Why Does My Blood Pressure Vary Between Morning And Afternoon?

Posted on Wed, 22 Aug 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 Answered on

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Why does my blood pressure go from 158/97 in the mornings to 117/78 in the afternoon

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (17 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query.
Diurnal variation in blood pressure is physiological phenomenon.
Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Blood pressure is normally lower at night while you're sleeping. Your blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before you wake up. Your blood pressure continues to rise during the day, usually peaking in the middle of the afternoon. Then in the late afternoon and evening, your blood pressure begins dropping again.
Blood pressure rises sharply in the morning in response to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system when one arises.The activity of the sympathetic nervous system is quiescent during sleep, whereas awakening selectively increases epinephrine levels.
As you have mentioned that you have history of stroke in may 2012 and your blood pressure 158/97 mm Hg indicates raised blood pressure.
so are you taking any medication for lowering blood pressure or you have normal blood pressure?
Please give details.
Best regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (42 minutes later)

I am not currently taking anything for the hypertension, up to a week ago I was suffering with postural hypotension and was taking fludracortisone. I stopped this medication 5 days ago when my BP went up and it now fluctuates between being too high and on the low side. It still falls when I stand. I have also recently been diagnosed as having a hole in my heart which it is believed was responsible for my stroke

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (13 minutes later)

Hi,
If there is any thrombus formation around hole in heart then there is possibility of getting stroke.
Thanks,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar