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Suggest Treatment For High BP And Anxiety
Question: I have situational high blood pressure, which has been as high as 185/110 . I monitor it at home 3 to 4 times a day. It usually is an average of 125/85 , with readings of 117/75 on a regular basis as well. Then every couple of weeks it spikes really high, and every time I go to the doctor to have it checked it is really high, but as soon as I get home and relax it is back to normal. I am 5'4" and weigh 166 lbs and am 51. I would like to avoid BP medication, but not at the risk of my health. I have started a low sodium diet, and have been exercising , but also have noticed anxiety, not sure if the high BP is causing me to have anxiety, or the anxiety is causing my high BP? I also have had a headache everyday for a few months.Should I be on medication for BP,? Anxiety? Both? Or none?
Brief Answer:
White coat hypertension
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
You have typical "White Coat Hypertension''. When you face the doctor or any stressful situation, stress hormones like Adrenaline, nor adrenaline are pumped into your system. This elevates your blood pressure and can also race your heart.
The solution is simple. You need to take a small dose of a betablocker which will block these effects. If you do not have asthma, my suggestion would be 10mg of Inderal ( Propranolol) twice a day. This is a minute dose compared to 320 mg which my be take by people who have chronic hypertension.
You should also live a healthy life style eating wholesome food, exercising at least 30 minutes a day and avoiding smoking, caffeine and excess alcohol. Practice stress relieving measures like meditation, yoga and relaxation exercises. Once these are in place, you will be able to stop the betablocker.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
White coat hypertension
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
You have typical "White Coat Hypertension''. When you face the doctor or any stressful situation, stress hormones like Adrenaline, nor adrenaline are pumped into your system. This elevates your blood pressure and can also race your heart.
The solution is simple. You need to take a small dose of a betablocker which will block these effects. If you do not have asthma, my suggestion would be 10mg of Inderal ( Propranolol) twice a day. This is a minute dose compared to 320 mg which my be take by people who have chronic hypertension.
You should also live a healthy life style eating wholesome food, exercising at least 30 minutes a day and avoiding smoking, caffeine and excess alcohol. Practice stress relieving measures like meditation, yoga and relaxation exercises. Once these are in place, you will be able to stop the betablocker.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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