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Are Fluctuating Blood Pressure Levels A Concern?
Question: In my visits to the eye doctor he takes my blood pressure & it will be 161-167-182 & recently 205/91. I have a Walgreens BP cuff & my measurements at home are consistenly 130-141/80 or 78. He suggests I see a primary & look at getting tighter control.
I exercise 4-6 hours / week, lower carb diet w/2 meals a day, minimal sugar. Almost 6', 210. I say w/my white coat high BP no doctor should be taking my BP because I already know it's high. What say you?
I exercise 4-6 hours / week, lower carb diet w/2 meals a day, minimal sugar. Almost 6', 210. I say w/my white coat high BP no doctor should be taking my BP because I already know it's high. What say you?
Brief Answer:
Please get blood pressure checked on 3 consecutive days by a paramedic
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Blood pressure recordings can differ in the same person due to factors like physical exertion and mental stress.
In clinical practice it is suggested that blood pressure is to be recorded after 30 minutes of physical and mental rest on 3 consecutive days at the same time and in the same position, preferably using the same machine and by the same person. If the blood pressure is persistently high then a diagnosis of high blood pressure is made.
In your case, an electronic machine can have a 5 to 10 percent error and even if your machine has any small error, the blood pressure is near normal limits.
Speaking of the recordings when measured by the eye doctor, it is possible that you have white coat hypertension.
To know accurately, it is suggested that you consult a paramedic who can measure your blood pressure with a calibrated machine on 3 consecutive days after 30 minutes of physical and mental rest. Such a recording can be reliable and provide accurate value.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Please get blood pressure checked on 3 consecutive days by a paramedic
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Blood pressure recordings can differ in the same person due to factors like physical exertion and mental stress.
In clinical practice it is suggested that blood pressure is to be recorded after 30 minutes of physical and mental rest on 3 consecutive days at the same time and in the same position, preferably using the same machine and by the same person. If the blood pressure is persistently high then a diagnosis of high blood pressure is made.
In your case, an electronic machine can have a 5 to 10 percent error and even if your machine has any small error, the blood pressure is near normal limits.
Speaking of the recordings when measured by the eye doctor, it is possible that you have white coat hypertension.
To know accurately, it is suggested that you consult a paramedic who can measure your blood pressure with a calibrated machine on 3 consecutive days after 30 minutes of physical and mental rest. Such a recording can be reliable and provide accurate value.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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