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 hypertensionWhite-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 syndromeWhite coat hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 16 2009
Q: I have a problem with high blood pressure whenever I go to the doctor’s office, and the doctor gave me medication. But my blood pressue is good when I measure it at home. What do I do? Do I have to take the medication? Please advise.
A: Record your blood pressure at home and show these measurements to your doctor. It sounds like you may have “white coat hypertension”. This is a well known condition when blood pressure is only elevated at the doctor’s office. In some cases, 24 hour blood pressure monitoring is ordered to prove that this is the case and blood pressure medication is not needed. To learn more about monitoring your blood pressure at home, click here.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure medication, blood pressure monitoring, high blood pressure, Measuring Your BP, white coat hypertensionDoes Pexiva cause high blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009
Q: I have had high anxiety with panic attacks for many years. Now I am on the drug Pexiva to stop the attacks. I am better, but when I go to the doctor my blood pressure goes up because of my anxiety. Does Pexiva cause high blood pressure?
A: The drug you are on, Pexeva (paroxetine) is known to cause low blood pressure, not high blood pressure. It sounds like you might be suffering from “white coat hypertension”. I suggest you discuss this with your doctor. RESPeRATE has been shown to help with this condition.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, panic attacks, white coat hypertensionAnxiety attacks and blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 24 2008
Q: My blood pressure is 140/90. Is this dangerous enough for me to be on blood pressure medicine? My blood pressure was always normal before my last two visits to the doctor. I am very nervous and experience anxiety attacks. My age is 58, and my doctor wants me to take Moduretic. I am afraid of taking the medication and would prefer to try diet and breathing exercises.
A: Once blood pressure is consistently elevated to 140/90 or greater, it should be treated. Since you suffer from anxiety, “white coat hypertension” or elevated blood pressure only at the doctor’s office is a possibility. You might want to monitor your blood pressure at home and discuss your findings with your doctor. Alternative treatments to medication may be appropriate at your level of hypertension. Discuss your fears with your doctor and ask about other treatments such as the RESPeRATE.
Tags: Alternative, anxiety, anxiety attacks, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, Moduretic, nervous, RESPeRATE, white coat, white coat hypertensionReverse white-coat hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 11 2008
Q: Can you have “white-coat” hypertension in reverse (high at home and low at the doctor’s office)?
A: This kind of situation is often referred to as masked hypertension. It is seen more commonly in people with other risks for heart disease such as obesity and high blood fats. Also, masked hypertension is more common in females. It is important to let your doctor know about your elevated readings. In addition, to insure accuracy, make sure you take your pressure about the same time of day and use proper positioning.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, heart disease, high blood fats, high blood pressure, masked hypertension, obesity, reverse white coat hypertension, white coat hypertensionControlling anxiety with Resperate
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 07 2007
Q: Will RESPeRATE help control anxiety associated with having your blood pressure taken?
A: Many people suffer from “white coat hypertension”. With this condition, blood pressure readings are higher than normal when measured in a doctor’s office as compared to those taken at home. Use of the RESPeRATE has been shown to lower blood pressure readings taken in both the home and the office setting. The RESPeRATE uses calming music to guide you through the breathing exercises that lower your blood pressure. For individuals who fear blood pressure measurement, even when taken at home, remembering the RESPeRATE melody during readings may help you overcome your fear and get a more accurate measurement.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, readings, white coat, white coat hypertension
