BIOS Diagnostics EASY READ BD351 - Common Blood Pressure Questions and Answers

1.5 Common Blood Pressure Questions and Answers
a) Why is my blood pressure reading always different?
Your blood pressure changes constantly. It is quite normal for blood pressure to fluctuate significantly (50 mmHg to 60
mmHg) throughout the day. Blood pressure is normally lowest at night, but increases during waking hours when the
stress and activities of everyday life are highest.
mmHg
AM Time PM
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
8.00 10.00 12.00
Typical 24 - Hours Rhythm
14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 24.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00
systolic blood pressure
diastolic blood pressure
b) Why is the doctor’s reading different from the reading taken at home?
Your blood pressure can vary due to the environment (temperature, nervous condition). When measuring blood
pressure at the doctor’s office, it is possible for blood pressure to increase due to anxiety and tension, this is known as
“White Coat Hypertension”.
c) Why should I monitor blood pressure at home?
One or two readings will not provide a true indication of your normal blood pressure. It is important to take regular,
daily measurements and to keep records over a period of time. This information can be used to assist your physician in
diagnosing and preventing potential health problems.