My blood pressure is about 120/70 during the day but can spike to 160/80 at night. Is this bad

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER.

Blood pressure is normally lower at night while you're sleeping. Your blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before you wake up. Your blood pressure continues to rise during the day, usually peaking in the middle of the afternoon. Then in the late afternoon and evening, your blood pressure begins dropping again.

Having an abnormal blood pressure pattern, such as high blood pressure during the night or early in the morning, can mean that you have a health problem.

Associated conditions include poorly controlled high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea ,kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, nervous system problems, and cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors for developing an abnormal blood pressure pattern include working the night shift, tobacco use, anxiety, too much stress, and taking blood pressure medications that don't last 24 hours.

Anonymous, this night time blood pressure reading is high and you must speak with your physician.

Regards,
Maryann