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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does This BP Reading Of 162/86 Indicate?

I went into a doctors office and prior to my procedure they took my blood pressure. It was 160/86. The nurse looked concerned and when I asked her if everything was ok she said it was a little high. I told her I was a bit nervous prior to the procedure. After the procedure it was 162/86. I am 6 0, 245 lb male and 40 years old. I have never had a reading this high before. What should I do?
Thu, 23 Apr 2015
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello. This is Dr. Praveen Jeyapathy and I will be answering your question today.
Well, anxiety is known to increase BP reading especially in a hospital setting. A reading of 160/86 is definitely high and it needs to be rechecked. What you need to do is to visit the doctor again after a week or so. Dont smoke upto an hour prior to checking (that is if you do). Get seated in the office for a while (atleast 20 mts) and then recheck your BP again. See what it looks like. If its over 140/90 you should be treated with medications and lifestyle/diet. If its 120-139 systolic / 80-89 diastolic a good lifestyle alone will do with adequate monitoring.
If you still doubt that a hospital setting is giving you a high BP (white coat hypertension) you should do a ambulatory BP recording afteir discussing it with your doctor.
Wishing you good health. Please feel free to drop in any more queries if need be.
Warm regards,
Dr Praveen Jeyapathy
(www.diabetesintoto.wordpress.com)

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What Does This BP Reading Of 162/86 Indicate?

Hello. This is Dr. Praveen Jeyapathy and I will be answering your question today. Well, anxiety is known to increase BP reading especially in a hospital setting. A reading of 160/86 is definitely high and it needs to be rechecked. What you need to do is to visit the doctor again after a week or so. Dont smoke upto an hour prior to checking (that is if you do). Get seated in the office for a while (atleast 20 mts) and then recheck your BP again. See what it looks like. If its over 140/90 you should be treated with medications and lifestyle/diet. If its 120-139 systolic / 80-89 diastolic a good lifestyle alone will do with adequate monitoring. If you still doubt that a hospital setting is giving you a high BP (white coat hypertension) you should do a ambulatory BP recording afteir discussing it with your doctor. Wishing you good health. Please feel free to drop in any more queries if need be. Warm regards, Dr Praveen Jeyapathy (www.diabetesintoto.wordpress.com)