I am suffering from anxiety related hypertension I am using olmezest h20 tablet, I am taking my bp using automated bp monitor at home. During my first reading is always high due to anxiety and excitement after some time the second, third reading shows very normal. Which reading should be considered. Ex 1 reading 135/85 2 reading 120/79 3 reading 120/80. Pls suggest. Regards. Bp monitor is calibrated.

Dr. Saranya DevanathanPsychiatrist50yrs exp

94% (3327 ratings)

Ask Free Question

Dear Prabhakar, It is perfectly normal to have little high BP when you are anxious about the reading or any other high emotion. It also changes with posture, exercise, the way you tie the cuff, etc. Please continue to take your medicines regularly. Monitor your BP by only one reading in the morning when you are calm, in one position only and record. Take the readings to the doctor periodically and follow her/his advice. There is no need to check repeatedly and get confused. 

0 person found this helpful

Dr. Prof. Jagadeesan M.S.Psychiatrist17yrs exp

96% (12793 ratings)

Ask Free Question

All the 3 readings are within normal limits. Ideally pule rate and bp are measured at calm resting state. So do not keep worrying about them. Also anxiety related hypertension are not treated with anti-hypertensives, which is a wrong approach, but are treated with anxiolytics like ssris or tcas, so consult any astute psychiatrist either online or in person. Good luck.  

0 person found this helpful

Ms. Rachna MishraPsychologist9yrs exp

93% (340 ratings)

Ask Free Question

Managing anxiety 1. Yoga and meditation can help cope with anxiety. Simultaneously learn deep breathing techniques. You might think these techniques are ?old school? or ?uncool? but please practise these techniques regularly and with discipline, and we assure you it will help you significantly. 2. Mindfulness - mindfulness is the practise of being present in the moment. It is the practise of observing what your feelings are and accepting them without judgement. For example, when you are feeling anxious - mindfulness is the process of noticing and accepting the anxiousness. Make this a habit and it will help you relax. 3. Getting involved in social work is helpful as it connects you to people, helps you to develop self-esteem and breaks the chain of stressful thoughts. It will also help you get more perspective and realise how fortunate you are - it will help you feel more positive and help you get rid of negativity. 4. Soothing music can also help lower anxiety levels, and so can watching comedy shows. 5. While social media helps you connect with people, late nights spent on social media deprive you of sleep which may raise anxiety levels. Constantly checking social media for ?likes? or for ?last seen? can also have a significant effect on anxiety. So ensure that you are disciplined enough to keep a watch on the same. 6. Train your mind to cope with unnecessary anxiety. Develop a positive attitude and accept that your achievements will at times lag behind your ambitions. 7. Work to get quick wins - look to improve on yourself 1% a day, everyday and while there will be ups and downs in the journey - you will soon be a much better and confident version of yourself. 8. Find your calling - find your passion and your calling and be completely invested in it - you are much more likely to find excellence and then success will come calling (a very powerful quote from our favourite rancho from 3 idiots). You will feel much happier and confident when you are the best and the most successful version of you. 9. Getting regular and sound sleep, eating a balanced diet, connecting with people (as opposed to staying isolated) can help in managing anxiety. 10. Adding supplements to your diet can help reduce anxiety. Some useful supplements are green tea, chamomile tea, kava kava, ashwagandha, vitamin b6, omega-3, iron. Reduction of alcohol and caffeine consumption is also helpful. 11. If nothing else works well enough, consult a doctor for counselling / medications. But medications can cause serious side effects ? use them only for short term. 

0 person found this helpful

Dr. Kumar KamblePsychiatrist12yrs exp

90% (135 ratings)

Ask Free Question

All three readings are normal. Lifestyle changes like meditation and regular physical exercise can be useful for controlling anxiety 

0 person found this helpful