Blood pressure fluctuations, dips and spikes explained

Blood pressure fluctuations come in two different forms: dipped and spiked blood pressure. There is an ongoing confusion as to their significance and effects on health.

Despite a popular belief not all fluctuations are bad. Below you will find out which of these fluctuations are normal, and which ones are not.

When spiked blood pressure is normal

Blood pressure fluctuates all the time. The numbers are never the same even when tested a few minutes apart. There is a simple reason for it.

Heart is not a robot. It is an intelligent organ and its job is to fulfill your ever changing needs for the oxygen. Since the blood is the main oxygen carrier heart is the main oxygen manager. The heart will speed up when you need more vigorous blood supply.

There are many circumstances when this can happen. Mere talking increases the pressure by a few points. Life abounds in situations when numbers need to go up. If you test yourself at these moments you may mistake it for hypertension, however your reading may be just normal. When testing make sure your BP monitor is accurate.

Here is a list of situations when spiked blood pressure is actually desirable. For a detailed reference on fluctuations and normal readings download the fridge chart below

Blood Pressure Norms, Chart

When spiked blood pressure is not normal

Without the need for extra oxygen the body should not be putting any pressure on the heart. Both heart beats and the circulation numbers should keep steady and in lower ranges. When spiked blood pressure happens without physical exertion it is usually a sign of declining health, especially pointing to inability to cope with stress.

Stress is a normal part of our lives, but when prolonged or intense it can affect the heart. In preparation for fight or flight the heart starts to beat faster and harder to increase oxygen. In case when emotional stress is not followed by physical exertion, blood pressure would spike without any actual reason.

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White coat syndrome, which is a temporary hypertension at a doctor’s office, is a typical example. Many people with white coat syndrome will eventually develop permanent hypertension unless they take steps to correct the malfunctioning circulation at this early stage.

To solve the puzzle of white coat syndrome, spiked blood pressure, and pre-hypertension follow steps outlined in The Guide. If you happen to have a spiked blood pressure right know there is a quick technique that can help you lower it within minutes.

If you want to permanently lower frequently occurring spikes click through to hypertension cures. To immediately combat erratic circulation with food click through to foods that improve circulation.

When low blood pressure is normal

Low numbers can occur due a decreased need for oxygen. This is what happens at night. At night heart and circulation slows down, which is reflected in lower numbers. How circulation behaves at night is very important.

Strokes and cardiovascular accidents can be predicted by watching behavior of the heart at night. What the healthy nigh-time numbers look like? You will find the answers in morning low BP symptoms article.

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When low blood pressure is not normal

Low numbers can be tolerated by many people however the minute you develop the symptoms you need to look at your heart beats more carefully. Hypotension is not a sign of health and carries long-term health risks.

Hypotension should not be present during the day. If your readings are low there is always a hidden reason why. To find out more about symptoms of hypotension and their causes click through to other articles below