Sometimes too high, sometimes too low? Anyone who suffers from strongly fluctuating blood pressure must present themselves to the doctor. In the long term, so-called unstable blood pressure is also dangerous.
A healthy body regulates blood pressure optimally. This is the pressure with which the blood is pumped from the heart through the body. When lying down, it sinks because the blood does not have to overcome large differences in altitude. However, in order to supply the muscles with sufficient oxygen during sporting activity, the blood must be pumped through the arteries at greater pressure. As a result, blood pressure rises. But you should never avoid exercise: because sport lowers blood pressure in the long term.
The reason for this is that during physical exertion, the vessels dilate and the blood can flow through the vascular system with less resistance. As the German Heart Foundation informs, blood pressure drops as a result. Regular endurance training at a moderate level is therefore generally recommended to prevent high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, according to the Heart Foundation.
Unhealthy triggers for elevated blood pressure levels: anxiety and stress
There are also unhealthy blood pressure drivers. These include anxiety and stress. These put the body on alert. The heart then beats faster and the blood pressure also rises. Stress is often also the reason for unstable blood pressure, which is subject to extreme fluctuations.
+In many professions, people struggle with increased stress levels.
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Typical for patients: During the week, blood pressure levels rise during the day during stressful working hours. In the evening around on weekends, the values settle in the normal range.
Professor Joachim Schrader, a cardiologist from Oldenburg, explains in the NDR format "Visite" why this can be dangerous: "Strong fluctuations in blood pressure can always be dangerous in the long run. We know that many blood pressure peaks can damage the vascular system more and more and, especially if the blood pressure is very fluctuating, can also lead to more heart attacks and strokes in the long term."
Determine fluctuating blood pressure with the help of long-term blood pressure measurement
The tricky thing is that high blood pressure levels are often not noticeable for a long time. However, symptoms such as dizziness, headaches or ringing in the ears should make you sit up and take notice and lead to the doctor. They can use a long-term blood pressure monitor to determine how your blood pressure develops throughout the day.
Stress reduction and good stress management are already an important step towards recovery in many cases. "Stress level as a whole also increases the tension in the body and makes it easier for patients to raise their blood pressure a little," says internist Dr. Robin Kettner in the "Visite" interview.
Not only stress, but also other triggers can cause fluctuating blood pressure. These include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoke
- Use of painkillers
- Sleep apnea
- Kidney disease
Ten antihypertensive foods
Ten antihypertensive foods
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, individual questions about clinical pictures may not be answered by our editors.
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