High blood pressure or white coat syndrome?

Question

Hi - every since i was 18, whenever I go to the Dr., and the RN breaks out the cuff to take my BP, I feel my heart start to race, and of course, it always turns out that she measures me at ~130/90, sometimes as high as 150/98. I have always just explained it away as white coat syndrome, and the MD has never looked into it further.
My question is, now that I am 29, and this has gone on for over 10 years, I am beginning to wonder if this elevated BP is actually present all the time, and not just while I am at the MD office. How can I tell? Since everytime I see the cuff, my heart starts to race b/c I am nervous about it being high?

p.s., I am a healthy, active, slender, professional female with no other significant med hx, besides a mitral valve prolapse, and murmur in the mitral valve... with regurge.

Answer 1

Based on another question you have "trace regurge in my mitral valve" It may not seem much to you but the difference between trace regurg and moderate regurg is huge. Trace regurg is not even enough to mention as it is as common as brown eyes. Regurg beyond a "trace" begins to be a much bigger deal.

As far as your blood pressure concern, others have given you good advice about getting a home device and checking it several times a day over a week. If its normal (less than 130/85) then forget it. If it is high-normal consider what lifestyle changes you might make to improve the condition. If it is elevated (>140/90) then talk with your doctor about it. If you are trying to avoid long-term consequences of untreated hypertension (congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, kidney dysfunction, stroke, CAD) do what you need to to control it, including taking medication if needed.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I have the same problem!!
I finally bought a digital BP machine. simple to use and accurate.

Check it regularly and different times of the day. It even has a journal to record your readings.
Sometimes, certain meds can elevate your BP. A lot of things can. But it is imperative to know if you actually have normal or high BP.

Answer 3

Try taking your own BP at home...Get several readings over a week, then if the parameters are still way over normal. 120/80, you may need to check with your doc again and take your readings with you...Even though you consider yourself "healthy" hypertension can occur anyway...
Good luck....

Answer 4

buy your own b/p and take your own pressure....time your self.keep a log for about a month.take your b/p before you go to your doctors,and go to the bathroom and take it once there. time how long you have to wait ....if your medical Dr.dose not take you serious.find a new MD........