Blood pressure is a measurement that reflects the pressure or force that circulating blood exerts on the walls of the arteries. When this height is recorded, two different values are expressed: the pressure exerted during systole or contraction of the heart and that exerted during diastole or relaxation of the heart muscle.
Regularly, we maintain relatively constant blood pressure, with minor fluctuations during the day and depending on our activities. However, in certain circumstances, exaggerated increases, decreases, or changes of the same can occur that may require the attention of a health professional.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we answer the question “is it normal for blood pressure to go up and down?” and explain what circumstances can cause your blood pressure to rise, fall or fluctuate irregularly.
Table of Contents
High blood pressure: causes
Stress
Emotional or physical stress is perhaps the most crucial trigger for your blood pressure numbers to rise irregularly.
The adequate management of stress, its suppression, and the use of techniques that allow its appearance will enable the normalization and stable maintenance of the same. In the following article, we explain some practical tips for reducing stress.
Whitecoat syndrome
This rare syndrome occurs in people who, upon knowledge of the visit to the doctor, produce a physiological state that affects the elevation of blood pressure figures in an exaggerated way.
When monitoring at home is established, on the contrary, absolutely average blood pressure figures are recorded, which would confirm the existence of this picture.
Medicines
Many medications can cause sudden rises in blood pressure. We can mention among them:
- Amphetamines
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Contraceptives
Endocrine problems
Overactive adrenal glands can cause sudden increases in blood pressure without apparent cause, which are detected after a careful study of the patient.
These glands regulate the so-called renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, which ultimately controls blood pressure.
Alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages can cause irregular rises in blood pressure numbers.
More than three drinks cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, but continued consumption causes chronic hypertension.
Drugs
The use of illicit drugs (such as cocaine, crack, marijuana, LSD, or heroin) can cause considerable rises and falls in blood pressure. Chronic consumption of these would also cause arterial hypertension in standard form.
Low blood pressure: causes
Medicines
Some medications can cause abnormal drops in your blood pressure numbers. Among these, we can consider:
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers.
- Antidepressants
- Antiparkinsonianos.
- Drugs used against erectile dysfunction.
The suppression of its use allows the normalization of blood pressure values.
Endocrine problems
The suppression of the adrenal glands for any reason, contrary to the previous case, can lead to an abrupt, irregular decrease in blood pressure values.
Blood pressure rises and falls: causes.
Exercise
Some activities such as exercise, laughter, and sex under certain circumstances can cause irregular fluctuations in blood pressure that, when they become symptomatic, would force you to consult a doctor.
Arrhythmias
Some arrhythmias, such as Wolf-Parkinson-White and others, can cause unexpected fluctuations in blood pressure figures in certain circumstances (most of them emotional), which will return to normal levels when controlled.
Tumors
Some types of tumors, such as pheochromocytoma, can produce substances that cause abnormal fluctuations in blood pressure.
What to do when blood pressure rises or falls?
In the case of high blood pressure, the person may feel dizzy, have headaches, a throbbing sensation in the temples or the entire skull, tachycardia, and a choking sensation, among other symptoms.
The essential thing is to rest and measure the blood pressure figures immediately. If these are high, you should immediately consult the nearest health center.
The low blood pressure manifested as lightheadedness, cold sweats, nausea, weakness, dizziness, and paleness, among other symptoms.
In this case, blood pressure measurement is indicated, but some measures can be taken that will help raise it, such as placing the legs up or ingesting a sugary drink. In the following article, we explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment of low blood pressure.
The fluctuating blood pressure is a mandatory indication to consult your doctor to achieve stabilization of it and determine the causes of unstable blood pressure and establish the need for assessment by a cardiologist and performing more specific tests.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Is it normal for blood pressure to rise and fall? we recommend entering our category of Blood, heart, and circulation.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.