beth0277
25-09-12, 14:25
My blood pressure saga started a few weeks ago. I have ALWAYS had normal/low blood pressure in the 110/70 range. I went to the ER a few weeks ago after possible exposure to rabies and I was hysterical. I had been crying for over an hour and was on the verge of a panic attack. My BP was 140/90 at check in. I figured it was just because of my state of anxiety. So, I had to go back 3 more times for shots. The middle two times my BP was slightly elevated (for me), maybe around 125/85. The last time I was nervous about them taking it and it was 133/82 or something like that. Much higher than I normally get. So I have been freaked out ever since. I have been going through a really hard time lately with my anxiety and having daily debilitating attacks. I have been checking my BP at home and my first reading is always high, like 158/105 but then once I calm down a little, it goes to 120-130 over 85ish. I don't know if the reason I am getting these high first readings is because I am scared or because something more is going on. I did recently start Nuva Ring which I know can elevated blood pressure, but didn't have that effect on me in the past. I have spoken to two pharmacists, and they both seem to think it is anxiety, and not any medicine that I am on causing the elevations. It is just odd to me because I have been dealing with anxiety for 3 years. I have been to the ER hysterical before and had normal BP readings. Why is this happening now? Last night I took a bath and an Ativan and tried to relax. I sat in bed and watched tv for a little while. My first reading (sitting up) was 145/100 or something like that but then after that they went down and I was getting continuous readings of 122/85, or close to it. So...is this my anxiety? What is really going on? I am scared that every time I start feeling anxious that my BP is rising and could cause a stroke or damage to my organs. Any advice?? It's like "White Coat Syndrome" but at home and only on my first few tries. So confusing.