Totally Mortified - Super High Blood Pressure @ Nursing Physical

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I am so totally embarrassed right now! For the past few years, I get high blood pressure readings when at doctor's offices nearly every time. If I'm in the hospital - it gets even worse because I'm so concerned about what the heck is wrong with me.

Well today I go to get my physical for nursing and my blood pressure is 160/100 - way, way higher than usual doctor appointment spikes. I was extremely nervous and rushing, so I knew I'd likely get a high reading, but that was so much higher than I expected. The nurse taking it seemed concerned - but the doctor didn't seem too worried about it. He had me wait a few minutes to recheck it but I was still stressed on what the number would be so, surprise surprise it didn't come down :(.

I just feel so silly - I take anxiety medication for general anxiety, but it's like it doesn't touch my nerves when I'm really worried or stressed out.

Just randomly venting :(. I am in pretty good physical health besides allergies/asthma which are controlled so I just didn't want them to have to write that number in on my sheet :(. I feel like they'll judge me or something for having high blood pressure - even though I know it was stress related.

Specializes in none as of to date.
Dream & Achieve, just curious, and totally off topic, but I, too, have MVP. I take meds for ht and something at night to calm me for sleep. My question is, do you exercise at all? I have a hard time getting my HR up coz I worry I'll have issues. again, just curious.

Hi 1969! I can not lift weights, but I do yoga, pilates, and do a lot of walking..the only thing that prevents me from engaging in these activites is my Lupus..the free radicals that exercise prduces really takes its toll on me! But the streching and meditation that yoga and walking provides is great for stress relief and over all strength conditioning without over stressing my body, including my heart. I find that heat really does a number on my MVP, and I have to be careful when I lift something heavy ( weird).You must take some kind of beta blocker, they help reduce heart rate. I took them myself to reduce mine..didnt like feeling so "slow" though( or having the yeast infections that I got from it), but they did serve a purpose. I can sooo understand your apprehension for getting your hr up due to issues! I think keeping my weight in check has kept my MVP in check as well.As long as I dont go over 130 ( i'm 5'9"), I'm okay. anything over that, and I have alot of trouble with the MVP! I think its good talking to others with the same issues, it really helps! look forward to talking to ya :)

Dream & Achieve,

wow, yoga, meditation,... I tried that a couple of times and wow was I bored! I just didn't get it. Not for me at all. I know plenty of people who swear by it, but I just couldn't get into it. Maybe another try later on. I'm still trying to find something that works for me. I like to walk after dinner. We live rural so it's a bit tough on dirt roads, no pavement. It still makes me a bit nervous to get the old heart rate up and going. I try to concentrate on the "toning" deal, you know?

Anyway, just passed my first semesterl, Fundamentals

HAPPY FOURTH !!!!

Missy

I do the same thing when having my blood pressure/heart rate taken in a professional setting. Just to be cautious my OB had me take my own periodically and just keep a record so he would know it was normal throughout my pregnancy. I haven't taken my nursing school physical yet but I'm sure mine will be elevated too. Something I always have to explain with new doctors because I'm in my thirties and overweight.

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