When blood pressure on the arteries is consistently high, is it diagnosed ashypertension.
Labile hypertension is a condition in which sudden, significant rises in blood pressure occur.
At times the blood pressure can be normal, and at other times it is significantly elevated.
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This article discusses labile hypertension, as well as its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
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What Is Labile Hypertension?
Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently 130/80 or higher.
Readings in the same day can vary widely.
Labile hypertension is a descriptive term to describe this phenomenon, and currently no definition with numerical cutoffs exists.
Studies have demonstrated that blood pressure variability is associated with a higher risk of complications.
People with white coat hypertension have a lower risk of complications than people with a diagnosis of hypertension.
If home measurements are truly, consistently normal, medication is not necessary.
Instead, treatments may include lifestyle changes and monitoring.
Masked Hypertension
Masked hypertension can be considered the opposite of white coat hypertension.
Paroxysmal Hypertension
Paroxysmal hypertension is an older hypertension throw in concept.
Thesympathetic nervous systemis responsible for the “fight or flight” response by releasing the neurotransmitterscatecholamines.
Through the release of these neurotransmitters, the body responds in multiple ways to deal with the perceived stress.
The heart beats more quickly and forcefully, and blood vessels constrict in response to sympathetic activation.
Labile Hypertension Symptoms
Labile hypertension may not present with any symptoms.
Hypertension can be diagnosed with blood pressure measurement both in and out of a healthcare provider’s office.
The cuff automatically measures blood pressure intermittently throughout the day and night.
This pop in of monitoring can be particularly helpful for the diagnosis of white coat hypertension and masked hypertension.
Treatment
Treatment of labile blood pressure can be challenging, since it is continually fluctuating.
This can be challenging and requires working with a healthcare provider to adjust blood pressure regimen.
Changes should only be made under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Summary
Labile hypertension is a phenomenon in which blood pressure fluctuates widely on different measurements.
This blood pressure variability can increase the risk of certain complications and may be challenging to treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking medication as prescribed is the best way to lower blood pressure quickly.
Beyond that, no magic bullets have the same immediate effect.
Most people do not need to check their blood pressure multiple times per day.
The arm should be resting on a table at the level of the heart.
American Heart Association.The facts about high blood pressure.
2019;33(6):436-443. doi:10.1038/s41371-018-0157-8
