Subject: Re: Blood Pressure Variance
Forum: The Heart Forum

Topic Area: High Blood Pressure

over the years, since I was 30, I've been diagnosed with high blood pressure. It appears to me to be stress related, as in, I under go major stress, my bp goes up, I take medications, it goes down, then goes too low, medication is reduced or canceled, I'm monitored for several months, then nothing more for another few years.

I was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and again, high blood pressure, however this time, it's NOT consistant... even with medications it varies horrible and I've tried two different medications.

My question, can muscle tension alter the blood pressure readings?? I have found in recent months, that the blood pressure cuff really causes me some pain when inflated, and I tense my muscles (especially in the that has the cuff on it. I've had as much as 50 points different in either or both systolid and diastolic readings within a matter of 3-4 minutes.) This is basically an unconscience action and I don't always notice myselfPosted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 09, 1999 at 19:47:18

Dear Mickie

Tensing up your muscles can lead to inaccurate blood pressure readings. The arm should be in a comfortable relaxed position.

I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.

Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.

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