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Blood Pressure Anxiety

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Posted 12/13/2017 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone else deal with BP Anxiety? I constantly worry/think about mine. I've spoken with my doctor and she insists that she believes my numbers are elevated due to anxiety and nothing more. I looked back through some of my last visits and during the summer is was 120/80 and 120/70.

I went to my doctor about a week or week and half ago and it was 150/90 (had been anxious most of the day) and then I had to go the ER last week and was anxious when they took it and it was 143/94. I took m all of my BP readings from the past year (plus a little more) and the average was 131/80.

If anyone has any good ideas on getting past this I would appreciate hearing them. I know that doesn't seem high to most, but seeing the 150/90 really freaked me out again.

Thanks!

The Anxious Jedi
Posted 12/13/2017 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Truth be told,Our blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and if you monitor it frquently you will notice this.Concern is when it stays repeatedly high.
I suffered a panic attack three months ago and when the paramedics took my pressure it was 200+/ over 150.That morning it was 133/77.
since then I am all over the map anywhere from 112/58 to 150/ 90 at times. Maybe just take yours first thing and before bed.
Posted 12/13/2017 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome!

It is commom to have BP spikes with anxiety...and worrying about it goes with the territory for us!

As GiGi mentioned fluctuations in your numbers are to be expected, and your average is fine, so I would not be worried about it, especially considering that your doctor isn't. Try to leave the job of concern over that to him/her.

As far as keeping your numbers in a healthy range, just as everyone should do...practicing some positive lifestyle habits including good nutrition, exercises and stress management should be a goal.

For Stress Relieving Coping Skills...be sure and see our Resources here at the top of the main forum page. It is filled with great material, and practicing the suggested exercises will help you to reach your goals and feel your best.smile

Post with us anytime for sharing and support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 12/13/2017 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you GiGi2 Five and Scaredy Cat. I will definitely check out the resources page. Mine all began with a 140/90 reading in the ER almost a decade ago and the nurse flat out freaked out. That pulled a cord in my brain that hasn't stopped whirling.

My doc has told me not to take it at home since she believes that it's my anxiety that's causing the issue. It's hard not to if i feel a stronger heartbeat or pressure in my head. It's a tough cycle to navigate.
Posted 12/14/2017 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
This is the same BP anxiety of buddy's uncle which bothered him for a few months. Then one doctor explained that certain activity makes the BP spikes. Early morning excise does make a difference on his bp.
Posted 12/14/2017 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
I could have written this myself.... At my physical in August my bp was 110/70. After that had a huge increase in my day to day anxiety due to my meds not working and my bp went to 140/80 ish. I have now been obsessed with my bp and even more so that the doctor wants me to take the propanolol for anxiety but it doubles as a bp medicine. I'm petrified to take my bp again.
Posted 12/14/2017 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I completely understand. I do take blood pressure meds and for the most part my readings are normal. But every time I get close to the BP monitor I can feel my pulse racing and anxiety increases which I assume it elevates the results.
Posted 12/14/2017 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Anxious144,

I don't know if it was getting more Vitamin D from the sun or just more relaxed, but pressure was much better in summer. My Doc believes that when I'm not having it tested that it is significantly lower and not a problem at all. Just seeing those numbers are tough and send my mind rolling.

I tried some anxiety meds, but they are not for me. I'm trying to do it the natural way, with varying degrees of success. Some weeks are great, some not so great. It's a work in progress, but I'm determined to put it in the rear view mirror.

Have you tried meditating? There are some awesome apps that can help with it. I find that when I do it on a regular basis that things are a little better. My problem is my mind is always processing info and it's hard to shut it off smile
Posted 12/14/2017 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Scaredy Cat

I don't see the resource area. I'm new to the site, so I might be looking in the wrong place.
Posted 12/14/2017 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Here you go! 😊

/www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

I hope you find something that really resonates with you in there...I am sure you will.


Keep posting...we are here to listen ans encourage anytime!

S.C.
Posted 12/14/2017 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I'm right there with you. I'm overweight, and past 50, and have managed to have decent BP most of my life, until last year. Now I'm noticing a lot of late afternoons in the 130/90 range, and when I stress about it, I can work myself up to 150/100! I think in those cases, it's a legit 130/90, that I've panicked over. Still, even 130/90 is not ideal for me. I'm trying to only take it twice a day, for a few weeks, to see if I can figure out if I really have a problem or not.

Just wanted to say you are not alone. I agree with others that relaxing is critical. Also watch salt/etc. For me, I'm really going to work on dropping a few pounds. I'm not enormous, and look "respectable", but scales don't lie, and my BMI is pushing 30. Even 10-20 pounds less could make a difference in my case.

As for the ER freaking over 140/90, that's insane. That's not a healthy 24/7 BP by any stretch, but neither is it cause for panic.

I've been having headaches recently, and I'd convinced myself they are BP related, but even at 140/90, that shouldn't be the case. It's hard not to panic though!
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