Anyone have anxiety while getting their BP taken?

Princess_Lily · March 2009

I went to my OB yesterday, and I think I had an anxiety attack in the office because I was thinking about my complaints I had and I was concerned something was wrong.

My BP was 142/83!! And then it was reduced when the put it on the other arm to 135/83. My OB wasn't concerned at all, didn't find protein in my urine, and she just said that I need to put my feet up more often. I'm going back in two weeks.

pkate98 · March 2009

Even though I haven't had any bp issues, I always get nervous when it is taken. I hate that stupid tightening cuff!!

chipsgrrl · March 2009

My DH always freaks when he's having it done and then it ends up too high so they retake his at the end of the appt. Maybe you could have them try again right before you leave so that way you've gotten the appt part out of the way (??)

mommy411 · March 2009

That happened to me today...I started sweating and had to put my water bottle on my forehead before she came in,.But I was also freaking because they needed blood...I think from the rushing this am it got me upset...but the BP was 120/70 not bad so ill take it

MrsRush · March 2009

I do now... ever since the one time I went in and it was 150/87-- and they took it 3 times and it was right. Then they made me stay there and lie on my side for 20 minutes until it dropped. Now everytime I get it taken I hope and pray that it is normal. My BP was always normal until that day. Last time I went though it dropped.

Steffsjet · March 2009

I am always so nervous. My feet are huge, I am really tired and both my sister and mom had sever pre-e with their pregnancies. I know I am not helping matters so I try to breath deeply to calm myself.

funmaker · March 2009

No. A good doctor will look at your bp all along and not just the numbers from that day because of white coat anxiety. It's also one piece of the puzzle and needs to be considered with your urine results, etc. I do breathing exercises while they take it and try to look away and focus on something else.

Deegirl322 · March 2009

Yep, hence my post below. 145/90 today. I've never had a problem with BP before this. I think my OB is being overly cautious.?

DTNZ4Ever · March 2009

I do I have a diagnosis of White Coat Hypertension, which I actually had prior to pregnancy as well. I have had it at everyone but a handful of appointments throughout my pregnancy. I never have protein in my urine and they have run a couple of blood tests to check for any of the markers of pre-c and I don't have any. I also take my BP three times a day and at home it is totally fine.

The worst thing you can do is worry about it, if you are concerned I would just start taking your BP at home and document it that way you can reassure yourself that you are fine. My doctor even tells me that if I come up with a reading of over 140/80 I should call them so your two blood pressures are not that high, I have had way higher at the office. You may ask them to take your BP after your appointment so you are reassured everything is fine with the baby which will help calm your nerves.

jtimestwo · March 2009

I never feel anxious, but I know I must be... because it's always higher when i'm first in the office. I have pretty low blood pressure typically, so, higher for me is like 100/65, but still, that's not the 85/55 that I know it typically is (like when it's been monitored for longer times or when I've had times that I've had to take it at home). Weird how my body does the freaking out for me.

SWMcFarland · March 2009

Yes. I have severe white coat syndrome.

Mine is often in the 180s over 90+ when I first get to the doctor. By the end it is usually down several points. It makes me terribly nervous each time because I am always afraid they are going to hospitalize me.

hugapin · March 2009

My doctor is happy if my BP is 130/87. haha My BP has been 137/106. I go in on Monday to talk about what our next step is for evicting this baby girl

Aug Bride · March 2009

I get white coat syndrome all the time. It is usually elevated when I see my dr. I have been monitoring it at home, and it is fine. Happens even if I see my primary care physician.

tlcalloway · March 2009

they actually noted in my chart about "white coat syndrome"....the nurse knows to take my BP at the end of the appt rather than at the beginning....

it has helped for me

my first appt my BP was ridiculoulsly high, but ever since it has been in a more tolerable range of 120/?? , sorry I can never remember the bottom numbers.

hope this helps

anniemh20 · March 2009

I have the anxiety almost as soon as I walk into the back of the office. ?Sometimes my heart rate sky rockets too...

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