High BP

Morning,

So yesterday there was a health screening at work and my BP was way high 150/90 which was a bit strange. My BP has been high in past due to HA but has been regulated more recently w coping mechanisms and working out etc. I have been eating not so good over last 2 months and today feel short of breath and my chest and insides hurt so a bit nervous it’s BP related.

Had an EKG and full exam a few months back and everything was impeccable.

Any thoughts on what I can do to shake this

I was waiting about 20 mins and I felt the anxiety building as the wait continued which helped me cope

J.Griff, I can verify that anxiety can cause BP to rise, sometimes to critical levels because it's happened to me several times in the past year. I am on BP medication anyway but anxiety breaks through that. I have learned that taking slow, deep breaths can bring BP down though. I have white coat syndrome so I monitor my pressure at home and keep a log. Then, when I have a doctor's app't, I bring both my readings and my BP kit with me. I take my own reading after the nurse takes it and my own kit will also show it's elevated, yet at home with the same kit, my pressure is normal, even lower than normal.

Also, make sure when your pressure is being taken that your back is supported (against the wall or a chair back), your feet are flat on the floor and ankles not crossed and your sleeves are rolled up (but not constricting).

Other factors can make false high readings: having just eaten and exercising within maybe half an hour. But for me it's nerves and anxiety. Sorry you're also experiencing it but it's not uncommon. Honest!