Verified on 04/25/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor
Blood pressure can vary throughout the day. It tends to increase in the morning but this “morning surge” is generally temporary. On the other hand, morning high blood pressure can be dangerous for your health.
Normal tension: what are we talking about?
Blood pressure is said to be normal when it is less than 145/90 mmHg (14.5/9) and greater than 100/7mmHg (10/7). You should know that blood pressure is not constant in the same person. It varies throughout the day.
From a low value during sleep, it becomes higher during the day. A slight increase in blood pressure may be observed in the morning. Blood pressure can also be increased or decreased by certain factors (stress, fatigue, strong emotions, diet, physical activity, fatigue, sleep disorders, etc.).
What are the causes of morning high blood pressure?
We speak of high blood pressure when the systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mmHg. If several measurements of your blood pressure show numbers between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, this means you are at risk of developing hypertension. Talk to your doctor.
High blood pressure in the morning may be linked to taking medications. People who take blood pressure medication and have high blood pressure in the morning should readjust the dosage of their treatment with their doctor.
The dosage should be increased to be more effective or taken at bedtime rather than in the morning for better blood pressure control.
Morning high blood pressure can also be linked to underlying health problems such as undiagnosed hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Finally, a poor lifestyle can promote the appearance of hypertension (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, diet rich in salt and saturated fats).
If your blood pressure is high in the morning for several days in a row, consult your doctor. You may suffer from high blood pressure, a condition that is often asymptomatic but can have serious health consequences.
