Diagnosing white coat hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: Each time I take my blood pressure at home it is about 115/63 no more than 128/63. But it is very high at the doctor’s office. She gave me a low dose of high blood pressure medicine. I asked her what my blood pressure would be after I take the medicine and she said 130/80. I didn’t start to take the medicine… why should I take it if my blood pressure is below 130? What would you do?
A: Take your home blood pressure readings to your doctor. You might have what is known as “white coat hypertension”. Your doctor may want to do additional testing, such as 24 hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to be sure you are currently in need of treatment. Newer studies are suggesting that “white coat hypertension”, increases the risk of developing of high blood pressure later in life.
Tags: ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure medicine, high blood pressure, white coat hypertensionNormal ambulatory blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: What is a normal blood pressure for a person taking their blood pressure standing up and doing activities?
A: Blood pressure taken continuously during normal daily activities is known as ambulatory blood pressure. A daytime ambulatory pressure of greater than 130/85 is considered high. For a complete discussion of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring versus standard measurement, click here.
Tags: ambulatory blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure monitoring, hypertension, normal blood pressureWhite-coat hypertension and ambulatory monitoring
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: I have been taking 40mg of Lisinopril and 12.5mg of Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) for a few years now. Since taking these medications my at-home readings are wonderful, averaging from 120/75 to as low as 90/56 at night. When
I visit the doctor’s office, my readings are high; from 140/85 up to 175/90. A doctor at the clinic felt that White Coat Syndrome could not spike up anyone’s readings THAT much. I am leery to start taking even more meds, or higher doses. In your opinion, can White Coat Syndrome spike numbers that high?
A: Since there is a difference between your home readings and those taken at the office, you might want to discuss ambulatory blood pressure monitoring with your doctor. This testing can help determine if your blood pressure is in control and if you suffer from white coat hypertension.
Tags: ambulatory blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure monitoring, diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, hypertension, Lisinopril, white coat hypertension, white coat syndromeHigh blood pressure while sleeping
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 18 2008
Q: Sometimes I wake up during the middle of the night and my heart is pounding. My blood pressure and pulse get higher and higher, up to 200 over 90 or 100. I have gone to the ER and they haven’t found anything wrong. They gave me meds — Metropolol Succ ER 25 mg, Clonidine HCl .1 mg and Diltazem ER. 120 mg. Usually I get up and take Metropolol and Clonidine and eventually my BP goes down. What do you suggest?
A: High blood pressure late at night is worrisome. I suggest you have a consultation visit with a cardiologist and take your Emergency Room records. You might benefit from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Use of this technology can help with the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.
Tags: ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, emergency, high blood pressure, hypertension, night, night hypertension, sleepingHow to measure blood pressure correctly
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 19 2007
Q: What is the correct procedure for doctors when checking blood pressure?
A: Most doctors use a device called a sphygmomanometer to check blood pressure. Proper arm positioning and use of the appropriate sized cuff are important in obtaining an accurate reading. Specific details on proper use of a sphygmomanometer can be found by clicking here.
Tags: accurate blood pressure reading, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, how to measure blood pressure, Measuring Your BP
