Extreme flunctuations in b/p. Does this indicate trouble?

HI, thank you to everyone who responded to my questions regarding cardiac tests. I am still waiting to hear from the cardiologist for testing after my stress test revealed past MI, last month. I have been keeping  a close eye on my blood pressure, as I take blood pressure meds, but my pressure has been going from low to high rather quickly. I had a two day period , Fri and Sat, the 2'nd and 3'rd where I had a hard time dropping my blood pressure, even with blood pressure meds. Today I am experiencing something different and I don't know how common this is, and thought there must be someone else out here who is familiar with or has experienced the same thing.

         My blood pressure this morning was fine, in the 110/60 range and pulse 50. The last couple of hourse my blood pressure has been acting different, I use a wrist pressure cuff that self inflates. I have no problems with this and my husband also uses it. Here is a sample readings to give you and example of the variations.

All in sitting down position, 5:20 p.m. 119/92 pulse 108,
                                         5.23         107/73 pulse 67
                                          532          101/70 pulse 60
                                          6;00 p.m.   103/78 pulse 56
                                          6:40            115/91 pulse 61
                                          6;50            155/93   pulse 50
                                           7;00 p.m      94/61  pulse 75
my last reading for this;        7;45 pm.      97/77 pulse  81

I also have felt nausea for a couple of minutes. I tend to be on the lower side of blood pressure and it is normal for me to have low heart rate, 40-50s. This was untill my heart started acting up . I just wonder how normal it is to have such a wide variation in blood pressure, particulary when resting no eating, drinking smoking etc?? If anyone knows anything I  would appreciate it. Thank you for any advice, I just don't know anything about what is normal or not normal related to this and heart problems.                                            fluffypurrcat

[Momto3]

Hi and welcome to the Heart Community : )

Other than the readings where your diastolic reading is in the 90's, the other BP readings look fine.  It is very normal for BP to fluctuate throughout the day.  Most of the cardiologists on here and those I have dealt with advise you only take your BP 1-3 times per day.  Taking it more often can lead to anxiety over the fluctuations.  Try taking it in the morning and maybe later in the afternoon.  It will probably still fluctuate, but it will give the doctor a better idea of your readings at specific times of the day.

Also, I think it's always a good idea to check the accuracy of home meters since they can be way off.  Take the wrist cuff to your doctor appointment and have them take your BP with their equipment.  Then, take it with the cuff (or vice-versa) and compare the readings.  

I hope the tests go well.

Connie

[fluffypurrcat]

Connie, hi, thanks for the reply. I normally don't even take my blood pressure except when I don't feel good, and it ranges at the dr. s anywhere from 112/60 to 148/90 depending on how *I am feeling that day. Since my heart attack, I have been taking it usually twice a day, once in the a.m and in the evening to see what it is, but my husband has been more concerned and is giving me suppliments to naturally lower my blood pressure.What concerned me the most yesterday was the high heart rate, because I am mostly in the 40-50s at rest. It didn't stay there long, so it must have been a spike I guess.

I guess untill I see the cardiologist I will worry more than I should, but I will try to not even take blood pressure unless I feel bad. I know blood pressure flunctuates all throughout the day ( from reading and internet ) and I have worked in home health care field and hospitals, but was unaware of the flunctuations in pulse so quickly at the same time. I will just try and relax.
          As for the blood pressure cuff, it was purchased at the clinic I and my husband go to, so it was checked when we bought it. It was reccomended by one of the drs. when I was put on blood pressure medicine. When In doubt, I examine it and put fresh batteries in. Thank you for your time and answer. I will relax as much as I can.

                                                                             fluffypurrcat

[Momto3]

Hi fluffypurrcat,

Sounds like you have a great handle on what's going on.  I'm sure you were shocked to hear about the MI and it seems very normal that you would be looking for answers.  I would be doing the exact same thing : )

Make sure your doctor is OK with the supplements.  I'm sure they're fine, but it's always good to double check if you're under doctor's care.

Oh, they say a normal pulse is 60-100, but you probably know that...lol.  I'll bet you're just catching it at moments when it's up a little.  Overall, your numbers look pretty good. The last reading might be a fluke, but it might be good to check it around the same time for a couple days.  It could correspond to when you are taking the supplements, eating, resting, etc.  When is your appointment?  I'm sure it's not soon enough.  We're here whenever you need us : )

Have a great day!!

connie