Can you think of any methods to desensitize a fear of blood pressure check?

Lots of people have anxiety about this, and medical providers know it. It's known as "white coat disease!" lol

to some extent, I have it. In general, my first reading is very high, but at the end of the visit they check it again and it is much lower.

When I was checking at home, I started doing some breathing and meditating. I watched a video of ocean waves with peaceful music, and practiced slow deep rhythmic breathing, and tried to lose my thoughts in the waves and the music. and then I would turn on the cuff. It made a difference.

My brother has them do it a few times during the visit. By the last one it's usually fairly normal.

My doctor does a second reading after the exams and labs are over and everything’s been discussed. My results are almost magically improved !

Do it at home several times a day. Do yoga or belly breathing before and during. Reward yourself after.

This is called white-coat syndrome. You should likely discuss it with your doctor. If your BP is high, you need to know. Your doctor may have suggestions for how you can deal with it.

You might buy your own BP meter. They're not expensive. Check your own BP and practice mindfulness and meditation and whatnot to help you get your BP down on your own before you see your doctor and get your BP there. But whatever you do, see your doctor.

Mine is always higher going in then leaving. I don't actually feel any anxiety but it definitely happens

I'd of thought they would take that into consideration. You won't be the only person who gets scared at the doctors. Just honest and tell them how you're feeling so they can help you xx

Sometimes I play ocean waves or purring cats.

Are you sure that's a cause. Just eat healthy and check it. eating all that processed and high sodium will give blood pressure.

“A doctor's office should take your blood pressure while you are seated comfortably in a chair with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed, and your arm supported at heart level. The cuff must be on bare skin, not clothing, and you should sit quietly for five minutes prior.”

“Common Errors to Avoid:
Sitting on an examination table (no back support).
Allowing the arm to dangle.
Talking during the reading.
Taking the reading over clothing. “

I’ve had issues with borderline and high b/p over the years that ended last year.

All this in quotes above I found above on the net and learned from the 2nd or 3rd nephrologist I had about 5 years ago. He would take my b/p and vitals hisself after the nurse did all the check in stuff.

Additionally, if you don’t go to the doctor that much it might be as mentioned, white coat syndrome. Or if you’re older and nervous about things as you stated.

Take it at home. A wrist monitor is under $25 at Walmart. Take it with you to your appointment to see how it matches up with the cuff. But try not to get excited over it. When I was a lot, lot younger I would monitor it. When I called they had me come in. Took my B/P. And recommended I give the B/P checks a rest. Take it when you get up, after you eat breakfast, then in the evening. But by all means if I was worried, call.

I have this same problem

Nine years ago my blood pressure was high and a doctor told me I should check it daily. I paid $55 for a thingy to check it. I've never even opened the package. When I went back a year later it was fine. I controlled it with diet, exercise, and meditation.

Doctors are used to what they call “white coat syndrome”, and most of them count for that

idk but i have heard of this before blood pressure anxiety at the Drs just know if its high they can give you something for it and if not then it's fine.. no worries i mean no need to be worried

I wish I could help, but I have the same fears.
Can you do virtual visits when an in-person visit isn't a necessity?