High BP after PM Check

No

by AgentX86 - 2019-12-17 20:39:44

Undoubably what you're experiencing is known as "white coat hypertenion".  Some people's BP shoots up any time they're in the doctor's office.  Stress causes increased blood pressure.  It's part of the "fight or flight" automatic response to stress.

From: <https://blood-pressure-monitoring.org/white-coat-hypertension/>

"Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, and ‘white coat’ refers to a doctor’s white coat, and therefore a clinical or medical environment.  Simply put, white coat hypertension means having a high reading only when your blood pressure is measured away from your normal home environment, usually in a clinic or surgery."

            -and-

"White coat hypertension and the white coat effect are caused by anxiety, when your body stimulates your ‘fight or flight’ response."

Insist on home BP monitoring before accepting any anti-hypertension meds

by crustyg - 2019-12-18 03:37:53

As AgentX86 says, you're describing white-coat hypertension.  Before accepting any meds for high BP, insist on a week of home BP monitoring using an automated device.  It's important to make sure that you really do need to be on high BP meds and measuring your BP twice a day in the calm of your own home is the most reliable way of measuring it.

If they offer you a machine for this, make them talk you through using it on yourself before you leave.  It should be done whilst you are calm and seated, the arm with the BP cuff *must* be supported, and you *should* measure your BP twice at each time, at least 1minute apart.  Keep a written record of the date/time and results.  In the UK the NICE has a set of guidelines about BP - the whole nine-yards - and there's some good information there.  It's free to everyone.

FLO

by IAN MC - 2019-12-18 06:57:28

It seems crazy to me that they would measure your B.P. at the same time as a PM check. 

For a blood pressure reading to be meaningful it should ideally be taken when you are feeling fairly relaxed .  You have just had somebody hijack your heart with a huge magnet ...... this would cause White Coat Syndrome plus-plus in most people !

Could it possibly be that you are charged more if a blood pressure reading is taken ?

Ian

Thanks

by Flo - 2019-12-18 18:44:12

Good and thoughtful comments! 

Taking BP measurements during device clinic appointments

by AgentX86 - 2019-12-18 21:35:27

Every time I see a doctor, they're taking my BP.  I think if I saw my cardiologist on the street, he'd take my BP right there.  ;-)

" While you're here, could I ................... "

by IAN MC - 2019-12-19 05:19:39

Agent , at my GP practice they are all fighting to take my blood-pressure. All of the GPs / the Paramedic / and the Practice Nurses   grab me and measure it at every opportunity. The receptionists seem to think that BP measurement is part of  their job description.

It wouldn't surprise me if the window-cleaner has a go next time !

Ian

Coming to grips with blood pressure

by Gotrhythm - 2019-12-19 14:23:47

Flo, 

As others have said, you need to monitor your BP at home. These days home blood pressure monitor devices are relatively inexpensive $50-$80, available online and at most drugstores. There are many designs.

I find the arm cuff kind like at the doctor's office so awkward and hard to manage on myself, that it's too easy to talk myself out of using it.

What does work for me is the kind that goes on your wrist. The old ones weren't accurate but the newer ones have sensors that tell you when you have your arm/wrist in exactly the right place. They are as accurate as the doctor's office.

Reocrd your bp everyday and don't go to the doctor without it. In my experience, whether the doctor looks at it or not, the fact that you have it garners respect.

PS. I have a raging case of White Coat Syndrome. I know whereof I speak.

Coming to Grips

by Flo - 2019-12-19 18:43:47

Gotrhythm, I had thought about taking a record of my BP in but will definitely do it for the next appointment so he won't increase my meds. 

Home BP testing

by AgentX86 - 2019-12-19 22:17:22

There are Bluetooth BP monitors on the market so one can keep a very good record of the readings, even average five reading in a row and record the results on a smart phone app (either Android or Apple).

The problem I've had with taking my own BP is getting anyone to care, even if it's a detailed record.  If they don't see it, it's not believed.  I gave up taking it.

A few BP comments

by Pacer2019 - 2019-12-20 13:34:50

-I’m kind of where AgentX86 is ..... I love to gather date .... Heart rate , BP , and even have a Kardia Mobile to so EKGs.

But - as he says no one really seems to care. 

- my BP is best around doctors who can help me worst at home alone 

- My dentist uses to take everyone’s BP even for a cleaning ....doing his part to help - BUT that’s one Dr my BP is up around .  I’ll bet he got a ton of high readings!!!!!! 

- my sister who has chronic high blood pressure controlled by medication had hers spike up the other day.

she determined it was because she was at a “salt spa” with my other sister.  She said when you leave the place you can taste the salt on your lips.  No more salt spa visits for her. 

Tracking BP

by Gotrhythm - 2019-12-21 12:38:23

My doctor not only wants to see my bp log, he asked me to keep it in the first place.

I don't recall any other doctor has wanted to see my log, but I am frequently asked (probably because of the white coat syndrome thing) if I track my bp at home. They are reassured to know that I do.

Whether the doctor wants to check your log or not, you will display a subtle self-confidence when discussing bp. The doctor will sense that self-confidence and your opinion will count for more. If you are female, that can make a real difference in how you are treated.

Just saying.