What Causes Fluctuating Blood Pressure?

Exercising, eating, and relaxing can all cause a person's blood pressure to fluctuate.
Thicker blood with more red blood cells causes higher blood pressure.
Smoking and consuming excess amounts of alcohol can contribute to chronic high blood pressure.
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  • Written By: Helena Reimer
  • Edited By: PJP Schroeder
  • Last Modified Date: 13 July 2014
  • Copyright Protected:
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Fluctuating blood pressure is often caused by activities such as exercise, digesting food, and relaxing. High blood pressure is often a result of stress, obesity, and excess amounts of salt. A lack of nutrients and excess bleeding, on the other hand, can result in low blood pressure. There is no need to be concerned about a mildly fluctuating blood pressure as that is normal. Nevertheless, one should seek medical help if the blood pressure remains at abnormal levels for a prolonged period of time.

A normal blood pressure level is somewhere between 90 over 60 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) to 119 over 79 mmHg. Some people tend to have a lower blood pressure in the morning, which peaks in the afternoon. Others are the opposite and will have a higher blood pressure in the morning, which is known as morning hypertension and can fluctuate throughout the day. Exercise and other physical activities increase the heart rate, which in turn raises the blood pressure. Conversely, resting and relaxing seem to lower the pressure.

Chronic high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is commonly caused by stress and obesity. Smoking and excess amounts of alcohol are also likely contributors. Hypertension in turn can put one at risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. Fluctuating hypertension, in particular, is dangerous and can increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease.


A large volume of blood can also result in a higher blood pressure. This is often caused by a high sodium diet, which requires extra fluids in order to dilute the sodium. The thickness of the blood also affects the pressure as thicker blood generally has more red blood cells and thus is able to produce a higher pressure. Thinner blood, on the other hand, can cause the blood pressure to drop as it contains fewer red cells.

Dehydration and a lack of proper nutrients due to eating disorders are commonly associated with low blood pressure levels. Low blood pressure can also result from excess bleeding, heart problems, and infections such as sepsis. Addison's disease, which is an endocrine disorder that disrupts hormone levels, is rare but can also cause blood pressure to drop.

Fluctuating blood pressure symptoms should not be ignored because an unstable blood pressure can cause serious damage to the body and mind. Symptoms of high blood pressure include headaches, confusion, and vision problems. Weakness, dizziness, or feeling faint are signs that the pressure has dropped below normal levels. Blood pressure levels can be monitored at the doctor's office, at most pharmacies, as well as at home. Due to the fluctuating blood pressure levels throughout the day, the tests should be performed at the same time each day to get the best results.


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Post 1

Blood pressure fluctuates in everyone throughout the day, depending on activity and health conditions. Though there are specific guidelines as to what is too high, the ideal blood pressure varies from person to person. Monitor your blood pressure for a while to get an average reading, and check with your doctor to see what is the best blood pressure reading for you.

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