Anxiety and Blood Pressure

[Airret]

Hi. I'm having a procedure in a few days. Lately, my blood pressure has been super high when I'm anxious. I'm so worried about what my blood pressure will be that I know I'll panic when they take it and this will send it sky high. Does anyone have any tips I can try? Thank you!

[Hidden]

Here’s what I recommend: Deep breathing; meditation; take a walk; warm bath or shower; take a nap on your left side; drink lots of water; limit sodium intake AND relax and try to limit the overthinking about upcoming procedure.

[Airret in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much!! These are great suggestions and you've nailed it that I'm overthinking.

[Marysblue]

I would check it when I'm not anxious and make sure it's not high all the time. If it is you may need your doctor to put you on a med. And Drs like to see a record of your blood pressure readings. I avoided medication for years by walking, it got my blood pressure down

[Airret in reply to Marysblue]

Thanks so much for the advice!

[Kittenmamm]

Have you tried deep breathing? Also tell the nurse or doctor before your procedure and they will probably give you something to calm your nerves. Good luck

[Airret in reply to Kittenmamm]

Thanks so much. That makes sense.

[car103]

Needed 3 blood pressure readings over 3 days. Day 1 perfect. Day 2, I was anxious and could even feel my heart pounding. Tried and not a good result. The. Nurse brought me a cup of water and gave me some time to deep breathe. Again, not the best. Switched arms

Be honest and say you are anxious which may affect your blood pressure that day so they understand this is not your usual

[Airret in reply to car103]

Thanks! I know the feeling you described.

[punkster]

I also have high blood pressure whenever I go to the doctor. It's called "white coat syndrome". I find that doing deep breathing and listening to soft music while I'm waiting to see the doctor helps. Also, my doctor and I have an agreement that I will take my blood pressure several times a day and send the record to him. I have normal/near normal blood pressure at all other times.

[Airret in reply to punkster]

Thanks! I will bring some music for sure.

[designguy]

I agree with punkster's recommendation and do the same with my doctor, I think white coat syndrome is actually pretty common but most people are too ashamed to admit it or talk about it with their doctor, so the more open you are the better you will feel and it will help reduce your anxiety.

[Airret in reply to designguy]

Thanks so much! I especially have white coat syndrome when the appointment is not routine, but a concern. It does sound like great advice because health care professionals usually know what to say to calm people down.

[designguy in reply to Airret]

You're welcome, plus there is benefit for you in just acknowledging you have white coat syndrome in that it will help you feel more comfortable and reduce your anxiety. Another thing is that I make the doctor or nurse wait 5 minutes or so after I sit down with them before allowing them to take my blood pressure, i've read that is what they are supposed to do anyway.

[Airret in reply to designguy]

That happened to me too. Not good to take it right away after you've been fighting traffic, stressing about the appointment running late, or whatever.