Anyone else experience huge swings in blood pressure?

@spmgka what’s sad is they trying to destroy our healthcare system here too and they always use you as an example of how great it is there.

I also experience highs and lows of systolic BP
This usually happens at a doctors office or a stressful situation.

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.

I, too, can get big systoloc pressure swings from 104 to 160 and sometimes a bit higher. I have a prescription for clonidine and I take that to bring it down. It comes down within an hour but usually faster.Those swings are typically in the afternoon from 2 pm to maybe 5 pm.
I used to see a primary care doctor where my bp would go from 110/55 approx to 180/95 just walking in his office. I have no clue why as it never occurred with any other pcp nor at Mayo specialist appointments. I stopped seeing this pcp. I felt it could be dangerous although his office was within a mile from my home and the CRNA was his daughter - a very sweet woman.
My dad had isolated systolic hypertension. High swings occurred when he went for clinical trial colonoscopies or colorectal polyp removals at the Univ of MN. They would call him back, probably hoping to enroll him in another clinical trial but his bp was always normal then.

@hsminc Here’s a more detailed explanation as to what might be going on based on Epidemiological studies with this pattern. (Not my opinion).

Very high systolic spikes.

Low/normal diastolic.

Low resting heart rate.

History of possible small strokes.

Big BP swings throughout the day.

This kind of pattern can feel mysterious, but there are several well-known medical explanations.

1. Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH)

When the top number (systolic) is high but the bottom number (diastolic) stays low.

Common causes:

Stiff arteries.

Aging.

Longstanding untreated high blood pressure.

Aortic valve issues.

Thyroid problems.

Stress and adrenaline surges

Dehydration at times, then sudden rehydration.

Extreme spikes like 241 systolic are very dangerous — they put a person at risk of stroke.

2. Large Blood Pressure Fluctuations.

Big swings (e.g., 180 in the morning, then 108 in the afternoon) can come from:

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
(the system that manages BP and heart rate).

Sleep apnea.

Anxiety-adrenaline surges.

Pain.

Stiff arteries + low diastolic.

Certain medications (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, etc.).

3. Very Low Heart Rate (Bradycardia).

Since you were an athlete, a HR in the 40s or even 30s can happen — but only if:

They feel okay.

No dizziness.

No fainting.

No pauses on heart rhythm tests.

However, when bradycardia is combined with high BP and episodes of neurological symptoms, doctors get concerned about:

Conduction system problems.

Sick sinus syndrome.

Heart block.

Medication effects (if they're on BP meds that slow HR).

4. Two “mini-strokes” (TIAs).

This strongly suggests blood pressure instability or possibly:

Atrial fibrillation episodes that haven’t been caught yet.

Carotid artery disease.

Very high systolic pressure damaging small brain vessels.

Even if there was “no damage,” TIAs are a major warning sign.

5. What this pattern could suggest medically:

I am NOT diagnosing— just listing the common possibilities doctors check:

A. Autonomic dysfunction:

This can cause wide swings in BP and low HR.

Examples:

Neurocardiogenic issues.

Dysautonomia.

Baroreflex problems after long-term hypertension.

B. Stiff arteries + low diastolic:

When arteries stiffen, systolic skyrockets but diastolic stays low. This is a classic pattern in older adults.

C. Aortic valve problems:

Aortic insufficiency or stenosis can cause very wide pulse pressures.

D. Medication effect.

If they’re on meds that slow heart rate, an already athletic heart can get too slow.

E. Thyroid or adrenal hormone imbalance.

These conditions can cause fluctuating blood pressure.

6. What should not ignore:

Any of the following are emergency symptoms:

Sudden weakness or numbness.

Slurred speech.

Sudden vision changes.

Chest pressure.

Passing out.

Heart rate consistently under 40.

BP over 180/120 with symptoms.

7. What could you do while waiting to see a doctor?

A. Blood pressure monitoring correctly.

Sit quietly 5 minutes.

Same arm.

Same time daily.

Take 2 readings and then average.

Avoid caffeine/smoking for 30–60 minutes.

B. Keep a simple log.

Doctors value>

Time of day.

BP + HR.

Symptoms.

Meds taken.

Sleep quality

Fluid intake.

C. Ask for these tests when seen:

These are standard in this situation:

EKG.

Holter or 2-week patch monitor (checks for heart blocks/AFib).

Echocardiogram (heart structure, valves).

Carotid ultrasound.

Kidney function + electrolytes.

TSH & thyroid panel.

Aldosterone & renin (if secondary hypertension suspected.

8. Bottom line

The symptoms are real, and the pattern does match several known cardiovascular/autonomic issues.
Nothing here sounds “imagined” — and with a history of very high blood pressure and possible TIAs, this deserves thorough evaluation, even if the healthcare system is slow.

@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.

@kimburlie3589 What symptoms do you have?