If you have been advised by your doctor that this is something that you need there is no reason to be overly worried. It is merely a more representative and accurate indication of how your system is working. 

There is evidence to prove that at least 3 out of ten adults have high blood pressure (hypertension) and this is more common in the older population. Despite these figures most people are unaware they have this problem as they do not have any symptoms.

These are just a few but if you are one of those people who does suffer from hypertension it is not the end of the world. It can increase your risks of cardiovascular disease, heart problems or stroke but if you doctor recommends you have your BP monitored over a 24 hour period this is nothing to worry about. 

 

By monitoring your blood pressure over a 24 hour period gives a much clearer picture of your health. Plus if you are a person who has 'white coat anxiety/syndrome'.. that being a fear of doctors, medicine, hospitals etc then you may always record a higher BP when a medical professional places a BP cuff on your arm. This will obviously give a false picture and therefore having your BP recorded over a full 24 hour period will be much better for you and for your doctor!

This is a measure of the force applied to the walls of your arteries as the blood passes through. It is normal when you exert yourself for the pressure to increase or even when you feel some anxiety or fear. This is part of the 'fight or flight' response which is essential for your survival. Your body readies itself to either run or fight so you can survive. Obviously it is quite unusual for anyone to actually be in this position in these modern times but it is a throw back to when we did have many predators to escape from!

 

However, if the pressure on your arteries is consistently high this is called high blood pressure or Hypertension. Low blood pressure is referred to as Hypotension.

 

There are many treatment choices open to your doctor once you have been diagnosed with a high BP but you also have some control over this. If you are aware of some of the reasons you may have a high BP you can change some of your lifestyle choices to help reduce your BP to a less dangerous level.

It is obviously essential that you have a certain level of pressure in order for the blood to circulate through the heart and lungs carrying oxygen and nutrients to your body. It is a combination of the pumping action of your heart and the flexibility and size of your arteries. This will change as you get older as all things do! But your lifestyle choices will also have a greater or lesser impact on your heart and arteries ability to work effectively. 

 

It the artery walls lose their elasticity or become contracted and narrowed too much you can develop high blood pressure. This can also occur if your heart is pumping too much blood or there is to high a volume of blood in your system.

So if you have been advised to have a 24 hour blood pressure monitor accept it is a good choice and will help you to be more aware of your own health. For more information on what this entails have a look at 'What Causes Hypertension'.