Hello:

I've read that if the first BP reading is significantly higher than the 2nd at a given visit , that first reading is discarded.

In my case, the discrepancy is between the two readings done during the very same office visit, spaced a few minutes apart. The first reading was hypertensive. But the second was dramatically lower (40 points less in the systolic reading and about the same diastolic--> 120/70) and perfectly normal. I was quite tense and anxious during both readings. Actually, more anxious at the second reading, upon hearing the reading of the first one. The second reading was closer to what I usually get when a BP reading is done. I suffer from high anxiety.

The doctor said the second reading was the one to go by. I've also read elsewhere on this forum that the first reading is discarded if the subsequent ones are lower.

Questions:

1) Why is the first reading discarded in favor of the second? Is it to be chalked up to an artifact of the BP measurement itself?

2) Would this still be considered : White Coat Hypertension ?

It's not merely an academic question. I've read that some practitioners regard White Coat hypertension as a milder type of hypertension or as a prognosticator of future hypertension.

Thanks in advance:

-Ira

Sounds like WCS to me, Ira!

Most docs understand this in this day and age.

There was a time, before colonoscopys became "popular" and many docs had not had them yet. The procedure was performed with a bit of benzos for the patient. Fast forward to when more DOCS were getting their own colonoscopys -- the drugs are now much better and you can choose to get knocked out.

Like everyone else, docs need to experience things, not to mention have conferences on them, before they understand them.

Angel

Could well be that, Angel.

But I've also read --I believe on this very forum--that even when monitoring BP at home, three readings are taken. The first is discarded, and the latter two averaged. Why would that be?

Ira

The belief is that the first reading will always be higher, possibly due to anxiety. True blood pressure reading is the level between the 2nd and 3rd taken pressures.
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Thanks Marguerite.

Is this the case for at home BP testing as well?


Ira

Ira,
Yes it is.
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I know this is an old forum but wanted to add (new user). I have been using Repirate faithfully for two months usually twice per day. The other day I went to the doctor and my reading was 155/100. My doc is awesome but is ALWAYS late. That day it was two hours late so I was pretty agitated. I saw the reading and told the nurse "hang on a sec". I did 30 seconds of deep breathing and relaxation type techniques similar to my Respirate and said "go for it". Second reading was 128/81 which is about where I average at home.

Pretty amazing how much difference 30 seconds and concentrating on your body can make.

dave

This is a great posting! However I can not get over the fact that the doctor was 2 hours late!!!! Must be a great doctor!
Keep at it with the Resperate & continued success with those numbers!
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)