Blood pressure is not constant throughout the day. One of the most important yet often overlooked readings is the early morning blood pressure.
In many individuals with hypertension, blood pressure tends to rise in the early morning hours—a phenomenon often referred to as the morning surge. This increase is influenced by hormonal changes, particularly cortisol and sympathetic activity as the body transitions from sleep to wakefulness.
Clinically, this period is significant because a higher morning blood pressure has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack. Patients who appear well-controlled during clinic visits may still have uncontrolled morning readings if not monitored properly.
This highlights the importance of home blood pressure monitoring, especially taking readings soon after waking up, before medication and daily activities. It also influences how antihypertensive medications are timed, as some may be adjusted to provide better early-morning control.
Hypertension management is not just about one reading—it’s about understanding patterns throughout the day.
Do you think patients should be more aware of when they check their blood pressure, not just the values?
MBH/PS