Posted by steinmyr

In Reply to: white coat hypertension - What's the best way to handle this problem? posted by Ershively

I was diagnosed with hypertension about 7 months ago. I am taking two
medicines (Cardizem 240 mg/day and Accupril 10 mg/day). I have reduced
intake of salt and fat, I have lost about 18 pounds and have been exercizing,
and started monitoring my own blood pressure. My readings are now in the
acceptable range, with the systolic readings ranging from 120 mm Hg, to 140
mm Hg. and the diastolic readings ranging from 70 mm Hg to 85 mm Hg. Rarely
do I ever get a diastolic reading as high as 90mm.

However, when I visit my doctor, the readings are a lot higher. My doctor
thinks that I am reacting strongly to the examination situation (probably
true) and he indicates that this is quite common.

I have considered the possibility that my monitor is wrong, but I have cross
checked it on two other monitors with results similar to my own.

Is this "white coat" hypertension really that common?

Follow Ups:

• White coat hypertension is a well-observed, well-documented, well-published cause for increased Blood Pressures Rod Sparks, MD

Post a Followup