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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There Such A Thing As Positional High BP?

I am a 58 yr old female, weight 160 lbs. active work fulltime. I have high blood pressure currently on coversyl 8 mg od. However for the past year I get these episodes when my heart is very irregular and I feel a "wave" of heavness on my chest with I it's irregular.(when missing a beat) My B/P has ranged from 142/113 p 127 to 120/93 p 96.(standing) So I went to Dr. office to have B/P checked the girl in Dr. office (not a nurse) told me I had to have it sitting down, I had mention I do it at home on Kitchen Island as it's high and I stand up to do it. She said no the true reading is sitting. results were average 117/78 p 93 I insisted on it taken in the standing position so we did average was 142/98 p 92 She said I was fine. Remember she is not a nurse but I am and I feel that something is wrong.

I do keep my arm alined with my heart when standing for B/P I just don't think I should feel this "wave of heavyness" is there such a thing as Positional high B/P?
Mon, 24 Feb 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for query.yes Participant positioning is vital to obtaining an accurate blood pressure. Before obtaining a blood pressure, the participant should remain in a seated position for at least 5 minutes. During this time they should be comfortable and relaxed in a chair with back support, legs should be uncrossed, and feet should rest comfortably on the floor.the participant’s arm should be supported comfortably at the level of the heart. Falsely elevated or lowered blood pressures may be obtained if the arm is below or above the level of the heart, respectively.
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Is There Such A Thing As Positional High BP?

Thanks for query.yes Participant positioning is vital to obtaining an accurate blood pressure. Before obtaining a blood pressure, the participant should remain in a seated position for at least 5 minutes. During this time they should be comfortable and relaxed in a chair with back support, legs should be uncrossed, and feet should rest comfortably on the floor.the participant’s arm should be supported comfortably at the level of the heart. Falsely elevated or lowered blood pressures may be obtained if the arm is below or above the level of the heart, respectively.