
Do you ever wonder why your blood pressure is always high when you visit the doctors office.Well the reason is for your symptoms of high blood pressure is due to White Coat Syndrome , is your anticipation of your visit. Believe me , I know , I am one of those statistics. Happens every time I step into any doctors office. This affects about 15% of the people who visit doctors.
So that being said; doctors should realize this and take blood pressure readings differently. Most of the time they are in a hurry, have you answering questions, you are not relaxed as : your feet are not crossed and are flat on the floor or you are not sitting up strait and taking deep relaxing breathes. Go to a quite place in your mind. Also listed below are a few tips to reduce your pressure.
1.Try not to exercise or smoke 30 minutes before you take a reading.
2. Don’t drink anything caffinated or alcohol 30 minutes before. And got to the bathroom before so your bladder is empty.
3. Make sure you sit in a chair with a back rest and that your arm is supported at heart level.
4. Sitting still for at least 5 minutes before you have a reading taken.
5. For the best results , you should have two or more readings taken ,separated at least two minutes apart and then average out your readings.
First : doctors need to measure your blood pressure a couple of times to get an accurate reading.There is automated devices that take blood pressure readings at intervals every few minutes.They can put this device on your arm and leave you alone in the room for a spell and return after multiple readings.
Secondly : If they do not have available an automated device , they can have someone who is specially trained to take blood pressure readings. By using a nurse or technician , this can reduce the white coat phenomenon.
Meanwhile , blood pressure readings for most people - no matter what age they are - should not exceed 140/90 . And for people with diabetes or have chronic kidney disease, levels should not exceed 130/80. If your blood pressure readings are high , talk to your doctor about more thorough monitoring of your levels.