Changes in your emotional state, physical activity and environmental conditions result in natural blood pressure variances throughout the day. The American Heart Association recommends taking your blood pressure at the same time every day over a period of time to get an accurate reading and minimize the effects of external factors.

In general, blood pressure rises during physical activity, when it is cold, or when you are feeling stressed, startled or afraid. A small group of people suffer from “white coat hypertension” and their blood pressure rises as a result of their anxiety related to going to the doctor’s office. This group often benefits from monitoring their blood pressure at home.

For more information, visit http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3025166