American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) Advantage 6005 - Manual (Page 7)

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D. Does Blood Pressure Vary?
Constantly. An individual’s blood pressure varies greatly on a daily and seasonal basis. It changes throughout one’s
lifetime. It is not uncommon for systolic pressure to vary by 40mmHg or more throughout the course of a single day!
While generally not as volatile, diastolic pressure can still vary significantly. In hypertensive individuals, variations are
even more pronounced. Normally, blood pressure is at its lowest during sleep and rises in the morning and through-
out the day. The chart below illustrates the fluctuations that could occur in a typical day.
E. What is Hypertension?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is elevated systolic or diastolic levels. In
90 to 95 percent of the diagnosed cases, the specific causes are unknown, although the
condition is often linked with family history, and lifestyle. This is referred to as essential hy-
pertension. In the remaining cases, high blood pressure is a symptom of an underlying,
often treatable condition, which if corrected, may normalize blood pressure. This less com-
mon type is known as secondary hypertension.
Hypertension, if left untreated, may contribute to kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, or other debilitating illnesses.
The following standards for assessment of high blood pressure (without regard to age) have been established by the
Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, 2003.
Typical Fluctuation within a day