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What Causes High BP While Waking Up?
Question: I recently started waking up in the early morning w high blood pressure. 150 over 90. If I settle down it begins to drop. I am 59 and weigh 212 at 6 feet tall. I have been under a lot of stress at work. I was on vacation a few weeks ago and was fine. Now when I go to bed I have anxiety because I am afraid that I will wake up w high blood pressure. Do you think it is the stress. I have always had about a 128 over 78 until recently.
Brief Answer:
Various physiological factors can increase blood pressure
Detailed Answer:
Greetings and welcome to HCM. Thank you for your question.
I understand your concern. There are many physiological factors that can, through different mechanisms, increase the blood pressure figures throughout one day. These include: vigorous physical activity, psychological stress, caffeine-containing beverages, tobacco, alcohol, normal hormonal changes etc. So, yes, stress can increase the blood pressure. Although not alarming figures, referring to your age of 59 years old, an onset of stage I hypertension (high blood pressure) cannot be ruled out. This is not to say that "you have hypertension". But, I would recommend a 24-hour blood pressure monitor, so we can evaluate how the blood pressure figures "behave" throughout a day. If constant above 140/90 mmHg figures are registered, then proper treatment should be started. As I said, let us not get ahead of ourselves, and wait for the results. My opinion is that walking and yoga should be continued on regular basis, as physical activity has known benefits, both physiological and psychological.
I hope I was helpful. If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help.
Wish you a good health,
Dr. Meriton
Various physiological factors can increase blood pressure
Detailed Answer:
Greetings and welcome to HCM. Thank you for your question.
I understand your concern. There are many physiological factors that can, through different mechanisms, increase the blood pressure figures throughout one day. These include: vigorous physical activity, psychological stress, caffeine-containing beverages, tobacco, alcohol, normal hormonal changes etc. So, yes, stress can increase the blood pressure. Although not alarming figures, referring to your age of 59 years old, an onset of stage I hypertension (high blood pressure) cannot be ruled out. This is not to say that "you have hypertension". But, I would recommend a 24-hour blood pressure monitor, so we can evaluate how the blood pressure figures "behave" throughout a day. If constant above 140/90 mmHg figures are registered, then proper treatment should be started. As I said, let us not get ahead of ourselves, and wait for the results. My opinion is that walking and yoga should be continued on regular basis, as physical activity has known benefits, both physiological and psychological.
I hope I was helpful. If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help.
Wish you a good health,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for the feedback. I have been charting my bp over the last three days. When I wake up whether in morning or even a so my bp is high 165 over 90. Over the course of an hour it will drop to 150 85 range. As the day goes on my body seems to settle in at a manageable but still high level 140 80. Last night I had a measure 135 80. This seems to have snuck up on me. It is only over the last week that I have the high no when I wake up. I am committed to getting my no under control naturally. I am 6' 210 pounds. I have lost 3 pounds this week to 207. I am eating a DASH diet and started juicing recipes to reduce bp I plan to drop my weight to 190 and continue on DASH. this has really been a wake up call. I have been under a lot of stress at work and haven't been exercising like I am used to. Do you think that my bp issues are due to work stress. When I was on vacation f 2 weeks during Christmas I was so relaxed and it was only when I returned to the stresses and travel of work that my bp issues started. Do you think that I may have anxiety issues. Can I get my bo under control w DASH exercise Juicing and stress relief. Looking for your medical advice.
Brief Answer:
Hello again
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, sir!
I would like to recommend you to be put on the 24-hour monitor, since personal measuring of blood pressure itself can dictate your blood pressure as opposing to the thought "oh my God, how will it be this time?". The figures you continue to provide are borderline high, anyway. If on normal circumastances the blood pressure figures are lower than 140/90 mmHg, then there is nothing to worry about.
About the diet and lifestyle, to be XXXXXXX and honest, I would only dare to provide you with a cardiac diet and lifestyle, as a cardiologist that I am. Therefore I would recommend:
- 60 minutes a day physical activity - walking, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, gym etc, combined by your own will
- once a week red meat, not raw, more chicken or other poultry and fish
- green or dark green leafy vegetables and fruit 200-300 g a day
- the white of an egg, not the orange/yellow
- restriction of salt
- no fast food
- vegetable oil, not animal fat, especially olive oil
I hope I was helpful. Please close the discussion and rate the answer, if you do not have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Hello again
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, sir!
I would like to recommend you to be put on the 24-hour monitor, since personal measuring of blood pressure itself can dictate your blood pressure as opposing to the thought "oh my God, how will it be this time?". The figures you continue to provide are borderline high, anyway. If on normal circumastances the blood pressure figures are lower than 140/90 mmHg, then there is nothing to worry about.
About the diet and lifestyle, to be XXXXXXX and honest, I would only dare to provide you with a cardiac diet and lifestyle, as a cardiologist that I am. Therefore I would recommend:
- 60 minutes a day physical activity - walking, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, gym etc, combined by your own will
- once a week red meat, not raw, more chicken or other poultry and fish
- green or dark green leafy vegetables and fruit 200-300 g a day
- the white of an egg, not the orange/yellow
- restriction of salt
- no fast food
- vegetable oil, not animal fat, especially olive oil
I hope I was helpful. Please close the discussion and rate the answer, if you do not have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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