Pheochromocytoma and irregular blood pressure

Graph showing fluctuations in blood pressure caused by a pheochromocytoma

A pheochromocytoma can cause wild fluctuations in blood pressure with normal blood pressure in between spells. This can make the condition more difficult to detect. The graph shows a nine-day period of short, irregular bursts in blood pressure due to a pheochromocytoma. The lower points represent the bottom number of the reading (diastolic pressure). The higher points show the top number of the reading (systolic pressure). For example, the first burst in blood pressure is seen on day two with a reading of 250/110 millimeters of mercury.

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