Survey! 10 measurements at 1 minute intervals. - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

junior26 · 08-27-2004, 10:41 AM

The point of this survey is to see how 10 measurements at 1 minute intervals affects BP measurements in anxious vs. non-anxious individuals.

My theory is that the 1 minute interval will affect BP sharply in anxious people, but non-anxious people will be virtually unaffected by the short interval. I'm hoping this survey will confirm my theory.

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Do you suffer from white coat syndrome at home? YES

Results:

1. 159/99
2. 140/90
3. 142/92
4. 136/84
5. 130/79
6. 136/83
7. 152/100
8. 136/80
9. 133/77
10. 134/82

Switch arms: 155/95

Systolic range: 159 to 130 (29)
Diastolic range: 100 to 77 (23)

crabbyroad · 08-27-2004, 12:31 PM

Junior,

What kind of treatment are you currently getting for your anxiety? Does your doctor know you have let the BP taking become an obessive complusive disorder?

I was in the same predicament as you years back at age 28, and then again it started with one higher reading again. It has stopped, only after my doctor was told I was obessessed with it by my husband. It took some time to not behaviorally react to reach for my monitor, (as my husband was to be given the monitor if I took it more than 3 times a day). I was told to walk off the feeling each time I had the "urge" to take my BP, even when I took a reading that was uncomfortably high for me. I did start to notice the walking itself for 20 mins, would decrease my BP, eventually I got down to once a day. Now I take it once every 3 days, its within normal range.

bharkins · 08-27-2004, 12:35 PM

White Coat at home - Sometimes, when I feel like my pressure is high, I am

anxious while taking it.

Systolic range-120-94
Diastolic range-80-72

I am not quite sure that one minute intervals is enough time for the blood vessels to get back to normal after being constricted.

junior26 · 08-27-2004, 01:29 PM

Many studies are being made with 10 measurements at 1 minute intervals. I'm curious to know if they're correct. That's why I started this survey. Apparently, most people are getting differences of 30 in their systolic and 20 in their diastolic measurements after the 10th time. I'm one of them, as well as others. Look at the results!

crabbyroad, I'm not taking anything for my anxiety right now, but I have been seeing a psychologist, who actually told me to return to the doctor for further testing. I have been dizzy 24/7 for 2 months now, which I had attributed to anxiety, but he has never seen that before. As for my, I'd give anything to have a first time reading of less than 140/90, but I've NEVER had a first time reading of less than 155/95. That's why I obsess over it. I turned 27 yesterday and I've had those numbers since a very young age, and that's just not normal.

I had been reassured seeing my BP go down 30 points after taking it at short intervals, but after seeing that it happens to others. I'm once again freaking out since I've had Stage I and Stage II hypertension readings since I was a kid.

bharkins · 08-27-2004, 04:19 PM

Surveys may have been done about taking blood pressure several times in one sitting, but what concerns me is the fact that the first one can be very high. I have this problem in the morning when I first get up. I have tried waiting for about an hour or taking it when I first get up. It really doesn't make much difference as it is quite high (154/105). I take my morning meds and it is down to a great number about four hours later. What concerns me is the fact that it was up there in the first place. That is why I question the take it three times and average the last two theory. What doesn't that first one count whenever you take it? My doctor only takes it once and due to severe white coat and the "scale **** nurse", it is always through the roof.