This time it hits close to home. Someone I love is struggling with high blood pressure and White Coat Syndrome.
White Coat Syndrome is a term that describes someone who has an intense reaction or emotional response when visiting the doctor’s office, with blood pressure spiking up remarkably. Fear of the unknown and/or fear of doctors is a problem for many people, and this fear runs deep even if it seems irrational to loved ones. It is a feeling of great danger initiating a flight or fight response, like encountering a bear in the woods.
For most who suffer White Coat Syndrome on entering their doctor’s office blood pressure returns closer to normal range after they calm down for a few minutes. A caring doctor or nurse will offer to take the reading again or even more than twice during the appointment to record the most accurate reading.
It is important to note though, that White Coat Syndrome is not the only cause of high blood pressure. Everyone with high blood pressure should be monitoring it and consulting with their doctor, and sometimes a high blood pressure reading is the first herald of developing heart disease.
According to Julie Corliss, executive editor, of the Harvard Heart Letter, “White-coat hypertension is linked to a small but definite increase in heart-related risks. People with white-coat syndrome (as it is also known) are also prone to develop full-time high blood pressure.”
Cardiologist Dr. Randall Zusman, at Massachusetts General Hospital, recommends home monitoring for all his patients, said, “If you capture some strikingly high readings, these intermittent spikes might still be damaging your cardiovascular system.”
But this can be difficult for many people too. While home monitoring sounds easy, just doing it right can stress out a nervous person. Patients may not realize that they can lower their blood pressure by just sitting with feet relaxed for up to 30 minutes before taking the reading.
Doctors know that anxiety over health isn’t the only reason for blood pressure spikes. Any stressor can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure. Are you worrying about work, or your family members and their concerns? Have your recent episodes of blood pressure spikes helped to create a self-fulfilling prophecy? Just thinking about the nurse putting on the cuff is sometimes enough to cause a patient’s blood pressure to rise.
So, what can a person do? First, at the doctor’s office, try taking time to just breathe calmly. As the appointment begins, ask the nurse to take it slow, to talk a while as they collect the information they need in a calm, relaxing way, before taking the blood pressure cuff out. Let yourself be distracted in some good conversation. Then, if necessary, ask them to take your reading again after the appointment concludes.
In the long term, there are some lifestyle changes that can help keep blood pressure lower too. Losing a few extra pounds makes sense. It may be difficult for some because their physical condition may make it difficult to accomplish, and that can be a stressor in itself. But adding a little regular exercise to your daily routine can help. Strive to move a little more, walk a little farther, or be up and about more each day. It will make a difference. Exercise with moderation in mind of course, but just half an hour of activity each day will make a difference in your physical health and your attitude about life too.
Steer clear of salty foods like pizza, prepackaged foods items or soups, or anything that has added sodium. Instead, seek out fresh foods, vegetables and fruits, clean meats that are freshly cooked such as chicken or beef, and avoid deli meats and processed meats.
Cut back on alcohol, or eliminate alcohol entirely, as even one drink a day raises your blood pressure over time.
Most of all, don’t stress about life. Acknowledge those things that make you nervous. Love yourself and enjoy your time with family and friends. Don’t take yourself seriously but find something to laugh about every day. You’ll be surprised to find you are happier and healthier as a result.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, whose career has included more than 10 years as a public relations professional, 22 years as a professional television and radio host, print journalist, and volunteer coordination professional, networking among non-profit social service agencies and service providers throughout the state of Illinois. She is in her third term as an elected alderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.