I know this will sound like a dumb question

TMPaul · Mar 5, 2002

According to the American Heart Associations book titled Hypertension Primer, stress can elevate blood pressure as much as 30 mm Hg. There are other factors (diet, weight, coexsisting morbidities, etc) that can also contribute to hypertension.

OBNURSEHEATHER · Mar 5, 2002

I agree that nervousness would increase BP, just as pain would. (and it's not a stupid question :) )

I think this is what they refer to as "white coat syndrome".

Heather

newjerseynurse · Mar 5, 2002

Heather is correct in what she says about "white coat syndrome"

Actually any body sensor that becomes changed can change one'e bp. It is natural for all things that elevate any senses to effect bp. The only difference may be the amount of time the bp has changed. It could be for a very minimal time or for a long time as with high bp.

kewlnurse · Mar 5, 2002

vaso constriction, part of the fight/flight response

RNIAM, BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2002

yep that is me during any type of phyisical. Thank you everyone. It turned out ok.