asked
I'm 61 years old, see my doctor regularly, am on no medication, exercise regularly, don't smoke or drink to excess, and am in excellent physical condition. I have a history of borderline/labile blood pressure readings, and my most recent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure/Holter monitor average was 138/78, with overnight readings dropping as low as 108/64. During the day, I get a range of readings from 118/68 (evenings) to 160/76 (some midmornings), and have noticed a more consistent elevated morning pattern. When I first awaken, my readings are from 130/70 to 140/74, with occasional ones of 124/68. Following intense morning computer work, my blood pressure rises to levels of 150/76 to 160/78 and sometimes remains elevated for 30-60 minutes. My blood pressure then tends to settle after the initial morning period of elevation. Should I be concerned about these occasional midmorning elevations of 150/78 to 160/78, which last for an hour or so, and consider medication?
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