24 hour blood pressure monitoring - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

*charliesangel* · 05-10-2003, 07:20 AM

Im only 19 but at the doc they discovered I had high blood pressure.The first time it was 150/80 and the second visit it was 165 over something, cant remember tho.Because I get so paniky and my heart races they think I could have white coat hypertension so I have to have a 24 hour blood pressure monitor,even the idea of this is making me panic!!!!!! how does it work??surely if its worn like a cuff you will wake up everytime its taken at night!Im worried becuase i dont want to end up panicking over even that or ill never get a proper reading.

longell · 05-12-2003, 11:50 AM

Hi,
I have the same worries you do.
I also get white coat syndrome and my doctor recommended a 24 hr. BP monitor.
I know it takes BP readings every hour, and I feel as you do that I'll be so aware of this, my BP will go sky high as though I'm at the doctors.
I have to have a couple of regular readings, and then I'll have the monitor put on.
My BP has been doing that for years.I do take meds for this, and it's low at home but it just soars with anxiety!
Let me know how you do and I'll let you know when I have mine on!
Good luck!
Longell

hpbguyfromca · 05-15-2003, 08:33 PM

same thing.. whitecoat all the way..

I have taken my BP monitor in with me to make sure my home readings were not "artificially" low.. and the reading it was giving were OK.

I can maintain a whitecoat of 100bpm and BP of 150/90 just because i am a nervous wreck.. i can't explain it OR calm myself untill i leave and take my BP at home..
where it comes up as 130/80.. and lower..

weird..
but true..
F.

wass24 · 05-24-2003, 01:54 PM

I also was asked by the doc to take the 24hr monitor and I have put it off for a month as I know that I will feel the cuff inflating and I will get nervous. At the doctors my readings have been as high as 158/80. I have gotten into the habit of taking my blood pressure at the pharmacy once or twice a week. I will take it and the first time it shows low 140's/75. I sit for two minutes and take it again and it is usually low 130's/60's. The low 130's is still a bit high but I don't think they require meds. My fear is the doc will see my 24hr results and want to place me on meds.

Any one else with this issue or any ideas on my readings. Thanks

simtusie · 05-24-2003, 04:06 PM

Hey, the 24 hour thing isn't too bad. My doc gave me this harness thing to wear for 24 hours and it took my bp every 15 min in the day and I think it was once an hour at night. It was LOUD, and I did feel it, but it really wasn't that bad. it was only 24 hours, not a week. that's what I kept telling myself.

I have been on meds for over 10 years, and as long as you find the meds that work best and have the least side effects, it's not too bad. I take 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide and 25 mg of atenolol. doing great now with the bp. woohoo!!
don't stress yourself out about 24 hour monitoring! stress raises your bp. just try to relax and enjoy freaking people out when it goes on in public. that's what I did, and it was fun to see the looks on their faces. (oh I am so mean! hee hee)

take care- simtusie