Answer:

High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke. In older adults, nighttime high blood pressure can put a strain on the heart and brain while the body is at rest. In fact, many strokes occur in the early morning or during sleep, especially in people whose blood pressure doesn't decrease or increases at night.

Several factors can cause nighttime high blood pressure, including sleep apnea (loud snoring, gasping for air, and pauses in breathing during sleep), cardiovascular disease, impaired kidney function, endocrine disorders, or side effects of some medications. When sleep apnea occurs, blood oxygen levels decrease, and the brain and heart have to work harder, which can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure and the risk of stroke.

You should observe whether your father snores while sleeping. If he does, it could be a sign of sleep apnea, a high-risk factor that contributes to both high blood pressure and stroke. To determine the exact cause, you should take your father to the hospital for a checkup. The doctor may order a polysomnography (PSG) to record brain waves, heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen levels, and physiological changes during sleep. This will help the doctor diagnose and treat the condition properly, contributing to controlling your father's nighttime high blood pressure.

Polysomnography helps identify and diagnose sleep apnea. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Polysomnography helps identify and diagnose sleep apnea. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Palpitations and heart palpitations during high blood pressure can also be a sign of cardiovascular disease. You should take your father to a medical facility soon for a comprehensive screening. The doctor may perform blood tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiograms (if necessary) to detect any abnormalities in the structure and function of the heart. At the same time, the doctor may order an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound to examine more thoroughly for potential risks in the central nervous system, thereby developing an effective treatment and prevention plan.

Controlling nighttime high blood pressure helps reduce the risk of stroke. In addition, your father should improve his health by adopting a healthy lifestyle: eating plenty of green vegetables, limiting saturated fat, reducing salt intake, quitting smoking, drinking enough water, increasing physical activity, and getting enough sleep (7-8 hours per night).

MSc. MD. CKII Chu Tan Si

Head of Neurosurgery - Spine Department

Neuroscience Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM