Blood Pressure Fluctuation And What It Means

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By KYW Medical Editor Dr. Brian McDonough

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – For patients with hypertension, there are definitely a few tense moments before and after your blood pressure is tested.

In fact, we often talk about "white coat syndrome" where patients have an elevation in their blood pressure when they go to the doctor. But the number you get in the doctor's office might not be the only important one.

An analysis of internal medicine study suggests that beyond high numbers, fluctuations between checks could also signal heart troubles. When there are swings between visits, it could mean you face a higher risk for potentially deadly heart events.

Data from more than 25,000 patients with hypertension was analyzed over a two-year period. Participants whose systolic blood pressure—the number on top—varied by 14 mmHg or more had a 25-percent greater risk for heart failure, 30-percent greater risk of having a heart attack or fatal heart disease, and 46-percent greater risk of having a stroke.

There is growing support for a greater role of ambulatory pressure readings or more emphasis on home monitoring.