hookwinking blood pressure readings
Guest
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hookwinking blood pressure readings
Hello all
I suffer from 'white coat syndrome' with regards to my blood pressure - it's ok normally, but when I see a doctor, it goes up and up ....
Obviously, with a medical in sight, this is a problem.
Does anybody know of a way in which to keep control of your blood pressure during an examination - ie. can you take anything to keep it down when being examinied?
cheers
I suffer from 'white coat syndrome' with regards to my blood pressure - it's ok normally, but when I see a doctor, it goes up and up ....
Obviously, with a medical in sight, this is a problem.
Does anybody know of a way in which to keep control of your blood pressure during an examination - ie. can you take anything to keep it down when being examinied?
cheers
Guest
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Wetnose
I have had the same problem for years. I was traumatised by a big hairy nurse with an attitude, and have never been the same since about BP.
The main thing for me was to find a doctor for my medicals I was comfortable with, and stick with him. That meant that he would "work" with me. The bloke I have now is very sympathetic to the White Coate Syndrome. The other thing I think is to be upfront about it. Tell whoever is taking it that you react thusly,and they'll factor it in.
I am seriously considering simply going along with a BP prescription, and be done with it. There is always a nagging worry that there is more to it than simply showing up for a physical. The FAA (and I hope now the CAA) are far more enlightened about these things. In fact, I think you will find that the FAA no longer simply sets numeric limits for BP - check it out.
Write to me if you want to discuss it more.
JJM
I have had the same problem for years. I was traumatised by a big hairy nurse with an attitude, and have never been the same since about BP.
The main thing for me was to find a doctor for my medicals I was comfortable with, and stick with him. That meant that he would "work" with me. The bloke I have now is very sympathetic to the White Coate Syndrome. The other thing I think is to be upfront about it. Tell whoever is taking it that you react thusly,and they'll factor it in.
I am seriously considering simply going along with a BP prescription, and be done with it. There is always a nagging worry that there is more to it than simply showing up for a physical. The FAA (and I hope now the CAA) are far more enlightened about these things. In fact, I think you will find that the FAA no longer simply sets numeric limits for BP - check it out.
Write to me if you want to discuss it more.
JJM
Guest
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The no-trick solution to white coat hypertension is a 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure recording. If your BP is normal it will show the white coat hypertension and reduction to normal levels, together with the normal drop at night. Ask your AME or GP to arrange it. Good luck. SF
Guest
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Many thanks to all who replied!
I was going to go to the medical after taking an asprin, a beta-blocker, and with an empty stomach, (and hope I wasn't traumatised by a hairy nurse!), but instead, just took asprin.
My blood pressure at the medical was an amazing 107 over 65 !! - God knows how!
Anyway, thanks again for all your suggestions - I'm glad I found this bulletin board
I was going to go to the medical after taking an asprin, a beta-blocker, and with an empty stomach, (and hope I wasn't traumatised by a hairy nurse!), but instead, just took asprin.
My blood pressure at the medical was an amazing 107 over 65 !! - God knows how!
Anyway, thanks again for all your suggestions - I'm glad I found this bulletin board
Guest
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If you are of the 'larger persuasion' ensure that the GP uses a properly sized cuff. Useing one that is too small for your arm can seriously increase the reading for your BP (as the mechanics of stopping the blood flow would need higher pressure in the area of inflatable cuff that actually touches your arm).
As a general rule, if he uses one that has a Drug company's advert on it, it is too small
As a general rule, if he uses one that has a Drug company's advert on it, it is too small
Guest
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Bringing this back to the top (thanks Whirlybird for pointing it out), as I find myself in such a situation.
I had a BP test today (for my job - not aviation related) and it was right on the limit according to JAR-FCL.
I've been called back for a repeat test on Monday & I'm worried about it already (which isn't going to help).
Obviously, I'll need to take steps to keep my blood pressure OK over the long term.
Any further ideas on how to get it under control in 3 days ?
Regards,
V.
I had a BP test today (for my job - not aviation related) and it was right on the limit according to JAR-FCL.
I've been called back for a repeat test on Monday & I'm worried about it already (which isn't going to help).
Obviously, I'll need to take steps to keep my blood pressure OK over the long term.
Any further ideas on how to get it under control in 3 days ?
Regards,
V.
Guest
Posts: n/a
There is a over the counter sedative called fenegram. It will calm you down if you take 1 or 2 tablets 1-2 hours before you go in.
Therefore lowering your BP.
However if they take a blood sample, do you want a sedative in it? Up to you.
Good luck anyway
Therefore lowering your BP.
However if they take a blood sample, do you want a sedative in it? Up to you.
Good luck anyway