Health

hlthe2b

(106,752 posts)

3. You may have intermittent elevations in BP-- a so-called "white coat syndrome"...

Fri Dec 6, 2024, 12:19 PM

Dec 6

This is not uncommon--nor is it a "made up" thing. The stress of going to a doctor's appointment and all the sounds, smells, concerns or fears or simply a intimidation from being in that setting can cause spikes in blood pressure.

If your BP is spiking elsewhere then you will need to look at other factors (including diet, medications, etc), but regardless, stress reduction efforts--whether meditation, deep breathing, or mind-focusing to put yourself in a different setting, all can be used to address this. There are apps that can be used to evaluate the biofeedback loops and which you can use to train yourself to put mind over body--to lower heart rate, and blood pressure, and deepen respirations.

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Why can't I get my BP down? Need answers from my doc at my annual check up in a few weeks. I welcome comments/suggestion [View all] CTyankee Dec 6 OP

Doctors know that a lot of people have elevated BP during medical exams Ocelot II Dec 6 #1

That was my first thought too. Native Dec 6 #14

I had physical therapy for my back and my therapist prescribed excercises I could do each morning in bed before I rise. CTyankee Dec 6 #19

No boxes or cans. Only fresh food with no salt: add fish to your diet. onecaliberal Dec 6 #2

Here is my quandary with that. I make certain dishes with low sodium but requires prep work. I can't stand on my feet CTyankee Dec 6 #16

The seasonings and spreads are very high in sodium. onecaliberal Dec 6 #24

You may have intermittent elevations in BP-- a so-called "white coat syndrome"... hlthe2b Dec 6 #3

I tried meditation which involved telling myself to breathe and to quieting myself down. I can easily do that again. CTyankee Dec 6 #12

I've been doing this for decades NJCher Dec 6 #32

Meditation is the hardest "simple" thing I've ever done. I've meditated for over 50 years and "monkey mind" still mitch96 Dec 6 #38

I can easily solve my back problem by spending less time sitting at my desk top computer, but I am a writer and involved CTyankee Dec 6 #40

I forgot to mention I also use an "inversion table". I basically hang from my ankles. Not 90 but more like 45 mitch96 Dec 6 #41

Ever since covid, my BP is always through the roof when I go to a doctor's office. Native Dec 6 #15

When my weight plummeted nitpicked Dec 6 #4

I could use some weight loss! Right now, that is not a problem. CTyankee Dec 6 #6

Get a good BP monitor (with arm cuff) and test yourself during a quiet time in afternoons. surfered Dec 6 #5

I had one but I would get anxiety just putting it on (I also had difficulty using it as prescribed and worried that my CTyankee Dec 6 #7

Do you have a partner who can do that for you? It would help your doctor to have this data. surfered Dec 6 #11

Start using it regularly so you'll eventually feel more comfortable using it. And Native Dec 6 #17

Ask about other minerals that influence blood pressure. bucolic_frolic Dec 6 #8

Yes, we get Progresso's low sodium soups when available at my store. I eat half of a banana daily cuz I like them on my CTyankee Dec 6 #33

I always ask them to take my BP twice. LisaM Dec 6 #9

Even though I have been controlling it for years with medication, mine can show higher than usual at the doctor office MichMan Dec 6 #10

I found that some high salt foods just need to be axed from the diet: marybourg Dec 6 #13

Remember the good old days when doctors would actually make lifestyle and diet suggestions Native Dec 6 #20

There are low sodium soups in a can which I get regularly and keep in stock. We have it often for lunch. I use no CTyankee Dec 6 #21

They're still very high in sodium for food low in protein. In my opinion. marybourg Dec 6 #25

I have to weigh all these things in my mind at an age where I simply cannot do what I used to do CTyankee Dec 7 #42

Understood. I'm your age. I 've simplified my meals greatly. marybourg Dec 7 #44

I sit and chop!! MotownPgh Dec 8 #48

Sadly, I have a small kitchen. I cannot sit and chop. I wish I could. CTyankee Dec 8 #49

Yes we are label readers in the grocery store. Diamond_Dog Dec 6 #23

Stop Reading DU Deep State Witch Dec 6 #18

I take beet root extract Diamond_Dog Dec 6 #22

Lots of water and chewable l-theanine Lulu KC Dec 6 #26

Stuff Botany Dec 6 #27

Many things will help Nigrum Cattus Dec 6 #28

Thanks for the tips. We have a gym nearby and I used to go several times a week. I should start again. CTyankee Dec 7 #43

There is no substitute for Diet & Exercise Nigrum Cattus Dec 7 #45

You have to wait your turn if you want assisted workouts, like I do. There's limited staff and limited seats for waiting CTyankee Dec 7 #46

Patience is a virtue Nigrum Cattus Dec 7 #47

Breathe deep Tadams01KC Dec 6 #29

New research is showing that isometric exercises are most effective Big Blue Marble Dec 6 #30

My BP is always very high in doctor's office crimycarny Dec 6 #31

Ask them if a diuretic might help. Elessar Zappa Dec 6 #34

How are your kidney numbers? SARose Dec 6 #35

I don't know. Perhaps he/she will order that for me. It's fine cuz my clinic where I get those is nearby CTyankee Dec 6 #36

Great! SARose Dec 6 #37

Water Aerobics! Thunderbeast Dec 6 #39