IC_Clearly said:
I am 59 (and a 20 mile a week runner) and have had an several incidents over
a couple of years with my BP. It seems when I visit the doc my BP will
shoot up to the 160/100 range (not every time but more often than not). I
recently had an insurance physical and it occurred when I went into the exam
room. By the way, the exam was pretty intense. A doc and a paramedic (at
the same time) in a 6 X 8 exam room. One stuck me with needles and pasted
EKG leads on my chest while the other ran me through the 100 question
routine in the span of 20 minutes. I was pretty uptight (don't like needles
at all). It also occurred within an hour of finishing a meal (if that
matters).In any event, I take my BP on a home machine several times a month.
Depending on the time of day, it will hover around 115/75 and sometimes will
spike up to 140/90. The higher readings seem to occur later in the day
through mid afternoon when they do occur (which is a few times a month).
I've also noticed that if I take an Advil I sometimes get a spike for a
several hours.When this problem first occurred a couple of years ago, my primary care
doctor suggested I purchase a home machine and jot down my readings
throughout the day for a couple of weeks and then come back. I did and
actually brought the BP machine to compare with his (we were close). He
called my situation "white coat" and did not see it as a problem. He said
to keep an eye on it and if it became a consistent problem come back and we
could look at treatment.I have a couple of questions. One, is this unusual and two will over the
counter diuretics have any effect? I need to get my BP down when I go into
the exam room.Thanks.
IC
Not at all unusual and the figures you offer are entirely within the
normal range -- there is no possible need for diuretics, OTC or
otherwise.
Why do you wish to get your BP down before the medical appointment --
is it that you wish to delude your doctor? -- This would be another
entirely unneeded procedure.
ward RN
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