What's wrong with high blood pressure as soon as you enter the hospital

Elevated blood pressure upon admission to the hospital may be caused by factors such as white coat hypertension, nervousness, improper measurement posture, fluctuations in basal blood pressure, and hidden hypertension. This phenomenon is relatively common in clinical practice, and most of them are temporary reactions.

1. White coat hypertension:

refers to the phenomenon in which a patient's blood pressure rises due to stress in a medical environment, while daily monitoring is normal. The cardiovascular risk of this population is lower than that of patients with persistent hypertension, but it is recommended to regularly conduct 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring to evaluate the true blood pressure level. Self testing blood pressure at home can reduce environmental interference and record data for doctors' reference.

2. Nervous emotions:

Anxiety during medical treatment can activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased secretion of adrenaline, increased heart rate, and vasoconstriction. Deep breathing exercises, arriving at the hospital early to adapt to the environment, listening to soothing music, and other methods can relieve tension. Individuals who have a long-term fear of seeking medical treatment may consider psychological counseling intervention.

3. Improper measurement posture:

Incorrect posture such as not aligning the arm with the heart during measurement, tight or loose cuff, crossed legs, etc. may cause the reading to be 10-20mmHg higher. The correct approach is to sit quietly for 5 minutes and then measure. Keep your back straight and lean back against the chair, place your feet flat on the ground, and align the center of the cuff airbag with the brachial artery.

4. Basic blood pressure fluctuations:

There is a circadian rhythm in human blood pressure, with physiological peaks occurring within 2 hours after waking up in the morning and between 4-6 pm in the afternoon. If the medical treatment time coincides with the peak period of blood pressure, the measured value may be higher. It is recommended to record family blood pressure at different time periods and avoid scheduling appointments during peak periods of fluctuations.

5. Hidden hypertension:

Some patients' daily blood pressure is already at a critical value, and the stimulation of the hospital environment induces a significant increase. This group of people needs to be monitored more closely, and if necessary, exercise stress tests or vascular elasticity tests should be conducted. Those with diabetes and hyperlipidemia should be more alert to the risk of target organ damage.

It is recommended to measure blood pressure at home at a fixed time every day and record it. Avoid smoking, drinking coffee, and vigorous activity for 30 minutes before the measurement. Maintain a low salt diet, limit daily sodium intake to less than 5 grams, and increase potassium rich foods such as celery and spinach appropriately. Engage in 3-5 aerobic exercises such as brisk walking and swimming per week, each lasting 30-45 minutes. Lack of sleep can affect blood pressure regulation, ensuring 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep every night. If the blood pressure measured multiple times at home exceeds 135/85mmHg or is accompanied by symptoms such as headache and dizziness, it is necessary to promptly go to a cardiovascular specialist to complete urine routine, electrocardiogram, carotid ultrasound and other examinations.