Okay, now it's bothering me.

3 times in the last week I get blood pressure readings of 120-ish over mid to upper 70s.  I usually run 115/65.

Today was the third.  125/77.  Now, I'm of course going all white coat hypertension here, because now I'm scared of the freakin blood pressure monitor as much as doctors.

WHY?  What would give me a 10 point jump on both ends for no apparent reason?  Nothing has changed this week.  I'm constantly stressed, but that's nothing new.  I am dehydrated, but I thought that caused *low* blood pressure(?).

Highest I ever saw my BP was 139/91 (I was upset/frightened) but usually even panic with a side of salt can't get my numbers into the 120/80 range though.

I should note this happened a couple of years ago, after my daughter was born.  Once I got pregnant again, the numbers plummeted to 90/55 and stayed that way until I gave birth, then for the past 15 months they've been 115/65.

[madgeOwens]

That is absolutely normal and no reason to worry.  As a matter of fact, the "white coat" theory says some people will jump 10 points just as soon as they see that white coat.  It is not a problem, and you are within normal readings.  Its normal to fluctuate.

[LukeL]

Not to be make you worry, there is some new evidence that whitecoat hypertension can be a health risk because it shows your body over responds to stress and fear. You might want to discuss this with your doctor at your next appointment.

[lilCharlie]

Why are you so worried.  All your BP readings are low.  Most people would kill for Bp readings around 120/80.  Quit worrying so much, spending your life constantly worrying.....isnt really living!

[anacyde]

Luke, I agree and I've read the information on it for my mother.  She's usually 95/60 - but at the doctor she goes as high as 160/110.  She says it's because the nurses and office staff make her angry.  Everyone makes that woman angry.  But anyhow I looked that up and showed her the info, suggested some yoga.  I think she took that with a grain of salt.

On the other hand, my dad, who is a CAGB/CAD survivor, has trouble with his post bypass medication regimen because his usual blood pressure is what mine typically is, around 115/65.  On his meds, it dips pretty low.

Normally, even white coat factor considered, my readings (at the scariest doctor of all - my cardiologist, lol) are consistently 110/60 to 118/70.  All the drug store ones I've ever used say the same.  That's why I'm so puzzled.

[CollegeGirl143]

you should see my blood pressure jump! in high stress situations, its not uncommon for me to be 120 or 130 over 100! and normally my blood pressure is very low.. 80/50 is about normal, the highest ive ever seen it while in a non stressful situation is 110 over 65.

[fearfactor]

My BP has been high *for me* lately too - I usually run in the 90/60 range (could be lower - scary!) but lately everytime I go to the doc it's 115/75 or even 120/80.  Weird...  I take 20 mg of Inderal a day, too.  I have no clue why this could be either but one good side effect is that I'm not dizzy all the time like I used to be.

[anacyde]

Thanks everyone.  I have a tendency to get a little nuts with worry sometimes.  Haha, like no one noticed, lol

dmil241: Funny you mention that.  I get palpitations at certain points in my cycles, and my blood pressure does rise slightly mid and end cycle.

fearfactor: That's wild about the Inderal "curing" the dizziness.  I wonder what's up with that?  Kinda cool :)  I'm ALWAYS dizzy, have been for years.  My new dentist seems to think mine is TMJ.

[dmil241]

I get readings all over the place and never give it a second thought anymore. I take it as just my flexuations. I go from 85/55 which cause no symptoms to 129/71 upon occassion. I think they are basically GREAT numbers. I figure the range is from natural cycles in my day and month or from getting frustrated or angry at times. I was always told that it is not the occassional spikes that damage but readings that are sustained.  ??? Ironically, I always go up a bit near my time of menstration, just like my weight. :) Those lovely hormones, I quess.

[anacyde]

CollegeGirl - YIKES!  My mom's does that.  So they put her on BP meds, and when it's low, she gets stars whenever she stands up.