Freaking out over my blood pressure, help!

[CarolM]

i'm a nervous reck over my blood pressure being high every time i get it tested. i know stress can make it worse but what if worring about my BP is what is giving me the anxiety now...it's like i can't get off the cycle. don't know what to do. got a gyno appt tomorrow and worried they might check my blood pressure and i'll freeak out. did i do this to my self? why is it so high?

[tina martin]

Hi Carol,

Blood pressure is a tricky matter. Don't pretend to be an expert (though I tend to pretend about many things.....joking), but it is in my family and I've been very aware of it. Heredity plays a big role (the biggest if you ask me), as does age.

BP fluctuates a great deal. So you might want to consider getting a home monitor kit because in the doctor's office some people can get "white coat syndrome" causing it to be high. Don't be anxious, try to relax, meditation can help. Of course, you want to discuss it with your doctor. Hope this helps a little. Keep us posted. Maybe I can learn something too.

[Flyer99]

Tina is correct. Most people have "white coat syndrome" where their blood pressure always spikes at the doctor's office or at any other place where they are taking your blood pressure. I used to use these blood pressure machines in pharmacies and even before I started the machine I kept saying, "Well, I know it's going to be high". And, of course it was. I talked with my doctor and he advised a home blood pressure monitor. I bought one (they are inexpensive) and tested it out a few times at home and my blood pressure was okay. I hardly ever use it now. As I got older, my blood pressure was elevated a touch all the time and so I am now on a pill a day and it keeps it in check. It's been fine for years now. It's a vicious circle, you get a high blood pressure reading and that sets off the scary thoughts, then that increases your blood pressure, and round and round we go. I'd consider a home monitor and take your pressure at several points during the day to start, not just when you are anxious. Write down the numbers and review them with your doctor. This will relieve a ton of anxiety for you. Good luck.

[CarolM]

Thanks so much for your replays. Yes have it in my family to and i think my pressure must go up in the office and when i tried it at CVS because it's JUST like you said i'm thinking "oh my gosh it's gonna be high" i probably am so revved up every time. The home monitor sounds like a good idea at least it's something i can go to my doctor with so he sees what it's like when i'm more myself at home + i was looking online and found this website http://www.dashforhealth.com which looks interesting. It helps so much just to have people to talk to. thanks again!!!

[newrunner]

Hi-
Just found this posting.
Not long ago, I heard a medical program on the radio. It's a reputable hospital that they get various docs from to talk about lots of stuff. Anyway- BP was the topic. It was amazing to me, but 50% of people over the age of 50 have High BP. The percentage increases as we age, so pretty much by the time you are in your 80s you'll have HBP.

The things I took from this were:
1. I'm thankful I don't deal with this now.
2. There are dietary changes/activity changes you can make to stave this off.
3. The changes are not an instant fix so start today.
4. You are not a failure if you get HBP. But, don't ignore it. Deal with it.

[CarolM]

Thanks for the post. #4 really puts it into prospective! Thanks!!!

[newrunner]

You bet.

I thought it was so interesting.... maybe we can have a contest to see who gets HBP the latest or something like that??

[CarolM]

Well i might have already won or really lost. i think i already have it. HBP runs in my family. oh well we do the best we can, right.

[SoWhatif]

CarolM, Welcome, please loosen up and relax.
We all have BP, some is higher and some is lower. Freaking out makes it higher, breath in threw the nose and out threw the mouth in long deep breathes.
Stop all the salt, Get more exercise, drink 4-8 8oz glasses of water daily.
Have some medical tests done and get some second opions about the root cause of your hi BP and the why.

Educating and then actions taken for yourself will greatly reduce the freaking out factor.
May even find as things are changed there is not a major issue afterall.