Question

What are the differences in blood pressure and pulse in the sitting, lying and standing positions, and why?

Answer 1

In the sitting position blood pressure can be 135/80, lying position it is 117/60. The heart is a pump. It takes less effort to pump blood to your brain when you are lying down because your head is about the same level as your heart. When you stand up, your head is much higher then your heart. The heart has to pump harder to your brain so blood pressure is higher. It is well know blood pressure varies with position. This is why blood pressure at the doctor's office is taken while you are sitting in a chair with your arm at the level of your heart.