why diff blood pressure at other office?

Question

I go for my phys every year at my gyno and same nurse over 10 yrs and blood pressure good at 124/80 then everytime I go to my md with cold or sick its really high at 174 /100 .And they freak out every time.

Answer 1

There is such a thing as white coat high blood pressure. The thought of having your blood pressure checked by a doctor can actually make it go higher. It is very common and happens to a lot of people.

Answer 2

Sounds like you are suffering from what doctors call "white coat syndrome". Most people tense up when in a doctor's office and their blood pressure can skyrocket. This would especially be the case if you are ill and stressed over that. Also - if you had been taking medications for a cold - many raise blood pressure. At my last physical, my blood pressure was 165/92. Yet , a week before when I had it taken at the gym where I work out it was 120/76. My doctor recommended I purchase a blood pressure machine at take it at home regularly to get a more accurate picture. Your blood pressure fluctuates through out the course of a normal day. Unless it stays high for several weeks, there is nothing to worry about.

Answer 3

There may be several factors. Previous responders have mentioned the "white coat syndrome" and taking your pressure at home. Calibration is important, especially since mercury gauges are being replaced with aneroid gauges. Cuff size is important, depending on the girth of ones arm. A cuff that is too small will give a high reading; too large and the reading is falsely low. Ideally the elbow should be at heart level. Pressure should be nearly equal on the right or the left, but if higher on one side, it's a red flag. Don't put excessive pressure on the stethoscope as it rests on your elbow.

Somewhere out there there should be a video describing proper technique.

Perhaps there is a friend or neighbor who is a doctor, nurse, paramedic, etc. who can check your BP in a relaxed state, and even teach you how to monitor your own pressure. And yes, discuss any disparity with your doctors, soon!

Answer 4

Someones BP cuff might not be accurate, or the person doing the measurement may be making a mistake. 174/100 is extremely high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke, so they are right to freak out.

Answer 5

I'd get my own for home and see what it says. I've had blood pressure vary consistently from doctor to gyno offices. Some people don't seem to know how to read them right.