For most people, blood pressure can change somewhat throughout the day. For those that have great fluctuations in their blood pressure readings, monitoring and management are essential because this is not the norm and can cause a number of complications. There are a number of different ways to do this. They can range from medications to changes in lifestyle. There are even some home remedies that can be helpful. The important thing to note is that it is important to see a medical professional so they can keep track of your blood pressure and help make any changes if issues do arise.

What are some things that cause unstable blood pressure readings? One of those is quite explainable. It is known informally as white coat hypertension.

This happens when blood pressure rises due to the stress of having it taken in the doctor's office. Going to the doctor can be a big source of stress for many people, therefore it is understandable that blood pressure may increase when there.

Medications

Some medications are able to reduce blood pressure on a temporary basis. These may include tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics, beta-blockers, medicine for erectile dysfunction, Parkinson's medication, and then obviously high blood pressure medication.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

It is also important to try and maintain calmness in life. Emotional distress, anxiety, and stress are known to increase blood pressure readings. It is natural for the body to have these reactions to highly emotional situations. The problems can arise when this level of emotions continues for a long time. This can be detrimental to health.

Take a Warm Bath

Temperature can have a lowering effect on blood pressure. This can be seen when someone takes a warm bath or goes into a warm location. In this situation, the numbers usually return to normal once the person is in a more normal temperature environment. 

Avoid Illegal Drugs

Illegal drugs are particularly dangerous to blood pressure. Both methamphetamines and cocaine can cause a large increase in blood pressure. This is another good reason to stay clear of these damaging substances.

There are many other things that also negatively affect blood pressure. These can include tobacco use, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, kidney and heart disease, diabetes, problems with your thyroid, as well as some nervous system issues.

In order to stabilize your blood pressure, it is important to work closely with your doctor. Doctors can look at your history and help determine both medications and lifestyle changes that might make a difference. 

Easy and helpful things to do every day:

1. The first thing would be to stop smoking if that is a habit. It can be very difficult to stop, however, it is important, and there are smoking cessation programs out there that could make things easier.
2. Eating healthy is another easy change that can be made. Cutting down on processed foods and excess sugars, and eating more fruits and vegetables, along with low-fat proteins and whole grains can make a difference.
3. Consuming alcohol in moderation is also important for your health. This means no more than one drink for women and two drinks for men per day.
4. Exercise is also an important addition to your day. If exercise becomes a habit for 30 minutes, five days a week, then this can have a real positive effect on your blood pressure.
5. Finding ways to deal with excess stress is important. Of course, this can be another good reason for incorporating exercise into your day.
6. Other stress relievers could include deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. 
7. Reduce both your salt intake and your caffeine consumption. Caffeine has been known to exacerbate stress symptoms. 

Despite making lifestyle changes, medication might be needed to really bring blood pressure under control. Follow the advice of your doctor and take prescription medication in the proper way. This is important since blood pressure that remains too high for a long time can cause a number of ailments. These include stroke, heart attack, vision loss, kidney and heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and sexual dysfunction. It has also been connected to dementia in later years. 

Although getting a baseline blood pressure reading at your local clinic is important, you can also monitor your numbers in the comfort of your own home. Many different blood pressure machines are available for the general public. They can measure the systolic or upper number. This is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting as it is pumping blood. They also measure the bottom number, or diastolic pressure, which looks at the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between each beat.

A pressure of 120/80 mm Hg, is considered normal. However, there is a range that doctors consider acceptable. Outside of this range, either too high or too low, they will want to monitor and possibly treat in some fashion. When using a home blood pressure machine, however, it is important to note that not all machines are created equally, therefore some are more accurate than others. 

We are all very aware of high blood pressure issues, but most people do not think about concerns coming if blood pressure is too low. Many times, low blood pressure, or hypotension is not really treated. This condition can usually cause faintness or dizziness. It may also signal some underlying conditions that need to be addressed. 

Some serious reasons for the lower blood pressure may include allergic reactions or even internal bleeding. Obviously, these need to be ruled out. Over time, a person with lower blood pressure does not face the same medical issues and risks that someone with high blood pressure faces. However, with low blood pressure, there are medications that can be used to stabilize this condition if it becomes a problem.

Usually, there are things that a person can do to reduce the effects or even increase their blood pressure. They may include things such as taking time to stand slowly to avoid dizziness. Increasing both fluid intake and salt intake can also increase the pressure. Even eating several meals that are smaller throughout the day is helpful and avoiding sitting or standing for too long of a period is advised. 

Whatever the case, blood pressure is important. It is one of those things that doctors use to predict our overall health to a great degree. It is also something that can be improved upon, so working closely with your doctor and making the necessary changes to lead a healthy life is vital in controlling blood pressure levels, whether they be too high or too low.