Spikes in 24 hour blood pressure monitor

[Leylap31]

Hi, I am 27 years old, go to the gym regularly and eat healthy, do not smoke. I have suffered from health anxiety and white coat syndrome from very young. I had a general check up and my BP was 156/104 heart rate over 100 (I was panicking big time and have been very stressed lately) my resting heart rate at home is 65-70. Was put on a 24 hour monitor and my average night reading was 110/75 and average day was 128/88 however the doc said there were some quite high spikes and wants me have some more tests just to rule anything out. My question is what could cause a few high high spikes if my average and night readings are ok? I did notice my on some high ones my diastolic was over 100 and systolic 145 but I wasn't panicking. What can cause high disatolic readings? Thank you!

[Hidden]

Hi!

If your average readings were that low/good, I honestly wouldn’t worry about a few spikes. I would be very happy to have those numbers! Take care and don’t worry 😉

[Maxyz3]

Sounds like a viciouse circle like i used to be in 6 yrs ago i suffer anxiety and white coat syndrome..the worry about your readings will cause anxiety..then you worry about the numbers its a viciouse circle. Don't dwell on your BP numbers and try to relax so you can get the anxiety level down which will bring your numbers down. Your numbers are good at home so don't worry. You sound like your in good health and are young which is a big plus for you.

[TheHud]

Hi

how did you get on. Your doc is correct to check things out. WCS can often mask orthostatic hypertension. Mine was hidden for most of my life. In a right pickle now. Have they done a basic active lying, sitting standing test for BP? Tilt table. Always abit tricky especially if you are an adrenaline reactor. Worth getting those tests done now while you are still fit and healthy Good luck! Hopefully its nothing or something that can be sorted early

[Leylap31 in reply to TheHud]

Hi,

All my tests came back normal. I had a 24 hour urine test, kidney ultrasound, ECG and a load of blood tests. Yet I still think there’s something wrong with my blood pressure. I can’t take it at home anymore as I get so anxious and get high readings. I’m also too scared to go back to the docs and have to have more tests

[TheHud in reply to Leylap31]

Oh dear, don't give up.

Generally speaking the increase in BP due to anxiety will only be up 10-30 max at the docs. At home you being obviously anxious will not always alter BP. Its a weird thing white coat syndrome, most people who have don't know they have it. Feeling anxious does not always mean high BP.

Also having high BP is not a killer, its nothing to get anxious about at this stage. Not knowing and not dealing with something will make you much more anxious and unwell

Just test yourself when you are relaxed, have your BP monitor next to you for a before you get out of bed sleepy test. Do another after you have just done something like watch tv, read a book etc while sitting, anything relaxing. Then do another after you have stood for 5-10 minutes, silently watching the sky, TV, anything. They do not have to be at the same time. If all is fine minimal difference then you will be reassured and if there is a higher standing, or even a lower standing, you can photo the results and take them to your doc as evidence.