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What Causes Increase In BP Reading After Climbing Stairs?
Question: My bp reading was just 174/110 but I climbed up a set of stairs and didn't rest before measuring.
According to a chart I read that's possibly an emergency situation.
Should I rest before taking it again and see if it drops
54 yr
Female
5'1"
110
According to a chart I read that's possibly an emergency situation.
Should I rest before taking it again and see if it drops
54 yr
Female
5'1"
110
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for sending the question.
This is a very good question. As you have indicated your blood pressure is very elevated in the setting of recent exercise. I would recommend that you check your blood pressure again at rest. I would expect that the blood pressure will be lower when you check it again.
however, I think you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for a comprehensive physical examination and also to discuss your elevated blood pressure readings. It is possible that you may benefit from a medication to keep your blood pressure under control specifically during times of exertion.
your doctor may consider other testing including a possible stress test to see how your heart and blood pressure perform under stress.
If you develop any chest pains, headaches or excessive sweating while at rest these are symptoms which are concerning enough that I would advise that you report your local emergency room. If your blood pressure is lower and you have no other symptoms I think you can schedule a routine follow-up with your doctor in the next couple of days.
Thanks again for sending your question.
sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for sending the question.
This is a very good question. As you have indicated your blood pressure is very elevated in the setting of recent exercise. I would recommend that you check your blood pressure again at rest. I would expect that the blood pressure will be lower when you check it again.
however, I think you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for a comprehensive physical examination and also to discuss your elevated blood pressure readings. It is possible that you may benefit from a medication to keep your blood pressure under control specifically during times of exertion.
your doctor may consider other testing including a possible stress test to see how your heart and blood pressure perform under stress.
If you develop any chest pains, headaches or excessive sweating while at rest these are symptoms which are concerning enough that I would advise that you report your local emergency room. If your blood pressure is lower and you have no other symptoms I think you can schedule a routine follow-up with your doctor in the next couple of days.
Thanks again for sending your question.
sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
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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