My blood pressure normally seems to be around 134-137/73-83. Sometimes it has gone up as high as 153/81, and this is in the evening around 9. Subsequent readings are a bit lower, but not below 140/75. I know that this particular question gets discussed a lot on the board, but I'm just wondering why with the readings around 134-137/73-83 most of the time, my bp would increase up to 153/81, especially being that its late in the evening? I am completley relaxed when I take my bp so that's why I'm a bit surprised about the high readings.

The fluctuations are normal or not out of the ordinary. As long as you're relaxed etc. each time you take it, your bp should be considered as an average of the readings throughout the day. Don't let this make you obsessive about taking multiple readings every day.

I'm not obsessive about taking my bp several times during the day. I just thought that it was a bit odd for the numbers to increase by that much.

At most, I probably only check my bp twice a day.

Blood pressure fluctuates a LOT, it's normal for it to do that. As far as the reading being higher when relaxed? That seems to be when mine is the highest! When I am really sleepy and relaxed! Weird! I've already taken it when I was in a "rage" over something and it was like 120/85... I've taken it when I was really happy, sleepy and relaxed and it was 155/90... so you never can tell!

Cbrook,

Sometimes a full stomach can raise the BP. Try testing some eveneing when you ate a particulary light supper!

WHen I am tired and yawny my BP sinks to DELICIOUSLY low levels. If ONLY my doctor lived in the next apartment.

If you have a cup of coffee or an alcoholic drink with dinner, that might also temporarily raise your blood pressure.