My blood pressure is lower standing than sitting down, simply due to this tightening while sitting down, after eating a decent sized meal.
I can also attest to it changing my own eye pressure six mm Hg, between tight clothes and loosened clothes.
Guys, get pants that can expand out and get a belt that allows you to let it out in tiny steps, as these new ratchet belts allow.
Just crossing your legs gets different reading
I’ll try to remember this next time I go to the doctor.
The anxiety of just being in a doctor’s office raises my blood pressure...
“Oh, Lordy, what are they going to find wrong with me now?”
I do suspect that BP errors occur for several reasons ( and few of any result in a lower result.)
I'd love to compose a comprehensive listing of considerations (strategies) for patients to ensure an accurate in-office reading.
As one who is gifted with 'white coat' syndrome, I have an interest in whatever might lead me to lower in-office (and more accurate) readings. My home readings are just fine, of course.
CM, Thanks for posting!
Insist on a “manual” blood pressure! The machines can be wildly inaccurate!
I dieted and went from 202 pounds down to 169. BP was very high.
Once I got below 185 my BP was perfect. Above 185 I need meds.
Also, I think too much salt will drive it back up.
My BP is now 120 over 80, to 125 over 85.
Best way to good health, drop weight and do not smoke.
My cholesterol also dropped to perfect levels.
Also room temp can raise blood pressure. If you are in a cold air conditioned room or the BP cuff is cold ,your pressure is goin to go up. I have also seen people taking it with the cuff over clothes. That will give an inaccurate reading. You should roll the sleeve up, but don’t make it tight.
There’s also the factor of whether they do it manually or by an automatic cuff.
The automatic cuffs are known to read higher. I’ve been having that problem with my PCP. Her cuff is merciless and my bp tends to read high. When I have it taken manually for my allergy shot, it’s always normal.
Breath deep slow breaths, inhale, fully exhale fully, relax, gooosefrabba 30 seconds to a minute... relax, calm yoga-style...
Relax, think happy thoughts....
You get the idea...
You should do that little breathing exercise everyday maybe twice a day maybe for a total 10 minutes a day it’s a very life supporting routine. Your physiology is asking for your help.
Boxed breathing is another calming technique.... YouTube it.
That BP machine is only there to sell you some drugs that make you sick and pads the doctor’s pocket. Western medicine is all about the numbers.
Arm cuffs come in different sizes. I always ask for the large arm cuff. If you don’t ask, theres a chance you will get 1 too small which will show high blood pressure results.
DON’T TAKE THIS SITTING DOWN...
Actually lying down for BP test is the most accurate. Also if sitting and lying down produce similar result see a heart doctor ASAP.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4183369/posts
bkmk
More money for the pill boys. You can’t tell me it isn’t an unconscious motivation, if not actually conscious.
Some researchers also recommend having your BP measured on both arms. If they are markedly different, you may have a carotid blockage.
Good to know, I’ll remember that next time.
Other things that raise it for me - coffee, bloating/gas, and licorice root (that was in one of my natural meds)
A doc had me taking Aleve around the clock for a few weeks and that sent me to the ER with high BP.
Otherwise it stays pretty normal
It is usually recommended to sit quietly 5 minutes before taking your BP and not to talk while taking BP readings. Both of those are routinely violated in doctor's offices.