Ask the doctor: Is high blood pressure in the morning a problem?

Published: June, 2008

Q. My blood pressure is high when I first get up in the morning, generally around 160/80, but always drops back to normal (around 120/75) by 11 a.m. and stays that way throughout the day. I take two different blood pressure pills in the morning. What might cause this? Should I make any changes?

A. Blood pressure normally comes down during sleep. It then returns to your usual level just before you wake up.

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