Summary
| Direction in ME/CFS | ↑ Elevated — higher than in the comparison group |
|---|---|
| Category | Autonomic |
| Also described as | Beat-to-beat BP |
| Compared against | HC (healthy controls) |
| Associated symptoms | Autonomic dysregulation |
| Test type | Clinical or physiological test |
| Source | Nelson et al. 2019 — doi:10.1186/s12967-019-02100-4 |
| Condition atlas | ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas |
Trials, interventions and tests
In clinical-trial registrations this marker maps to the outcome term Heart rate (1 registered trials use a matching outcome measure).
Clinical trials using Blood pressure variability as an outcome
- NCT03253120: Alterations of Attention in POTS Depending on Body Position and Hydration (Completed)
Outcome measure: Heart rate
Related Autonomic markers in ME/CFS
- Orthostatic heart rate increment ↑
- Baroreflex sensitivity ↓
- LF/HF ratio ↕
- Heart rate variability (SDNN) ↓
- Heart rate variability (RMSSD) ↓
Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blood pressure variability high or low in ME/CFS?
Elevated. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report higher Blood pressure variability in ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Source: Nelson et al. 2019.
What symptoms is Blood pressure variability associated with in ME/CFS?
The cited literature associates this marker with Autonomic dysregulation. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.
Which test measures Blood pressure variability?
It is measured as a clinical or physiological test. Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.
Is one abnormal Blood pressure variability result diagnostic of ME/CFS?
No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. Blood pressure variability findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from me-cfs.json · Browse: ME/CFS atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages
Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.