Panic attacks during Blood-pressure tests - Panic Disorders Message Board

howie · 08-03-2003, 06:14 PM

Im a 20 yr old male who is trying so hard to get into the military. I passed everything else in the physical exam, except for the B/P. It seems that everytime I take my B/P, I start to panic, my heart races, which then makes my B/P soar to 190/80. When I take it at home its a normal 120/70. I lift weights, do intense cardio, and watch my diet. Im very positive I do not have high B/P. But everytime I take it in the hospital, its always a different story.
It seems that Ive developed a phobia or panic attack of some sort everytime im in the hospital taking my B/P. Would anyone know any natural rememdies?? Or how to deal with this frightful experience? My panic attacks during B/Ps are intense....Help.

Graciecat · 08-03-2003, 06:38 PM

That sounds like what happens to me.
I can take my BP at home and it's never high, the second the Doctor comes near me with a BP cuff, I can just feel myself getting all freaked out.
He told me it's something called "White Coat Syndrome".
He said it happens to a lot of people.
So what he does, is after he takes it the first time and then we talk for a while and I calm down..usually 10 or 15 minutes...he takes it again and it's normal.
I don't know if they'd be willing to take yours and then wait for a little while and take it again, it might be worth asking them.
I don't even know if this would work for you since you said that everytime they take it in the Hospital it's high, but like I said it might be worth a shot.
Good Luck!

hry33 · 08-04-2003, 03:29 PM

to howie, its a common problem and often called white coat syndrome, you will need to desensitise yourself and have probably developed a phobia or special fear of having your BP taken

BigB0882 · 08-04-2003, 11:49 PM

I suffer from this as well.

I am a 21 yr old male and everytime I go to the doctor my BP is usually somewhere from 140-165 on the top number.

At home, my BP is always normal, usually 100-120

I just freak when they go to do the BP because I don't want them to think I have high BP. It's weird, I know...

anneh · 08-12-2003, 06:23 PM

I have the same problem in fact trying to help myself because now just thinking about dr taking my bp makes me feel panicky! I take it at home and its ok altho I dread taking it and sometime initial reading is not normal. I started this phobia a couple of years ago and the dr I am now seeing said he may have to put me on meds or I must wear a 24 hr cuff. Well that would put me in a panic state for 24 hrs so not going to do it and changing dr. Also consulting with someone for biofeedback to see if it helps.

Quote:

Originally posted by howie:
Im a 20 yr old male who is trying so hard to get into the military. I passed everything else in the physical exam, except for the B/P. It seems that everytime I take my B/P, I start to panic, my heart races, which then makes my B/P soar to 190/80. When I take it at home its a normal 120/70. I lift weights, do intense cardio, and watch my diet. Im very positive I do not have high B/P. But everytime I take it in the hospital, its always a different story.
It seems that Ive developed a phobia or panic attack of some sort everytime im in the hospital taking my B/P. Would anyone know any natural rememdies?? Or how to deal with this frightful experience? My panic attacks during B/Ps are intense....Help.