Anxiety worse this week.

[Grandmaof3]

I went to my doctor Tuesday and she’s having me monitor blood pressure at home. I’m on meds as I’m borderline high but she may need to adjust. I also have cholesterol issues so take meds for that and am getting blood work Monday to check it and adjust if needed. I just checked my blood pressure this morning right after my husband and I had just laughed hard about something and it was high. That sent me into anxiety mode. Then I read that laughing hard increases serotonin and dilates vessels which increases blood pressure. After you stop, it returns to normal. Now I’m scared to recheck it.

[GinkgoLeaf]

My mom is going through a very similar thing (she is a grandma too). Sorry you are struggling. Have you ever talked to a therapist about anxiety? Medical conditions are very common times for high anxiety and they may be able to at least help with the anxiety. Meditation is also a very helpful tool and there are tons of free guided meditations on YouTube. My mom’s doctor always recommends she envision her happy place when she’s getting it checked. She envisions her grandkids. Best of luck on the journey!

[Agora1]

Hi Grandmaof3, it's true in what GinkoLeaf states in that the body can

respond positively from Meditation and Breathing. YouTube is my

"go to" for stress relief and calming both the mind and body.

Taking even our own b/p can be a trigger for us to go into that fight or

flight stance making the pressure go a little higher. (I had this problem

myself)

Try taking it when you are not wound up with life, happy or sad since the

body reacts to both. A therapist can help give you different tools to relax

internally bringing down the numbers. Remember even our thoughts can

make numbers rise which normally will go down once you are at peace again.

When we get fixated on something we are not relaxed. Try not to worry.

Breathe deeply in and slowly exhale letting out all the stress.. :)xx

[Grandmaof3 in reply to Agora1]

Your words are always very reassuring. Thank you.

[Agora1 in reply to Grandmaof3]

Thank you dear, I'm always learning new ways to share

with this community. xx

[LazyXrayEyes2255]

my brother blood pressure high but he takes medicine for it. I hope yours return to normal. Let us know whether ok!

[marsbarr]

I absolutely freak out with panic when taking my blood pressure. It is horrible because I cannot get a true reading. I have tried everything all kinds if suggestions. I just go absolutely crazy, berserk,horrible, anxiety and panic when it tightens. A real basket case. I wish you well Grandmaof3

[designguy]

I too have white coat syndrome, my father had it so i suspect some genetic component to it. One of the biggest things that irks me is that most doctors offices do not know how to accurately take blood pressure readings. The correct way is to sit straight up in a chair with both feet flat on the ground for at least 5 minutes without distractions and have your arm elevated and resting level with your heart and then make sure the blood pressure cuff is in the correct position. Then take 3 readings and average them to get your reading. I take my own readings at home and send it to my doctors office and they use that. I've found that my readings are much lower the second or third time. Also a few years ago the AMA raised the levels of bp reading to 150/80 for men over 65, which I am, but the pharmaceutical industry pitched a bitch and they lowered it to 130/80, my doctor says anything lower than 140/80 is good and mine are.

[marsbarr]

How are you doing ?