Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A
doctor should evaluate any unusual blood pressure readings. Additionally, lower targets may
be appropriate for some populations such as African-Americans, the elderly, or patients with
underlying issues such as diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease.
Important for Canadians:
* Hypertension measured at home
≥
135/85
* Hypertension measured at a physician’s office
≥
140/90
* Hypertension measured at a physician’s office for a diabetic patient
≥
130/80
1.5 Common Blood Pressure Questions and Answers
a) Why is my blood pressure reading always different?
Your blood pressure changes constantly. It is quite normal for blood pressure to fluctuate significantly
(50 mmHg to 60 mmHg) throughout the day. Blood pressure is normally lowest at night, but increases during
waking hours when the stress and activities of everyday life are highest.
mmHg
AM
Time PM
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
8.00
10.00
12.00
Typical 24 - Hours Rhythm
14.00
16.00
18.00
20.00
22.00
24.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
systolic blood pressure
diastolic blood pressure
Your blood pressure also increases and decreases under the following circumstances
Blood pressure is higher than normal:
• when you are excited, nervous, or tense
• while taking a bath
• during and after exercise or strenuous physical activity
• when it is cold
• within one hour after meals
• after drinking tea, coffee, or other caffeinated drinks
• after smoking tobacco
• when your bladder is full
Blood pressure is lower than normal:
• after consuming alcohol
• after taking a bath
