DEAR DR. GOTT: If a doctor recommends that you (an elderly person) monitor blood pressure a couple of times a week, is there a time of day when it is best to take it? Is it lower in the morning, afternoon or evening?
DEAR READER: To get an accurate measure of what your blood pressure is averaging, it is usually best to check in the morning and again at night. Be sure to keep a record of what time you take the readings. It may also be helpful to make a list of physical activities each day and what time they occurred, since exercise, for example, can raise the blood pressure during and immediately following. Salt may also increase blood pressure.
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