Varying Blood Pressure

Five years ago I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I was prescribed amlodipine. At the time I was employed in a high pressure job but I was told that I would probably have to keep taking the medication. Since I retired my blood pressure reduced considerably so in consultation with my GP I stopped taking the drug. After a few months my blood pressure started rising again, so I went back on amlodipine. I also measure my blood pressure regularly.

When I measure my own blood pressure the readings can vary considerably. For example, this morning I took ten readings. The highest was 140/68, the lowest was 104/60 and the average was 125/63.

With these readings I am unsure if I have high or low blood pressure. In terms of my health which reading should I use? Also, is this sort of variation normal and what is its significance?

[Hatchjd]

Blood pressure varies during the day depending on activity level, when you last ate and whether you are lying sitting or standing. Mine is always higher at the GP's office than at home. Measurements for comparison are best taken at the same time under the same circumstances. You can ask your doctor if a 24 hour BP monitor may be of benefit in assessing your blood pressure.

[Hidden in reply to Hatchjd]

I took ten readings within about ten minutes in the morning. As I said, the readings varied between 140/68 and 104/60 so the variation was not due to being taken at different times of day.

[jimmyq]

The instructions that came with my BP monitor advise me to take the BP at the same time or similar circumstances. It also says, in tech speak, that over a day BP can go up and down like a bride's nighty.

[Hidden in reply to jimmyq]

I took ten readings within about ten minutes in the morning. As I said, the readings varied between 140/68 and 104/60 so the variation was not due to being taken at different times of day.

[helixhelix in reply to Hidden]

That is a different time. My BP can vary by that much within a few minutes. If I take it when I sit down it could be 140/80, and over the next 10 to 15 minutes it will drop to 110/60.

If it varied by that much when you have been sitting for a while and continue to sit then that is a bit more unusual.

[seasider18]

I go to a hypertension Centre at the Royal Sussex. I have AF so it sometimes gives a false reading. He tells me to take three readings over a ten minute period and to only believe them if two of the three are broadly similar.