calms down.
However, long-term stress and untreated anxiety can have lasting, harmful effects on blood pressure and overall health.
Being in a warm room or taking a hot bath can temporarily lower blood pressure. This is usually not a cause for concern, as long as a person’s blood pressure does not dip too low.
Symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure include dizziness, nausea, and fainting.
Cocaine and methamphetamine can cause extreme spikes in blood pressure.
The factors below may increase the risk of dangerous swings in blood pressure:
First, a doctor will determine the underlying cause. They will ask about a person’s history and discuss their lifestyle and current medications. The doctor may also order or conduct tests.
Medications can lower blood pressure and prevent dangerous fluctuations. A person may also be able to achieve this goal by making changes to their lifestyle.
By attending follow-up visits, a person can ensure that their blood pressure remains within normal limits and that medications are not causing unpleasant side effects.
The following actions can help normalize blood pressure:
Consult a doctor for personalized guidance.
Regular fluctuations in blood pressure can increase the risk of:
A study from 2015 suggested that people with blood pressure that varied significantly between medical appointments were more likely to have a heart attack, a stroke, or heart failure.
Research from 2015 indicated that high variability in blood pressure puts a person at the same risk for cardiac problems as high cholesterol.
A study from 2017 concluded that older adults with daily fluctuations in blood pressure were more likely to develop dementia.
Healthy lifestyle choices, and in some cases medication, can resolve fluctuations in blood pressure.
A person should have their blood pressure checked regularly, and seek treatment for any conditions that may affect it.
While fluctuations in blood pressure can be dangerous, medications and lifestyle changes can manage the situation.
After a doctor determines the cause of changing blood pressure, they will help develop a treatment plan.
Follow the advice of doctors and take medicines as prescribed.
Last medically reviewed on May 23, 2021
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