What should I do if I get nervous and have high blood pressure when I see a doctor

Seeing a doctor can cause anxiety and high blood pressure, which can be relieved through psychological regulation, respiratory training, advance preparation, medication assistance, regular monitoring, and other methods. This situation is usually caused by factors such as white coat hypertension, anxiety, autonomic nervous system disorders, past medical trauma, and environmental unfamiliarity.

1. Psychological regulation:

Cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively reduce the tension of seeking medical treatment. Self guidance is achieved through positive psychological cues such as "doctors are helpers" and "examinations are routine procedures". Before seeking medical treatment, you can watch medical science popularization videos to familiarize yourself with the process and reduce the fear of the unknown. Long term anxious individuals are advised to seek professional psychological counseling.

2. Breathing training:

uses the 4-7-8 breathing method to quickly calm the heart rate. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, exhale slowly for 8 seconds, and repeat 5 times to reduce sympathetic nervous system excitability. During the waiting period, abdominal breathing exercises can be performed with light music to reduce systolic blood pressure by 10-15 mmHg. Carrying a portable respiratory trainer with you is more effective.

3. Preparation in advance:

Record home blood pressure data one week before the visit for the doctor's reference to avoid single measurement deviation. Wear loose clothing to avoid cuff compression and arrive at the hospital 30 minutes early to adapt to the environment. Carrying stress relieving toys or familiar items can significantly reduce stress responses.

4. Medication assistance:

Severe stress patients can take beta blockers such as metoprolol tartrate for a short period of time to control palpitations. Traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Wenxin Granule is effective for functional blood pressure fluctuation. The use of medication requires evaluation by a cardiovascular specialist and self adjustment of dosage is prohibited.

5. Regular monitoring:

Purchase a certified upper arm electronic blood pressure monitor, measure once in the morning and once in the evening while in a relaxed state, and record the results. Dynamic blood pressure monitoring can distinguish between persistent hypertension and stress-induced elevation. It is recommended to have a follow-up examination of retinal and urinary microalbumin every 3 months to assess the extent of target organ damage.

Maintain a low sodium and high potassium diet in daily life, with a daily sodium intake controlled within 5 grams, and eat more potassium rich foods such as bananas and seaweed. Engage in aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming at least 3 times a week, lasting 30-45 minutes each time. Ensure 7 hours of sleep and practice mindfulness meditation, and avoid stimulating drinks before bedtime. Establishing a medical partner system, accompanied by family and friends, can reduce the incidence of stress by more than 50%. Long term white coat hypertension patients need to be screened for the risk of primary hypertension and undergo annual carotid and cardiac ultrasound examinations.