When you go for a check up, what’s the first thing the nurse usually does? Takes your blood pressure. This is because your blood pressure affects your health on many levels, and issues like night high blood pressure problems can be an indication that bigger problems are brewing and need to be addressed. Learn everything you need to know about blood pressure and how you can make simple changes that will improve your overall health.

Understanding Your Blood Pressure

You’ve probably noticed that your blood pressure is measured with two numbers.

• Systolic blood pressure (the top number) measures the force against the artery walls when the heart is contracting.
• Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.

If your blood pressure falls into the range of 120 mmHg/80 mmHg or lower, you have normal, or healthy blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is in the 120-139 mmHg/80-89 mmHg range, you are at risk for high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure reading is 140 mmHg or higher/90 mmHg or higher, you have high blood pressure and need to take action as directed by a doctor.

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But My Blood Pressure Varies By Time of Day!

Yes, it probably does, and this is normal.

Blood pressure has a daily pattern. If you are healthy, your blood pressure is normally lower at night while you’re sleeping because your body demands less of you when resting. After you wake up, your blood pressure begins to rise and continues to rise during the day, typically peaking in the middle of the afternoon. It should begin to drop in the late afternoon, back down to a lower blood pressure overnight.

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I Have High Night Blood Pressure. Is That Okay?

If you notice you have an abnormal blood pressure pattern, such as high blood pressure during the night or first thing in the morning, this usually means you have a health problem such as:

• Poorly controlled high blood pressure
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Nervous system problems
• Cardiovascular disease

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What Should I Do if I Have High Night Blood Pressure?

This pattern can be caused by a blood pressure medication that wears off early or does not last 24 hours, so that’s the first place to start if you take medication for your blood pressure.

However, high blood pressure in and of itself affects your health. It’s important to identify the root cause and find solutions that help your body holistically, improving your overall health. As your overall health improves, your blood pressure will usually also improve.

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Find a Holistic Doctor

First start by asking your doctor for a round-the-clock blood pressure monitoring test, during which you take your blood pressure (and record the measurements) around the clock (at set times) for a few days.

Then see a holistic doctor and discuss all contributing health factors. Your blood pressure is not an isolated issue; your body systems are not islands. A holistic doctor will evaluate all health factors and determine what changes you can make and what treatments will work together to improve your blood pressure and overall health.

A holistic doctor may use acupuncture to lower your blood pressure or may use chiropractic adjustments to manage your blood pressure. While both treatments are effective, chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be as effective as two blood pressure medications, and the treatments have no negative side effects (unfortunately, many blood pressure medications have negative side effects).

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Looking for a Huntersville Holistic Doctor?

If you have high blood pressure or are concerned by high night blood pressure, make an appointment to see Dr. Doyle in Huntersville. He’ll come up with a holistic plan to treat your condition. Concerned about cost? Dr. Doyle takes insurance, including Medicare, so chances are you’re covered. Stop by and see what we can do for you!