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Elevated Blood Pressure. How To Reduce It Immediately Before Medical Test?
Question: My BP is 140/100. I need to appear for a medical test day after tomorrow. How I can reduce it quicly
Dear XXXXXXX,
Thank you for your query.
As a responsible physician, I wish to first emphasize that your long term health depends on maintaining an average blood pressure in the normal range, rather than a single reading within the health exam guidelines. The preferred way to achieve a normal blood pressure is first with lifestyle modifications including maintaining a normal weight, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, refraining from smoking and limiting dietary sodium. If these measures fail to normalize blood pressure, then an evaluation for secondary causes of high blood pressure and/or medication might be appropriate. Your doctor can help you with this evaluation.
A single reading of 140/100 might come down if you rest quietly, without conversation, for at least 5 minutes prior to taking the measurement. In fact, this is called a "resting blood pressure" and is the preferred way to take the measurement. It might also help if you had no caffeine for 4 hours prior to the reading. Certain medications can also raise blood pressure, if you are on any. Finally, limiting sodium intake for 24 hours prior to the reading might help a bit.
Once again, long term health includes blood pressure control, so please also consult your doctor.
I Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries. If you are satisfied with all my answer, please do not forget to accept it.
Dr. J. Schwartz
Thank you for your query.
As a responsible physician, I wish to first emphasize that your long term health depends on maintaining an average blood pressure in the normal range, rather than a single reading within the health exam guidelines. The preferred way to achieve a normal blood pressure is first with lifestyle modifications including maintaining a normal weight, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, refraining from smoking and limiting dietary sodium. If these measures fail to normalize blood pressure, then an evaluation for secondary causes of high blood pressure and/or medication might be appropriate. Your doctor can help you with this evaluation.
A single reading of 140/100 might come down if you rest quietly, without conversation, for at least 5 minutes prior to taking the measurement. In fact, this is called a "resting blood pressure" and is the preferred way to take the measurement. It might also help if you had no caffeine for 4 hours prior to the reading. Certain medications can also raise blood pressure, if you are on any. Finally, limiting sodium intake for 24 hours prior to the reading might help a bit.
Once again, long term health includes blood pressure control, so please also consult your doctor.
I Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries. If you are satisfied with all my answer, please do not forget to accept it.
Dr. J. Schwartz
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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