Why is my BP often records hypertension levels during med checks but never exceeds 140/80 during self check?

Question

The doc often tells me that my BP is high during medical check up but when i tested my BP at home using a digital BP meter, it never exceeds 140/80. I tried my best to relax during the med checks but it does not work. I have a pre employment med check coming up soon and i am worried sick that i will fail it due to high BP. How can i overcome this?

Answer 1

High BP readings at the MD's office hit me also. Try having the BP taken in a supine or lying down position instead of sitting. Also, make sure that your feet are flat on the ground and your ankles are not crossed if you have to take the BP reading in the sitting position. I know it sounds funny but it helps. Also arrive at your pre employment test 20-30 minutes early and relax. Also...if your at home reading is consistently 140/80 get the calibration checked...your machine may be the one out of whack. Good luck.

Answer 2

It's true that nerves play a HUGE part in your BP. However, exercise levels, weight levels and salt intake play a role as well. I would tell you to go to your pre-check at least 1/2 hour early, when you get there sit down, pull out a COLD bottle of water and take the next few minutes to unwind. Try not to eat any extra salt within 1 day either. You might take headphones and listen to whatever music unwinds you. If your BP is high the first time they take it ask them to leave you in the room for awhile and try deep breathing and relaxing. That should help with that if it's only a little higher than normal.

Answer 3

Yes, it does happen. Some patients when they see the instrument being tied, experience pounding pulsations and high rate. This sometimes happens while taking ECG also. On the table the heart rate will go upto 110 per min, but while taking later will be just 80 / min. Best is to relax, think of something else or check BP a couple of times and take average. However, your reading is suggestive of hypertension because of high diastolic.

Answer 4

Worried sick, anxiousness, fear, etc., these are BP raising conditions. Often, we will worry about our doctor visit for one reason or another, causing our BP to go up. We may have to wait for our turn long after the original appt. time, so a perceived lack of concern for our time and schedules(by staff) tends to be annoying or maddening-causing our BP to also rise- you are not alone. Be aware of the causes, and reduce the stressors or at least acknowledge them.
try some deep breathing. Good luck!

Answer 5

Take your BP machine with you to doc and check with it right after doc does. Your BP machine may be reading low.

Answer 6

it is called 'white coat syndrome' my mother has it you get nervous when you go to the doctor her doctor has her record her bp at home and its always normal but when he takes it its high type it in a search engine to see if you can get more info

Answer 7

Maybe you were nervous or maybe you rushed when you saw your doctor.There are also variables between machines.Plus remember eating and fluid intake also affects your BP.

Answer 8

It's called white-coat syndrome.
You obviously get anxious.
Trying to relax may make it worse.
Take your digital meter with you,
& do it yourself in the office.
If you're worried sick, you will fail.

Answer 9

called white coat syndrome. just need to relaxe around the doc

Answer 10

It's called white coat syndrome.