Article Summary: A look at how anxiety can increase your blood pressure readings.
(c) Mark MacKay
When having your blood pressure taken, you should try to be as relaxed as possible. It should be taken in a quiet room with the temperature set at a comfortable level. If possible you should try to relax for a short period before your blood pressure is taken. If these optimum conditions cannot be maintained, you should realize your blood pressure's reading might be raised do to the conditions in which it was taken and not necessary do to a medical conditions.
Anxiety can raise your blood pressure by as much as 30mm Hg. The fight or flight automatic response to danger is manifested in a raised blood pressure, so if you are anxious, it will then be reflected in your blood pressure reading.
Lots of reassurance for the individual having their blood pressure checked is often needed, and the person checking your blood pressure should ensure they give you individual and assurance you need to prove they are capable and competent medical professional.
Once you become accustomed to your surroundings, the person checking your blood pressure and their surroundings, then your blood pressure should subside to a more normal limit. It has been noted that a person's blood pressure is always higher when measured by a doctor and to a lesser degree by nurses. This is known as "white coat syndrome"
When doctors are checking your blood pressure, it is always wise for them to monitor your respirations, and pulse rate. If respirations or pulse rate are above a "normal" rate, then you should be left to rest and your resting pulse rate rechecked again about fifteen minutes later. If it is then within normal limits your blood pressure can then be taken.
Many people are anxious to learn about their blood pressure, and if full explanations are given then this often helps to alleviate their anxiety over their medical problem.
There are many other variables to also consider when having your blood pressure assessed including:
- Emotion
- Exercise
- Respiration
- Heavy meal
- Smoking
- Alcohol intake
- Temperature
- Pain
- Bladder problems
- Circadian rhythms
- Age
- Gender
- Race
So make sure you communicate completely while having your blood pressure checked so that you can obtain proper readings.
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
About the Author:
Mark MacKay
Mark MacKay is a researcher and freelance health columnist. He is also the creator of High Blood Pressure Treatments, a web site setup to help people find useful and accurate information on Blood Pressure.
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