Up and down blood pressure?

Question

Okay, I'm 23 years old, and considerd normal weight and a non smoker. About a year and a half ago I had a couple high blood pressure readings. (140's/90's). So I was ordered to have a blood pressure screening where my blood pressure would be taken five times within a month's period. Well four out of the five times (I, uh didn't make it to the last one. My blood pressure was back down into the 120's/80's. But then a few months later when I went back to the doctor it was coming up high again. And has been ever since. BUT I bought a home blood pressure monitor and I'm usually fine when tested at home. Sometimes even as low as 110's /70's. So does anybody have any idea whats going on here? Do I have hypertension or not?

Answer 1

Hi! I am a Cardiac Tech Student so I know a little bit about blood pressure. I also have hands on experience with "White Coat Hypertension." Clinically, you are considered to have high blood pressure if you have a reading of 140/90 on two separate occasions BUT if you are getting lower readings at home then you should definitely let your doctor know that. When I was in my early 20's I would get #'s in the 140/90 region at the doctor's office and normal readings at home. I told my doctor this and he had me wear a blood pressure monitor at home for 24 hours where it would take your blood pressure at random times throughout the day. I was fine! I also learned how to take my blood pressure at home and every time I had a doctor's appointment I would take it right before I left my house so that I could tell my doctor that I had a normal reading. Unfortunately, some doctors have to "cover their butt" and they take appropriate action. When I had my first child I had high BP readings in the office and they ended up inducing me before my due date and I have to have a c-section because I think that my little guy wasn't ready to come out yet. The whole time that I was in the hospital my blood pressure was NORMAL. Your blood pressure fluctuates every minute of the day depending on what you are doing. Even if you don't feel nervous while they are taking it you could be subconsciously nervous. If you are worried about it I would ask your doc about that home 24 hour monitor to put your mind at ease. I would also just relax. That helps! Remember, your blood pressure went back down into the 120/80's in the doctor office so that should tell you that you don't have hypertension. Hypertension is a serious disease and if you doctor truly thought that you had it he would medicate you right away in order to prevent any damage to your heart. Don't worry so much! That alone should lower your pressures! Have a nice day!

Answer 2

Your blood pressure normally fluxuates during the day and during activity.

There is also something called "white coat syndrome" meaning your BP goes up when you are at a doctor's office.

If your BP is normally around 120/80, you are fine. I seriously doubt at your age you have high blood pressure problems unless you are severely overweight.

Answer 3

Good for you that you bought your own blood pressure cuff. It is called white coat syndrome. Your blood pressure will fluctuate with every stress, infection, etc So as long as your blood pressure at home is good, you are fine. For more info see source

Answer 4

When I see any Doctor my blood pressure goes up, when I take it at home its fine. So what I do now I get to my doctor early and relax before I go in, take deep breaths as they are taking my pressure. and that helps me keep it from going up.

Answer 5

Frankly speaking you are not hypertensive or case of fluctuation BP. There are people in your age group who experience this when they report for the first time for a BP check up.
Change your physician/Hospital.