My question is does any one get anxious just checking there blood pressure and what do you do to try and not get anxious checking it. When I am at the doctor my blood pressure goes up...he has wanted me to monitor it at home here and there but when I just think about it it makes me anxious...sometimes I am even fine just up until I put the cuff on my arm and then my pulse rate goes into the 100's...blood pressure goes to 140/77. I know that this is just borderline but if this happens everytime I get anxious then it could be bad. Should I just try breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques before taking my BP? Your comments would be appreciated...