Blood pressure - high systolic

[excyclist79]

Am a 40 year old former cyclist turned rugby player, now rowing indoors for fitness.

2k PB is 6.43

This morning I saw the local chemist offering free blood pressure tests. I decided to accept their offer.

As soon as I sat down for the test I felt nervous and once the collar inflated around my arm I was rather anxious - feeling my heart pumping through that thing seemed to really increase my heart rate, and in the seconds waiting for the reading my mouth went dry.

The result was 178/71 - with the pharmacist being concerned about the systolic reading.

I have been diagnosed with both athlete's heart and anxiety. I also have a phobia of doctors and medical tests.

I am confident that there is a significant element of white coat hypertension here, and my fitness level makes it difficult for me to accept any sort of cardiac issue.

Anyone else had similar?

Should I visit my GP?

[Erik A]

not that im an expert or anything like that but seeing as you have anxiety and have a phobia of doctors etc then probably the result is to be expected. my wife is the same with dentists. has to be put to sleep to do the simplest of procedures.
if it was a real concern to you then you should seek medical advice... but expect the results to be similar as your phobias and anxiety kick in.
maybe ask the dr and inform him about your issues then see if hes concerned or at the least do something to settle you down prior to any tests.

[Ombrax]

I am confident that there is a significant element of white coat hypertension here

Buy an "at home test" BP device - they're super easy to use and not very expensive.

Also, I'm no Dr, but just because you're in good shape that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't have a serious heart issue.

Good Luck

[jamesg]

As soon as I sat down for the test I felt nervous

That always happens, especially when the Doc is a nice young lady (or man, according) and they start prodding you here there and everywhere. Other reasons too. They know it and usually take 3-4 readings. Even at home, one reading is not enough.

In the BP unit in an Italian hospital where I did a thorough check at 60 odd, the specialist and two nurses took my pressures in both arms and both legs, two or three times each place. Then told me to take a pill a day; still going.

Whatever, 178 is high and you need to know why it's there, so sort yourself out. Did you run to the chemist or pedal there uphill?

High blood pressure is very common these days and it's a killer. Check cholesterol too, your doc will give you a whole list of analyses to do.

[hjs]

I am confident that there is a significant element of white coat hypertension here

Buy an "at home test" BP device - they're super easy to use and not very expensive.

Also, I'm no Dr, but just because you're in good shape that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't have a serious heart issue.

Good Luck

Good Idea, stress will screw up any reading. For now I would not worry at all. And if you would see your GP, no doubt you again would be stressed out.....

[Ernits]

In theory, one should wait for around 15 minutes after sitting down to take blood pressure to let it settle. Add in the white coat syndrome and getting an elevated BP reading is easy.

Elevated systolic pressure, but not diastolic pressure is usually associated with aging and atherosclerosis, resulting in decreased elasticity of the arteries leading to higher pressure. Another culprit would be epinephrine or adrenaline (depending on whether you're in America or Europe), which stimulates the heart and at the same time causes some vasodilation (mainly in the bronchi) leading to increased systolic pressure and slightly lowered diastolic pressure.

In this case, anxiety and white coat syndrome would probably explain it, but for the peace of mind, a GP visit might be useful.

[Erik A]

A while ago i had the nurse at my regular drs checkup take my blood pressure and got quite agirated when it came back as really low. Was all set to a. Get the dr and b. Call the ambulance.
After i said it was ok i gave always had low pressure she went through my notes and saw that all my tests showed low pressure. So she relaxed and carried on with the rest of my usual tests.
Sometimes if you dont get your regular health professional the results could cause issues when they are in fact normal for you

[lindsayh]

I am confident that there is a significant element of white coat hypertension here

Buy an "at home test" BP device - they're super easy to use and not very expensive.
Also, I'm no Dr, but just because you're in good shape that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't have a serious heart issue.
Good Luck

Yes a home BP machine is a really good is investment (the Omron brand is reliable and repeatable) - do it every few days for a few months to document and then see a GP. Essential hypertension is not fitness related and can occur in anyone.

[RR]

Just did mine
Time 11:15am in France
Trained about an hour ago
Warm Up 2000/ 2000 in 7:43.1/ Cool down 2000
BP 118/68
HR 46(MHR 168)
Weight 69kg
Height 1.82
Used to be on my medical notes in U.K. that I had low BP and HR so if found lying in a gutter don’t give adrenaline shot!

[Eric308]

Get in to your doctor post haste! Buying a home BP kit is fine, but you need to have a complete physical with emphasis on your heart. I also have "white coat syndrome", but it should never be 50 above normal give or take! Being in good shape has nothing to do with it.
https://www.peakendurancesport.com/endu ... ce-sports/

[sekitori]

Get in to your doctor post haste! Buying a home BP kit is fine, but you need to have a complete physical with emphasis on your heart. I also have "white coat syndrome", but it should never be 50 above normal give or take! Being in good shape has nothing to do with it.

I agree with the idea of having a complete physical. I also find that the best way to overcome the "white coat syndrome" is to take your own BP. In my experience, many so-called health professionals have no idea how to take a correct blood pressure. And even if they are able to, they usually will only record their first attempt which probably will be quite inaccurate.

Just be sure that the monitor is an accurate one. I have an Omron 7 upper arm monitor which is highly rated. Before you take your BP, be completely at rest for about five minutes. Pay no attenton to the first reading. Take two or three more readings at least a minute apart. The final reading will be much more accurate than the first one.

I once had a reading that was close to 170 systolic--well over my usual 115 and I coudn't figure out the reason. After I did some research, I found the answer. I took my BP in a cold room wearing only a T-shirt and shorts. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels and because of that reason, blood pressure can rise very sharply. I made the room warmer, wore more clothing, and took my BP an hour later. After my third attempt, it was back to around 115.

[Carl Watts]

Get your own Omron one and use it regularly so you learn to relax. I really hate them as the pressure builds i break out in a sweat. Unless you can relax through the whole test the reading will be out.

[Eric308]

I also have an Omron 7....all well and good, but does not count at the VA Hospital for official readings. Those digital gizmos are not as accurate as the manual cuff, either. If you have large upper arms make sure they use the larger cuff. Feet should be flat on the floor while seated for best reading. No caffeine or NSAIDS prior to test.

[sekitori]

I also have an Omron 7....all well and good, but does not count at the VA Hospital for official readings. Those digital gizmos are not as accurate as the manual cuff, either.

I think the Omron 7 is quite accurate. Manual cuff readings are only as good as the ability of the person who is taking them. In many cases, that isn't very good. Often, only one reading is taken. To reach the greatest accuracy, two or three more should be taken--waiting at least one minute between each attempt.

[Eric308]

My cardiology Doc takes my readings non-digitally. He demonstrated the difference between a digital cuff and manual cuff awhile back. He did three with both with intervals. We determined the reading to be between 10-12 points higher across the board with the digital. He also stressed the importance of a proper cuff size....I have 16" arms and the cuff makes a huge difference. He also said that I should use the Omron as an "indicator" only.