Night-time Blood Pressure: What Does It Reveal?

What is nocturnal hypertension?

Study on the impact of nocturnal hypertension on heart health

• A total of 306 cardiovascular events were recorded during the course of the study. The study participants experienced 88 cases of heart failure, 99 cases of coronary artery disease, and 119 cases of strokes.
• The study found that people who recorded a nighttime systolic blood pressure 20 mm Hg more than their daytime systolic reading were more likely to experience atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
• Interestingly, the study also noted that the participants who controlled their blood pressure levels with medication but experienced a high reduction in blood pressure during their sleep were at a greater risk of strokes.

Factors responsible for nocturnal hypertension

• Old age
• Obesity
• Stress
• Hypertension (daytime)
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid problems
• High salt sensitivity

How to prevent nocturnal hypertension?

• Take blood pressure medication in the evening
• Get enough sleep
• Control stress and anxiety
• Reduce the intake of salt
• Quit smoking
• Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol later in the day
• Manage blood glucose levels
• Avoid napping during the day
• Increase physical activity (during the daytime hours)
• Avoid exposure to blue light from digital devices.

Conclusion

Talk to a Cardiologist