High blood pressure, or hypertension as it's commonly known in scientific circles (we all want to be fancy once in a while), can have adverse effects on the body. It can lead to stroke, heart attacks and more severe ailments if left unchecked. That's where regular monitoring of blood pressure becomes necessary; better safe than sorry, right?
However, knowing when is the 'right time' for reading your blood pressure isn't equated with rocket science but is easy to overlook amidst our myriad daily activities/schedules. To avoid making errors that could impact your health negatively knowingly or unknowingly - follow this well-tailored piece and develop good habits around taking readings at an appropriate time.
Why The Time Of Day Matters
When we talk about timing regarding taking BP readings, several factors come into consideration such as physical characteristics, surrounding influence(s) like food intake, stress levels and most importantly keeping track of records over prolonged periods/multiple instances.
Below are different scenarios wherein you should keep a close eye on when exactly you're taking your Blood Pressure measurements:
Early Morning On An Empty Stomach
It’s paramount that you take your early morning BP readings before breakfast because food consumption raises the body's metabolic level(namely glucose concentration.) Also called "Morning Surge," our bodies release the hormone cortisol (not co-ruk-sal whatever misspelling some might think) which stimulates our bloodstream raising both systolic/diastolic rates — hence inaccurate results if measured post meals.
So beat hunger pangs(although why would anyone want to beat hunger? 70 percent of us crave junk anyways); grab coffee sans sugar/cream perhaps) tape up that cuff first thing outta bed just after hitting snooze between breaks (but seriously get enough rest). Be mindful not to indulge in any drinking/smoking prior (water during bedlessness is A-Ok) as they tend to alter readings oh so conveniently (literally the last thing you want).
During/After Physical Exercise
Ahem ladies/gents, we're not encouraging deviating from your current state of atrophying couch potatoes who don’t break a sweat even when frying eggs; however, for those pursuing fitness goals or regular gym-goers, taking BP before and during exercises would give more precise results. As explained by Digital Trends:
“Physical activities that require significant exertion can raise blood pressure due to increased oxygen demand from muscles...the vascular wall stiffens temporarily... which decreases our ability to carry out optimum exercise capacity”(Callaghan 2021).
In this case, keep a record of your regular physical activity schedules/workout routines — check pressure spikes/other complications & avoid strenuous exercises after an extended inactivity phase (read sitting on office chairs with posture issues 😖)
After Eating or Drinking Stimulants
It's recommended avoiding any food/drink meetings for at least one hour pre-measuring. Consuming anything immediately beforehand elevates stress levels triggering cortisol production thereby distorting accurate outcome(s).
Drinks containing caffeine such as Coffee/Soda are no-nos too since "caffeine causes vasoconstriction increasing peripheral arterial resistance" 🤓(Eguchi et al., 2007). Side note: don't be unnecessarily alarmed if occasional trips to Starbucks have caused higher rates; let alone letting diet/sleep schedule fall prey to hectic hustle these minor deviations add up undermining overall wellbeing.
Monitoring Blood Pressure After Waking Up
Consistency is key when it comes down to tracking blood pressure measurements over time - hence our guide offers crucial pointers/headings for mornings. The next most critical times include right after waking up:
Daily / weekly monitoring
If you’re someone who monitors BP readings daily either because of personal situations or medicated management, the importance of consistency cannot be overstressed. You have control over maintaining an accurate and consistent diary for readings taken at the same time every day(maybe done using BP measuring apps available on your smartphone).
Post-Partying (Alcoholic)
Although alcohol consumption doesn't directly cause chronic hypertension; however, after-party downs can temporarily increase blood pressure values/heart rate in individuals with already elevated mental status — drinking higher than recommended standards causes accelerated rise too.
Final Thoughts
Effective monitoring has been linked to better cardiovascular health conditions/timeous diagnoses and treatment. By following these guidelines as well as other personal insights from professional contact(s), you're taking affirmative steps towards optimal wellbeing1. Do remember that it’s not just "when," but also how we measure -therefore like any evolving habit-forming routine start slow and build up according to plan until recommendations match results.
"Investing in yourself by investing intime is a sure shot way to wealthy heart rates"😜
References: 1. Hypertension Management."StatPearls [Internet].".NCBI Bookshelf., U.S National Library of Medicine. Eguchi K., Pickering T.G., Schwartz J.E., Hoshide S., Ishikawa J.Socioeconomic & Psychosocial factors Blood Pressure Monitoring 2007 Dec;12(6):345-9.DOI: 10.1097/MBP0b013e3282f009fb