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Anyone else experience huge swings in blood pressure?
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Dec 12, 2025 | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
It makes sense that you’re feeling scared — those huge blood pressure swings and the history of two possible TIAs would worry anyone. What you’re describing is actually something doctors see in a few specific situations, so you’re not alone in this.
When the systolic (top number) shoots very high, but the diastolic stays low and your heart rate stays low, it can point to things like:
Isolated systolic hypertension (stiff arteries)
Autonomic nervous system issues that cause BP to jump around
Medication effects
Aortic valve problems
Thyroid or adrenal hormone issues
Or sometimes atrial fibrillation that hasn’t been caught on an EKG yet
The fact that your heart rate rarely gets into the 50s, even on a good day, is definitely something to bring up when you see the doctor. Athletic hearts can run slow, but when a slow heart rate is combined with very high BP and neurological symptoms, doctors usually check for rhythm or conduction issues.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, it might help to keep a simple daily log of your blood pressure, heart rate, symptoms, sleep, and meds. That gives the doctor a much clearer picture.
If you get sudden weakness, numbness, vision changes, slurred speech, chest pressure, or BP over 180/120 with symptoms, don’t wait — that’s emergency care territory.
I know the wait times in BC are tough right now, but what you’re experiencing is real and deserves proper evaluation. You’re doing the right thing by monitoring closely and seeking answers. You’re not overreacting at all.
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@tommy901 Here's a further Epidemiological study how nutritional deficiencies can affect this pattern, *UNDER SPECIFIC GUIDANCE FROM A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL*
Some nutritional deficiencies can contribute to this kind of blood-pressure pattern, especially when BP swings wildly and the heart rate stays low. They usually aren’t the only cause, but they can make the situation worse.
Here's what Epidemiological studies have determined:
1. Magnesium deficiency:
This is the most common deficiency linked to erratic blood pressure.
Low magnesium can cause:
Spikes in systolic BP.
Irregular or slow heart rate.
Muscle twitching.
Anxiety/adrenal surges.
Poor autonomic regulation.
Magnesium helps blood vessels relax, so deficiency can cause “surge attacks.”
2. Potassium deficiency:
Low potassium affects how the kidneys and blood vessels regulate pressure.
It can cause:
High systolic BP.
Large BP fluctuations.
Fatigue.
Irregular heartbeat.
A tendency toward adrenaline surges.
People who eat little fresh fruits/vegetables or take diuretics are most at risk.
3. Sodium imbalance (too little or too much):
Too much sodium → big systolic spikes.
Too little sodium → low diastolic, dizziness, erratic BP.
Both can worsen autonomic instability.
4. Vitamin B12 deficiency:
Low B12 can mimic neurological issues and may cause:
Autonomic dysfunction → BP swings.
Numbness, tingling.
Balance issues.
Brain fog.
This can worsen BP control.
5. Vitamin D deficiency>
Strongly linked to:
Elevated systolic BP.
Increased arterial stiffness.
Higher stroke risk.
Not usually the main cause, but it amplifies existing problems.
6. Calcium imbalance:
Low calcium can cause:
Muscle spasms in blood vessels.
Irregular heart rhythm.
BP instability.
But it’s less common than magnesium or potassium issues.
7. Iron deficiency (anemia):
When iron is low:
Heart rate can be weird (sometimes slow, sometimes fast).
BP fluctuates because the body struggles to deliver oxygen.
Usually causes low blood pressure, but can worsen swings.
8. Omega-3 deficiency:
Not a “vitamin,” but important.
Low omega-3 may increase:
Arterial stiffness.
High systolic BP.
Inflammation.
Bottom line:
Nutrient deficiencies alone "rarely" cause a blood pressure spike into the 200+ range, but they can absolutely:
Make BP more unstable.
Increase systolic surges.
Affect heart rhythm.
Exaggerate autonomic dysfunction.
If someone has large BP swings, a slow heart rate, and past TIAs, doctors usually check the basic nutrient panel:
Magnesium.
Potassium.
Sodium.
B12.
Vitamin D.
Thyroid.
Kidney function.
Correcting deficiencies has shown to stabilize the cardiovascular system in many of these patterns.
Many Americans and Canadians are not clinically deficient, but a large portion are insufficient in several key nutrients.
Those aren’t the same thing—deficiency means low enough to cause disease; insufficiency means not enough for optimal health.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
🇺🇸 United States – What large national data shows:
Based on NHANES (the big national nutrition survey):
Common insufficiencies:
Vitamin D — extremely common
40–70% have low levels.
Magnesium — very common
~50% do not meet recommended intake.
Potassium — very common
~98% do not meet recommended intake.
Fiber — almost universal
90%+ fall short.
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA)
Very low dietary intake for most adults.
Common true deficiencies:
Vitamin B6.
Iron (more common in women).
Vitamin B12 (particularly in older adults or those on acid-reducing meds) "Omeprazole" etc.
🇨🇦 Canada – What national data shows:
Canadian Community Health Survey results are similar:
Common insufficiencies:
Vitamin D — major issue
30–60% have inadequate levels (especially winter).
Calcium — low in many women and older adults.
Magnesium — widespread low intake.
Fiber and potassium — same problem as U.S.
Common true deficiencies:
Vitamin B12 (especially older adults)
Iron (especially women aged 12–49)
Why are these shortages so common?
Reliance on processed foods.
Low intake of fruits and vegetables.
Low dairy or fish intake.
Soil depletion → lower magnesium, selenium, potassium in foods.
Indoor lifestyle → low vitamin D.
Medications (PPIs, metformin) affect B12 absorption.
Does this mean everyone needs supplements?
Not necessarily — but many people do benefit from:
Vitamin D3 (most common insufficiency).
Magnesium (glycinate or citrate).
Omega-3s if you don’t eat fish.
A simple multivitamin if diet is limited.
But the key is testing when needed.