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Question regarding having high blood pressure?

Question about my blood pressure?

  • I was told I have white coat hypertension. My blood pressure at home is an average of 110/60, sometimes lower, and my pulse is about 70. This all started when I went to the oral surgeon to get my wisdom teeth out, I had a panic attack (I'm a dental assistant, so I knew what they were going to do) and my blood pressure was 203/115, before that appointment, I took it and it was 100/56 and then when I got home it was 107/78 My oral surgeon told me to see my doctor so I did, I was very nervous. My blood pressure was 220/94, and they told me to relax and breath and it was down to 160/88 within a few minutes. So, my doctor brought in a cardiologist who explained to me why this was happening, that it was white coat hypertension. My numbers have always been pretty low at the doctor, up until I panicked at the oral surgeon, now every time I see a blood pressure cuff, I panic! The cardiologist told me to trust my readings I get at home, they are the most accurate. My doctor was joking around with me about it even, they were not concerned at all and told me not to be concerned because it was due to nerves. My question is, why does ones blood pressure fluctuate so much? I'm a very anxious, stressed, individual and maybe that's why, but what explains the concept of white coat hypertension?

  • Answer:

    You have phobia about going to the doctor or having your blood pressure taken at the doctor's office. It's not uncommon. I have the same problem. It's just a mental thing. You get nervous and your blood pressure goes up. When your at the doctor's office you are very nervous and so they blood pressure readings they get are not normal for you. Before you go to the doctor take your blood pressure at home everyday for about a week. Take it when you are nice and relaxed. Write it down everyday so you can show your doctor when you see him. Taking your blood pressure regularly at home may help to make your more comfortable with the process. Get a friend or family member to take your blood pressure at home. Having someone else put the cuff on will simulate what you experience at the doctor. The more you do it the more you will get used to it and not be so stressed. It helped me a lot, but I still get nervous for no apparent reason while at the doctor.

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White coat hypertension, more commonly known as white coat syndrome, is a phenomenon in which patients exhibit elevated blood pressure in a clinical setting but not in other settings. It is believed that this is due to the anxiety some people experience during a clinic visit. Your hypertension is transient.

gangadharan nair

Your blood pressure changes as part of the stress response (natural, happens to everyone). You just happen to be really anxious around doctors/dentists lately. Irrational fears happen to everyone. I've got a phobia about injections, for example. You might want to talk to a counselor. You could possibly get anti-anxiety medication, but it's probably not serious enough for all that.

Mattias J

Hypertension is one of the most dangerous things in today's adults and youths. Stop thinking about it and your BP will stay normal. I hope your personal life is good; family, job etc. (that adds up to it). Eat healthy food (Eat home made food as much as possible). And specifically oil free food. Drink loads of water and exercise. See changes in 1 to 2 months.

ronyx

It seems you become much more stressed in those situations. I'm almost willing to bet if you were allowed to sit and relax after one of your appointments and your pressure was taken, it would be a reading that is close to the readings you are getting at home.

Tori

Very Anxious and stressed individual? Your a dental assistant? Now that makes me nervous.

Heart Attack Jack

It is called the 'fight or flight' response. Your body is gearing up for a confrontation,,, but there is nothing to confront.

hasse_john

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