Posted on 01/02/2024 8:37:05 PM PST by ConservativeMind
My blood pressure is lower standing than sitting down, simply due to this tightening while sitting down, after eating a decent sized meal.
I can also attest to it changing my own eye pressure six mm Hg, between tight clothes and loosened clothes.
Guys, get pants that can expand out and get a belt that allows you to let it out in tiny steps, as these new ratchet belts allow.
Just crossing your legs gets different reading
I’ll try to remember this next time I go to the doctor.
I’m on a few meds now.
The anxiety of just being in a doctor’s office raises my blood pressure...
“Oh, Lordy, what are they going to find wrong with me now?”
I do suspect that BP errors occur for several reasons ( and few of any result in a lower result.)
I'd love to compose a comprehensive listing of considerations (strategies) for patients to ensure an accurate in-office reading.
As one who is gifted with 'white coat' syndrome, I have an interest in whatever might lead me to lower in-office (and more accurate) readings. My home readings are just fine, of course.
The anxiety of just being in a doctor’s office raises my blood pressure...
>>>It also makes a tremendous difference for me whether my BP is taken in the much more gentle way with a softer cuff and stethoscope rather than those horrid suction machines that make you feel like your arm is about to break . . .
Most of the time, my providers are satisfied with my readings since I’ve been taking Lisinopril for about a decade now. Generally 130 over 70.
CM, Thanks for posting!
I recently figured out that it’s good for me to sit in that waiting room or examination room before being seen by the doctor. It gives me time to settle down.
Also, while I’m waiting, I try to visualize something that makes me feel calm and comfortable, like being at the beach, or sitting in a hammock just being lazy. I think it’s helped my blood pressure drop several points.
So for me, it’s either these techniques are helping, or the supplements I’m taking somehow manage to lower my BP.
Insist on a “manual” blood pressure! The machines can be wildly inaccurate!
“White Coat Hypertension”
I had an exam required for employment in Denver. I was sitting on the exam table with my feet dangling. A nurse came in carrying a large tray with only a very large blood drawing syringe in the middle. She carried right it in front of me, then took my pulse.
The doctor came in later, looked at the chart, let out a guttural sound, then took my pulse himself. I suspect that she had pulled that stunt in the past.
I dieted and went from 202 pounds down to 169. BP was very high.
Once I got below 185 my BP was perfect. Above 185 I need meds.
Also, I think too much salt will drive it back up.
My BP is now 120 over 80, to 125 over 85.
Best way to good health, drop weight and do not smoke.
My cholesterol also dropped to perfect levels.
And if you take it with a cheapie $49.99 Wal-Mart Special, you will get much higher inaccurate results.
Same thing happens if you take it manually with a cuff and a stethascope.
BP is just not a precise number.
stethoscope
Also room temp can raise blood pressure. If you are in a cold air conditioned room or the BP cuff is cold ,your pressure is goin to go up. I have also seen people taking it with the cuff over clothes. That will give an inaccurate reading. You should roll the sleeve up, but don’t make it tight.
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