White coat hypertention (tips please)

No tips to reduce BP in those situations (e.g. in the doc office). IMO, don't take medication if you genuinely believe your BP is only high there, and that sounds like the case. Does your doctor not really believe in white coat hypertension? Some doctors do, but some actually don't at all.

I have the same problem, but my doctor understands. He just asks that I take a handful of readings for a week or so before a routine appointment and show them to her. It's always high in the office (about 145/90) but at home it's more like 120/70, sometimes a bit lower. I do take a low dose beta blocker, but that's mostly for tachycardia and palpitations due to anxiety.

Maybe it'd be a good idea to directly address the idea of "white coat hypertension" with your doctor? That way you can understand their perspective, and you can assure them again that you get normal readings at home. If it may help, take a few readings in the next couple of days before your appointment and take those readings with you.

Renee2020 said:

Im struggling again with high bp at drs office. Numbers are fine at home. Ussually anout 117/74 . Been as low as 99/64. But when i went to drs last time it was 142/86. End of visit was 136/85. Im worried that if she puts me on meds it will get too low. My cholesterol is borderline, but triglysroids only 111. Also noticed that i got a 5.7 a1c. The bottom of pre diabetes. But fasting lgloucose was 99 which is normal. I go to doc in a few days and im scared that if my bp is high again she will insist on meds. Btw i am 54 yrs old, (female)pretty fit. 5'4 --144 lbs.
I want to get a good bp but i dont know how to relax. I would rather change my diet, work out excersise program etc. Does anyone have tips on how to relax before and during bp reading???

Click to expand...

You should not be trying to make things look okay but be honest. Always.

When I’m at the doctor, my BP shoots up.
I know it’s because i’m at the doctors office because i’m going for something that’s bothering me

Remember, you don't have to take the medication that is prescribed to you.

If your BP is normal in any other situation, then don't take the pills.


I have been prescribed plenty of medication for things I felt like weren't needed. I have allergy meds that I don't really take. My anxiety meds, I can take them or not... my choice.

Same issue as you!!! Mine sometimes goes to 170/90! But I'll take it at home and it's 130ish/70ish. My doc wouldn't believe the white coat theory either. That's because they don't get anxiety. They tried me on BP meds and it dropped my heart rate to 53, I'm a 37 year old male. My heart rate generally stays anywhere between 60-75.