Causes Of Fluctuating Blood Pressure: Its Symptoms And Treatment

Day in and day out we come across people complaining of high blood pressure or low blood pressure. Actually blood pressure is nothing but pressure exerted on the arterial wall by the blood while flowing through it.

While measuring blood pressure, two forms of pressure are considered, one is systolic and other is diastolic. When heart contracts the blood flowing in the arteries exert pressure on its wall, this pressure is called systolic. In diastolic pressure the blood enters into the heart, its muscles are relaxed during that period.

A difference noted in measurement of blood pressure in supine position and sitting position is considered as fluctuating blood pressure.

A mild fluctuation of 10 to 15 points is considered to be normal in clinical practice by doctors. But fluctuation of blood pressure of more than 30 points has clinical significance. Such patients need to be observed and investigated.

What Causes Fluctuations In Blood Pressure?

Pressure fluctuation can occur in two forms. In the first, the pressure fluctuates on higher side. This means the heart has to work with more force to pump the blood in the arteries.

Most common causes of such type of fluctuations are:

  • High blood pressure: it is the leading cause for fluctuation in blood pressure.
    It may occur as a result of atherosclerotic changes in the vessel wall, which limits the volume and speed of the blood flow. Heart disease, kidney disease, endocrine pathology also plays an important role in high blood pressure. In some families, the condition is passed on from one generation to another.
  • Caffeine and alcohol: sudden rise of blood pressure is seen in people who indulge in excessive intake of tea and coffee or in any other caffeinated drinks. This happens due to the constricting effect of caffeine on blood vessels. People who binge on alcohol are also at a risk of sudden fluctuation of blood pressure on a higher side.
  • Modern day stress: the level of stress experienced in today’s world has shown its effect in many people in the form of fluctuating blood pressure.
  • Medicines and drugs: certain prescription and OTC drugs such as antidepressants, anti histamines, birth control pills which contain hormones, drugs addiction can cause sudden rise of blood pressure from normal.

Causes of fluctuation of blood pressure on lower side:

  • Dehydration: there is loss of body fluids which results in blood pressure fluctuating towards lower side.
  • Shock syndrome: person suffering from septic shock.
  • Blood loss: excess of blood loss in accidents, surgery, or any other ailment.
  • Anemia: iron deficiency anemia, other nutritional deficiencies.
  • Lack of food, hot stuffy weather, prolonged standing, fear, disgust or sudden surprise.

Fluctuating Blood Pressure Symptoms

In most cases the patient may not relate his symptoms as that of fluctuating blood pressure. It is when he visits to his doctor; he comes to know that the symptoms that he experiences are due to ups and downs in his pressure.

Some of the prominent symptoms noted with change in pressure are:

Dizziness, blurring of vision, headache, shortness of breath, nausea, weakness, confusions, lightheadedness, pale and clammy, rapid or slow pulse etc.

Person should measure his blood pressure at least two to three times in a day to confirm he has fluctuating blood pressure.

Treatment For Blood Pressure Fluctuations

Treatment for fluctuating blood pressure may vary from person to person as the under lying cause may not remain the same. Doctors may first advise several investigations and tests to determine the exact causative pathology. Than accordingly they may give medications to stabilize the blood pressure.

Some home treatments also play an important role in stabilizing blood pressure for example; when the cause is due to hypertension, the patient may be advised to take low salt intake, eat more fibrous and vegetables, reduce stress and control his cholesterol level.

Vitamins and mineral rich food help in restoring iron and vitamin B12 deficiency which is the major cause for fluctuation of blood pressure on lower side.

In case if there is fluctuation in blood pressure due to change in position, patient is advised to gradually shift from one position to another. This means if is lying down, he should not suddenly stand and walk. Instead he should first sit for a while in the bed before standing up.