Weird phobia

[Mike85281]

Does anybody else have anxiety, HIGH anxiety of getting their blood pressure checked? About a year and a half to two years ago I had a very weird spell in the emergency room when a nurse took my blood pressure. I felt a head rush and got dizzy and almost blacked out. My stomach went into a knot and I felt like I couldn't breathe for about 20 to 30 seconds. Did the blood pressure cuff tightening on my arm cause an intense panic attack? I was at the hospital a few hours and when they took my pressure again, the same thing happened. Now, almost two years later, I am scared to death to go to a doctor's office because of the cuff. I know taking blood pressure is necessary and harmless and I've had my pressure taken dozens of times since then with no problem, but I still get all worked up every time a doctor appointment comes up. Does anybody have any words of wisdom I can have? Thanks.

[cj29]

That is not a weird phobia at all in my opinion.  It is so common that they actually refer it to 'white coat syndrome' in many places.  One starts to get all anxiety stricken and your blood pressure shoots through the roof.  At the doctors office, mine is typically 30 points higher when I get there and drops back down once I leave...my doc even knows to take it at the end of the appointment.  

[silverberg]

I've working in Hospitals all my life (adult life) and this is the normal allot! more in Men then Women. I even get anxious when I'm on the other side.

[Gina2Westies]

Mike it very well could be the fact that you related the blood pressure cuff and reading to the hospital and an unpleasant experience.  I have low blood pressure and measure mine daily at home with an Omron automatic BP machine.  It has an electronic cuff and tells you your heart rate and blood pressure.  Do you have one at home?  Maybe try buying a home one and doing it in the comfort of your home and seeing if you react the same way.  If you dont like it you can stop.  I think little by little you will eventually overcome this fear.