Blood pressure

Wondering if any of you can answer an “in general” question for me. My doc put me on a beta blocker at the beginning of February for boarderline high bp and anxiety. In general when I check my bp it is in the 120s/80s. When I am having flairs of anxiety it is in the 130s-140s/90s. I know those numbers aren’t astronomical or anything but I struggle with my bp triggering my health anxiety. Are those fluctuations enough to increase my dose of beta blocker or is it not as important since it is only that way when I am anxious? Note that I have an appointment with my doc on Thursday and I will discuss it with him then. I was just curious as to your experiences. Thanks in advance!!

[Agora1]

Hi AbsolutDaisies, Your normal b/p is good. It is normal for b/p to go a little higher (even when on medication) when you are in an anxious state. The medication does not need to be increased for these infrequent non lasting rises in blood pressure.

The medication you are on will bring down the pressure as well as you relaxing and deep breathing when under stress. It is a rule of thumb in not taking your pressure when anxiety hits. It will do nothing but cause your health anxiety to rise.

Good Luck with your appointment on Thursday, I'm sure your doctor will say the same. xx

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

Thanks for the feedback. That does help calm my nerves a bit. I appreciate you taking time to answer my question!

[Starlight_ftm]

Hey, yes my first reaction when reading was they seem to be in the Normal range but then I read on and saw you have health anxiety hence why want the Beta blockers - it’s great you will discuss with GP, my only input really is when I had a heart condition and was put on proponalol I had to come off as it actually made my BP too low and caused symptoms so I think the GP will be best to advise you on your individual case and how your body responds. Have you any other helpful methods to use in combination with meds ? Ie) counselling etc ? Good luck and let us know

[gerg]

I had to go through a lot of BP monitoring because mine would go up from my medical anxiety issues. I take a low dose of Atenolol and my BP has been great. I think that having to go get it checked so often may have worked as some exposure therapy.

[Hidden]

Hiya, I have been on beta blockers for 20 years due to an inherited high blood pressure problem, so I am bit of a nerd in this subject area ! As others have pointed out blood pressure flutuates constantly so it is important to find out if it is high most of the time. The way the doctors do this is by giving you a 24 hour blood pressure monitor to wear while you go about your normal daily routine. Beta blockers may help with anxiety by controlling the adrenaline but as with any medication it's important to find one that works for your individual circumstances and that process may be a case of 'trial and error'. The blood pressure readings you have given aren't anything to worry about, so the question for you and the doctor is whether a beta blocker is the best option for your anxiety. Take care,

[Madison10]

Hi,

I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Everyone’s blood pressure goes up a little when we are stressed or anxious. I don’t think you need to increase it either. But the best thing is to talk to your doctor

Good luck

[Inominate]

Your values are completely normal. They will fluctuate appropriately during the day and in different daily circumstances. Your body regulates accordingly to what you are doing, However, it is not normal to monitor your bp during the day which is only giving you more anxiety. Try not to be hypervigilant and trust your body to do what it does best- regulate itself. Perhaps, talk to your doctor about recognising and responding to your symptoms of anxiety. Good luck.