Professor Heribert Schunkert is Director of the Department of Adult Cardiology at the German Heart Center Munich. © Jörg Müller
Blood pressure fluctuates over the course of the day - and in certain everyday situations. Here, Prof. Schunkert from the German Heart Foundation explains 8 causes.
| Name | Professor Heribert Schunkert |
| Age | 63 years old |
| Position | Director of the Department of Adult Cardiology at the German Heart Center Munich since 2012 |
| Professional career | Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Hospital, University Hospitals Regensburg and Lübeck, among others |
| Further task | Deputy Chairman of the Board of the German Heart Foundation |
High blood pressure - called hypertension - is one of the so-called silent killers - because the widespread disease fuels potentially fatal emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes, but in many cases does not cause any clearly identifiable symptoms for a long time. Sometimes those affected have headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds from time to time. Patients with hypertension usually have greater fluctuations in blood pressure than patients with normal values. You should definitely be on your guard in the event of violent derailments, especially at rest.
Eight reasons for fluctuating blood pressure
| Compiled by the German Heart Foundation: |
| 1. Coffee, black tea and green tea can cause the values to rise significantly in the short term. On the other hand, a lack of fluids can cause strongly fluctuating blood pressure values (e.g. when changing position). |
| 2. A high-salt meal affects blood pressure and can increase levels. You should be especially careful with (frozen) ready meals, canned food, bread, cheese and sausages. They usually contain plenty of salt. Doctors estimate that around 50 percent of hypertension patients are sensitive to salt, i.e. their blood pressure drops by about 5mmHg on a low-salt diet. |
| 3. Obesity also causes blood pressure to rise. An increase of 1 mmHg is expected for every 1 kg more on the scales. |
| 4. Alcohol consumption is also an influencing factor, as it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, among other things. In some cases, an increase in blood pressure of up to 7 mmHg of the upper value (systolic) and 5 mmHg of the lower value (diastolic) is possible. |
| 5. Stress, psychological strain and excitement cause blood pressure to rise. It is not for nothing that the limit values for blood pressure measurement in the doctor's office are higher. In most cases, patients are a little nervous before the measurement. Doctors then speak of "white coat high pressure". |
| 6. Exercise affects blood pressure readings. During sports and shortly afterwards, the values are higher, in the resting phase they decrease. The bottom line is that exercise lowers blood pressure. |
| 7. Especially in non-smokers, the consumption of tobacco products leads to an increase in blood pressure and can be a cause of blood pressure fluctuations. In habitual smokers, a cigarette has little effect on blood pressure. |
| 8. Forgotten blood pressure medication or the use of certain other medications are a common trigger of blood pressure fluctuations. |
Heart Professor Schunkert: In the event of a hypertensive emergency, immediately alert the rescue coordination center on 112
If the high blood pressure is accompanied by serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, pressure in the chest area and severe headaches, doctors speak of a high blood pressure emergency. "Then the rescue coordination center should be informed immediately under the telephone number 112, because there is a risk of a heart attack or stroke," warns Professor Heribert Schunkert, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the German Heart Foundation and Medical Director of the German Heart Center Munich.
Fluctuations in blood pressure over the course of the day, even in people with normal readings
However, even people with normal readings are not immune to the fluctuations of blood pressure The medical background: Blood pressure is subject to natural fluctuations, doctors speak of a "circadian rhythm" - a daily rhythm of blood pressure. It rises continuously even before waking up, but at night the blood pressure drops significantly.
Lowest blood pressure readings, usually at night between 2 and 3 o'clock
It usually records its lowest values between two and three o'clock. "In the morning between eight and nine o'clock there is a first peak, shortly after noon a drop in the values can be observed and late in the afternoon between 16 and 18 o'clock there is a second peak. During the night hours, blood pressure should drop significantly," explains Professor Schunkert.
24-hour measurement helps to unmask blood pressure fluctuations
To detect fluctuations in blood pressure, the cardiologist recommends a 24-hour blood pressure measurement. Blood pressure is recorded at fixed intervals over a period of 24 hours – every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. Based on the evaluation, the doctor can assess whether it is a natural fluctuation in blood pressure or whether there may be a disease.
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German Heart Foundation warns: Untreated high blood pressure damages vital organs
According to the German Heart Foundation, the rule of thumb is: "If the values rise well above 140/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) during the day or if the blood pressure values do not fall at night, the blood pressure should be treated. If left untreated, the constant pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, as vital organs are damaged. A heart attack or stroke can also be the result." The German Heart Foundation is offering more information in a large free package for World Hypertension Day on 17 May.
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