SHARES
When the heart pumps blood into blood vessels, this creates blood pressure. High blood pressure in clinical terms is hypertension. Several factors can lead to hypertension. For instance, blood pressure can elevate when the heart beats faster and harder. Narrowed blood vessel also contribute to higher blood pressure.
Generally, there are two types of hypertension – morning and nocturnal hypertension. Both types of hypertension require timely management as they carry health risks for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Morning Hypertension
The body’s circadian rhythm releases hormone adrenaline and noradrenaline upon waking up. While these hormones boost energy to start the day, they also increase blood pressure. This effect is commonly observed between 6 am to 12 pm.
The best time to measure morning blood pressure is approximately an hour after waking up. The reading calculation is from the average readings of three consecutive measurements, one minute apart. A normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg.
It is advisable to keep track of the results in a logbook to help determine if treatment or adjustment is necessary to maintain satisfactory reading. An easier alternative – you can use an Internet of Things (IoT) blood pressure monitor to track readings effortlessly. IoT blood pressure monitor available in the market includes Hippo Tap, which syncs to Hippo App on your mobile devices. Thus the readings on the App can provide measurement data and visual charts of your readings over any period of time.
Nocturnal Hypertension
As bed time nears, the body’s circadian rhythm decreases nighttime blood pressure by 10 % to 20 %. Monitoring nighttime hypertension among medicated hypertensive patients may be essential to determine if the blood pressure-lowering effect of once-daily antihypertensives last for 24 hours. Regardless, hypertensive individuals with organ damage may fail to exhibit this dip in nighttime blood pressure.
The nighttime blood pressure is calculated as the average of nighttime readings from going to bed to arising. More than six readings might be necessary to determine the result. Nocturnal hypertension is present if nighttime reading is more than 110/65 mm Hg.
Best Time to Take Blood Pressure-lowering Medications
As blood pressure is expected to be higher throughout the day and lower during the night, these medications are usually advised to be taken in the morning. However, non-dipping blood pressure at night can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Hence, taking the medications at bedtime might be helpful to decrease night time hypertension. Moreover, a study postulated that bedtime blood pressure medications may reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and death by 61 %.
Regardless, always consult your doctor to decide on the most suitable timing for blood pressure-lowering medications. Certain conditions may render bedtime administration unfavourable. For instance, the older folks might have higher risk of falling with bedtime antihypertensives. If they stand up too quickly in the middle of the night, a sudden blood pressure drop can happen, leading to dizziness. In addition, other considerations in choosing the best timing include interactions with your other medications, food and drink.
Conclusion
It seemed sensible to take blood-pressure lowering medications at night due to its benefits in reducing stroke and heart attack. However, always discuss with your doctor before changing your medication administration time, as your doctor might have advised as such for specific reasons.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
