Blood pressure fluctuation

[Heartmum56]

Does anyone understand about normal bp fluctuations? Can't get a clear answer from GP or Dr Google. I understand it goes up and down throughout the day and night, but how much variation is ok? I have read things which suggest 10-20% but mine seems to vary more than that. I wd say my baseline is currently approx 125/70 but it can go up to 145/83 if I've been busy/stressed and down to say 97/60 if v relaxed late evening. I realise these are not awful figures in themselves but it's the fluctuation which is bothering me and it can change quite rapidly too. Any wisdom anyone? And does it make a difference I had a heart attack 10 weeks ago?

[Happyrosie]

leaving your heart attack to one side for the moment, heartmum, variations in rate are absolutely normal. For instance, if you think about getting up from your chair to walk, your brain has sent a note to the heart to get moving a bit, even though you haven’t even got up yet. So even thinking about it will get your pressure up a little, You would not be able to walk at anything other than snail pace if your blood pressure stayed the same, It’s the body’s way of getting oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, in the quantities the muscles need. If you run fast your blood pressure will be high.

Have a look at the website of Blood Pressure UK.

In the meantime, I do hope you’re recovering well - don’t worry about your blood pressure. You should take your pressure after sitting relaxing for ten minutes with the cuff on, then three slow breaths, start the machine and close your eyes. No talking!. I wish you well.

[Lowe1066]

my understanding is that your bp reading for a bp check should be taken at rest - ie after you have sat down and relaxed for 10 mins

If you take bp whilst running around it will naturally be higher as the heart is pushing more oxygen etc to the muscles

Good luck